Sunday, July 31, 2011

Progress Update.

Been a busy day but thought I would squeeze in a quick update.

Last week - Sunday lunch with Mom. Monday work day. Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Mom. Thursday at Mom's. Friday delivering a work project to Mark. We had a nice talk about taking care of parents. Even with his cancer he is still taking care of his Mom and dad. We had a nice chat about how clueless some siblings are about out parents. Namely, his brother and mine. It was good to discuss things with someone in the same boat. Saturday picking nephew and his family up at the airport. Took a good share of the day. They went to Parris Island, SC to see their daughter graduate from Marine boot camp. She is officially on a seventeen day leave. When she got back to Portland she had a good twenty people waiting for her.

Next week. Today was lunch with mom. Monday - hopefully a movie. Tuesday work around the the house. Wednesday night and Thursday day at Mom's. Friday a me day. Saturday an excursion to the coast.

Progress - I wrote sometime ago on one of my blog entries that when I went on a trip to Klamath Falls two or three years ago out of the blue I had a panic attack. Never had them before that and have only had one of them after that. The fear of having the panic attack is often worse than having the attacks. That fear will often keep you isolated. You worry about what will happen if you have them while you are driving and one a freeway. If you have one, will you hurt someone? That fear leads to a pretty sheltered life. I've been doing a lot of mental exercises and physical ones also. I've been taking short trips to gain confidence. Before the attacks, I've been complimented numerous times on what a good freeway driver that I am. Still since the attacks I've not driven on a freeway other than for a minute or two. That changed last week one morning when I got up and decided it was time to change. I drove two hours on the freeway. Two hours each way. I had to travel to client and back. Since the attacks I've been taking surface roads. This time the Freeway. I did damn good to. Drove like a champ. Better than the others on the freeway. Not attacks. Progress. Doors opening. I think I am proud of myself.

OK, you know the drill. You tell me all that is going on in your life, all that went on in the past, all that is going on now, and all that will be going on in the future. Spill the beans. And answer this question, are the areas of your life that you have made progress in? What are those areas?

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Fiances & Lottery Winnings

Eleanor Roosevelt authored yesterday's quote.

I always thought that men and women had the same money issues. Enough money to pay the bills and enough money to set aside for retirement. There are some out there, however, that think financial issues are different for men and women.

First up are the women:

http://www.walletpop.com/2011/07/28/embarrassing-money-issues-women-have/

Next up are the men:

http://www.walletpop.com/2011/07/28/embarrassing-money-issues-men-have/

One thing that no doubt would solve a lot of money issues would be winning the lottery. Powerball is at $133 million for tonight's drawing. I kind of hope that the women in the following article aren't going to play tonight.

http://news.yahoo.com/mother-daughter-big-lottery-jackpot-3-times-123459314.html


Hope this is a great day for you. I'm off to pickup my nephew and his family at the airport. They are coming back from Paris Island with their daughter that just finished boot camp.

Comment Away.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Friday Is For The Good.

Happy to be home this morning. Already today I have been grocery shopping, went to the bank, picked up my dry cleaning, and dropped off a work project at Mark W's. And it is only 9:30!!

Updates on the two Marks. If you are new to the blog just a little background. My friend Mark P. found out he had prostate cancer. The day before his surgery his wife went to the hospital with an unknown virus. He went right from surgery to the his wife's bed and stayed there pretty much until she died less than a week later. He called Wednesday night when I was at Mom's. He is doing better but still having trouble getting over the loss of his wife. His health is a little better and he is eating regularly now so that is a great improvement. I think he will be alright. Mark W. is one of the accountants that bought my practice. He had surgery 6-6 also for prostate cancer. He is back to work but has been in and out of work with some infections and may have to have another surgery. However, the doctor told him this is normal. Mark said he is feeling pretty good. He is taking his parents and his family to the coast next Tuesday. A well deserved break for him.

I need just good news today, don't you?

First up today is a car that will run on anything:

http://translogic.aolautos.com/2011/07/27/in-detail-the-wood-burning-beaver-xr7/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk3%7C220411

Second is a new procedure for one hospital that I think will spread. It can only reduce mistakes.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/28/hospital-scan-vein-palm_n_912028.html

Ever wonder why your cable guy is always late? Because he is out saving lives.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/28/cable-guy-saves-boy-drowning_n_911930.html

Comment away and then go out and have a great Friday!


QUOTE

Julia Child authored yesterday's quote. "The only man who makes no mistakes is the man who never does anything." was said by a first lady. She was both a big deal and New Deal and an advocate for civil rights. Active in politics for all of her life She chaired the John F. Kennedy administration's ground-breaking committee which helped start second-wave feminism, the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. Both her husband and uncle were presidents. She was first lady for twelve years. Who authored today's quote?

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Writing, Taxes, & Happiness.

"Cheryl's mind turned like the vanes of a wind-powered turbine, chopping her sparrow-like thoughts into bloody pieces that fell onto a growing pile of forgotten memories."

Like that sentence? Think it should have won a contest for writing? Check out other winners here:

http://news.yahoo.com/wisconsin-professor-wins-2011-bad-writing-contest-231133666.html

Now that we learned how to write poorly, let's move on to which states have the highest state and local taxes and which states have the lowest. Residents of New York city really take it on the chin because they pay a state income tax and a city income tax. Still New York wasn't the highest taxed state, New Jersey was. The lowest was Alaska. South Carolina made the top ten list for the lowest taxes, California made the top ten list for highest taxes, and Oregon didn't show up on either list. Check out the lists here:

http://247wallst.com/2011/07/21/108558/2/

Are you a little sad because you paid to much state and local taxes? I have the cure for you. You can learn to always be happy. Just think of how many people you can annoy by always being happy. Here's how:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression-pictures/8-mood-lifting-tricks-to-learn-from-happy-people.aspx#/slide-1

Now that you are happy, comment away.

QUOTE

Pocahontas also known as Rebecca Rolfe authored yesterday's quote. "Drama is very important in life: You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper." The author of this quote really cooks, well or used to. She was born in 1912 and died in 2004. The was an author, a television hostess, and if famous for introducing French cuisine to America. At six feet, two inches tall, she played tennis, golf, and basketball as a child and continued to play sports while attending Smith College, from which she graduated in 1934 with a major in English. She joined the Office of Strategic Services after finding that she was too tall to enlist in the Women's Army Corps (WACs) or in the U.S. Navy's WAVES. She was later posted to China, where she received the Emblem of Meritorious Civilian Service as head of the Registry of the OSS Secretariat. Her first TV show was also the first show captioned for the deaf. In 1981 she founded The American Institute of Wine & Food. In 1966 she was featured on the cover of Time with the heading, "Our Lady of the Ladle." Meryl Streep knows who authored today's quote, do you?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Touching, The Beautiful, & The Huh?

The second night and day for three days and two days at Mom's. I also have to take my nephew and his family to the airport this morning.

Let's start with a story that made me shed more than one tear. It is an update from a story we had a few months ago. I just wished everyone would have stepped up to the plate sooner so that the little girl would have known she met her goal:

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/24/girl-dies-after-crash-selfless-act-inspires-thousands-in-donations/?hpt=hp_bn1

Now here is a beauty pageant that I would love to attend:

http://news.yahoo.com/ala-crown-nursing-home-beauty-queen-183244166.html

I really want to see who wins. I know she will be beautiful in many ways!

I'm closing with a head shaker, a disturbing head shaker

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/how-us-money-ends-up-in-taliban-hands/2011/07/24/gIQAzHQdXI_graphic.html

And we are so short of money that we have to cut Medicare and Social Security?

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Yesterday's quote was authored by Jean.Kerr. "If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew you never knew." was authored by a young lady born in 1595 and died in 1617, the year she became the most famous. At the time she was born, it was common for the Algonquian-speaking Virginia Indians to be given several personal names. Bestowed at different times, the names carried different meanings and might be used in different contexts. It was not uncommon for American Indians to have more than one name at the same time, to have secret names that only a select few knew, and to change their names on important occasions. Early in her life she was given a secret name and later another name. We know her by the name she had right before she married John but not John of Jamestown. After converting to Christianity and right after she married she changed her name to a more traditional name. She was considered, in the popular culture and even by many academics, to be a princes. She is most famous for saving Captain John of Jamestown's life in a story that some historians doubt. After joining of with the Jamestown crew she was captured and held prisoner for a year. The myths that arose around her story portrayed her as one who demonstrated the potential of Native Americans to be assimilated into European society. Who authored today's quote?

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Dogs, Drugs, & The Obvious

Due to weather we ended up not going to the casino yesterday. Instead we took sister out to dinner at a nice restaurant for her birthday. In an added note, yesterday at four-thirty in the morning I was startled awake by the loudest thunder I have ever heard. It was so loud that I thought it was a car accident in front of my house. I ran outside in my skivvies only to we rained upon.

First story up is one of those good dog stories,

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-d-shojai-cabc/pets-disease-detection_b_901821.html?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl2%7Csec3_lnk3%7C219929

Next up is some really good news on the prescription medication front.

http://news.yahoo.com/drug-prices-plummet-wave-expiring-patents-040249021.html

We are closing with a tribute to the obvious.

http://news.yahoo.com/hk-scientists-show-time-travel-impossible-063213277.html

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Lillian Wald authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote, "women speak because they wish to speak, whereas a man speaks only when driven to speech by something outside himself - like, for instance, he can't find any clean socks " came from an author born in 1922 and died in 2003. If you have been give the advise, " PLEASE DON'T EAT THE DAISIES" then you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Monday, July 25, 2011

A Perfect Job & Monday Kindness

I have no idea how to react to today's first story. Something about it doesn't feel right and I doubt the character of the women featured in the article

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/07/22/office-assistant-jill-mcglone-paid-12-years-for-a-job-she-didnt/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk1%7C219787

I know what I think about the following article. Good for anonymous. Doing good and not wanting the credit for it.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43678751/ns/today-good_news/

The following article goes in my good column. I do believe that random acts of kindness are not only catching that they also make people better.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-koh/random-acts-of-kindness-_b_904100.html

Comment Away.

QUOTES

"Women more than men can strip war of its glamour and its out-of-date heroisms and patriotisms, and see it as a demon of destruction and hideous wrong." She was born in 1867 and died in 1940. She was a nurse; social worker; public health official; teacher; author; editor; publisher; activist for peace, women's, children's and civil rights; and the founder of American community nursing. I don't know what she did in her spare time. Her unselfish devotion to humanity is recognized around the world and her visionary programs have been widely copied. She extended her mission as founder of the Henry Street Settlement which later attracted the attention of Jacob Schiff, a prominent Jewish philanthropist who secretly provided her the means to help more effectively the "poor Russian Jews" whose care she provided. She authored two books. She was the first president of the National Organization for Public Health Nursing. Not content to improve people's lives just through nursing she also taught women how to cook and sew, provided recreational activities for families, and got involved in the labor movement. Out of her concern for women's working conditions. The New York Times named her as one of the 12 greatest living American women in 1922. Do you know of the HOUSE ON HENRY STREET? If so you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Update & Social Security.

Life is pretty simple these days. Other than the caregiver almost quitting due to faulty information the week was uneventful.

Last week. Sunday was lunch out with Mom. Monday the movie LARRY CROWNE with Nancie. We had a nice time and she was really easy to be around. The movie was better than what the critics said about it. That agrees with Rottentomatoes.com with 85% of the viewers giving it a positive rating and 43% of the critics giving it one. Because Nancie has lost her nephew and her cat of seventeen years after the movie I gave her a card and a "memory album" that she could put pictures of the ones she lost it in it. I truly believe our memories keep the ones we loved that have moved on alive. She was very touched by the gift. Tuesday I mowed the lawn and did work around the house and started reading the latest J.A. Jance book, BETRAYAL OF TRUST. I also met with Mark to pick up a work assignment. Wednesday was at Mom's. We played a couple of games of Scrabble. Thursday was at Mom's all day. I did some shopping for her. We played three games of Scrabble. Friday was the day I spent a lot of time typing up the rules for social security to keep the caregiver from quitting. Saturday I finished BETRAYAL OF TRUST, started two work projects, and worked my other occupation of future lottery winner.

Today I am finishing the two work assignments. Then it is shopping for Mom. A nice long bath is on the agenda. Monday is my sister's birthday so I am taking her to the casino for lunch. Tuesday & Wednesday nights are at Mom's. Wednesday during the day I am taking my Nephew and his family to the airport. His youngest is graduating from basic training and they want to be there for her. Thursday is all day at Mom's. Friday and Saturday are me days but I do plan on doing some estate matters for both Mom and myself.

SOCIAL SECURITY RULES.

There are two things most people are interested in where social security is concerned. One is should I take my social security when I turn 62 or should I wait until my full retirement age? I am not going to discuss that here because it is an individual decision and every individual's situation is different. I suggest you meet with your own CPA or financial advisor and discuss it with him or her. The second thing people are interest in is, if I take my retirement at age 62 how much *earned income* can I make before I am penalized and how much is the penalty? Here are the rules as they are now, no guarantees that they won't change in the future.

The first thing you have to calculate is your full retirement age for Social Security. It is based on the year you were born. Here is a chart. The year your are born is mentioned first followed by your full retirement age:

1937 or earlier 65
1938 65 and 2 months
1939 65 and 4 months
1940 65 and 6 months
1941 65 and 8 months
1942 65 and 10 months
1943-1954 66
1955 66 and 2 months
1956 66 and 4 months
1957 66 and 6 months
1958 66 and 8 months
1959 66 and 10 months
1960 and later 67

(If you were born on January 1st of any year you should refer to the previous year)

How much can you make if you decide to take your social security at 62 and your full retirement age is 66?

You can make earned income of $14,160. Earned income is money you earn by doing something. Working for a wage or what your earn from running your own business. Income you receive for doing nothing or for what your did in earlier years does not fit the description of earned income. That means to reach the $14,160 you don't have to include money from partnerships (unless you received a wage of guaranteed payments), interest income, dividend income, pensions, awards and prizes, gambling winnings, from social security, lottery winnings,deferred compensation, and so forth. You have include money your earned for work and that is about that.

We assumed you retired at 62 and your full retirement age was 66. This is what your are penalized if your earn more then $14,160.

FROM AGE 62 - 65.

You are penalized one dollar for every two dollars you earn over $14,160. For example, If you earned $15,360. You went over it by twelve hundred dollars You are penalized $600 and the following year they will reduce your monthly social security by fifty bucks.

THE YEAR YOU REACH FULL RETIREMENT AGE.

In the example 66 was full retirement age. In the year you reach full retirement age you can earn $37,680 before you are penalized. You are penalized one dollar for every three dollars over $37,680. If you earned $39,880 you would go over the limit by twelve hundred dollars. Your penalty would be $400 and they would reduce your monthly social security payments the following year by $33.00

THE YEAR FOLLOWING THE YEAR YOU TURN FULL RETIREMENT AGE AND ALL FUTURE YEARS.

They is no limit on your earnings. You can earn whatever you want and not be penalized.

That is it for the day. It is update day so share your lives with me. Post what every you damned will please.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Good Or Interesting?

"They usually have two tellers in my local bank, except when it's very busy, when they have one. " Rita Rudner

Ayn Rand authored yesterday's quote. Today only the good and/or interesting stories. You get to decide.

First up is a story of love.

http://news.yahoo.com/depression-lion-reunites-partner-brazil-195543683.html

Good or interesting or both?

Next up is a story of pain and suffering leading to a ton of help.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/21/berry-children-orphaned-paralyzed_n_906337.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk1%7C219827

Good or interesting or both?

I've never walked on water but apparently some houses do just fine on water.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/07/22/house-of-the-day-a-portland-home-actually-on-the-water/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl9%7Csec3_lnk3%7C219830

Good, or interesting or both?

Hope you day is both good and interesting. Comment Away.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Bad Advise

I'm late today. Caregiver emergency. Had to meet with her and give her some information before she made a decision based on bad information. It really bothers me that there are professionals out there that give as bad advise as they gave her. It was about Social Security. She has good information now. It concerned how much she could make before they took some of her social security back. If anyone of you is interested, then in a blog post some day I will be happy to post the rules for you. On to today's post.

First up is an interesting discovery:

http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/07/20/stone-age-fireplace-discovered-on-sainsbury-retail-site/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk1%7C219420

Next up is a good dude doing good things and on a janitor's salary too.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/07/20/high-school-janitor-sells-car-to-buy-football-team-helmets/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk1%7C219594

A lot of you are suffering from out of control heat waves and may be considering moving. I am here to help you pick the right place:

http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/story/2011/07/The-five-best-small-towns-in-America/49573514/1

I noticed Baker City, Oregon was one of the runner ups for the most beautiful. It is pretty but your sure in the hack don't want to be there in the winter.

QUOTE'

Julia Ward Howe authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote is "Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong." She was born in 1905 and died in 1982. She was a Russian-American novelist, philosopher, playwright and screenwriter. She is known for her two best-selling novels and for developing a philosophical system she called Objectivism. If you know THE FOUNTAINHEAD, ATLAS SHRUGGED, or WE THE LIVING then you can answer the question, who authored today's quote?

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Off The Shelf.

Today we are doing what I call off the shelf. Sharing articles that I have had for a while.

First up is a very heartwarming article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/18/huffpost-greatest-person-evan-moss-epilepsy_n_901987.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk1%7C219323

Next up is an article about a very good trend, a trend that I hope not only continues but spreads.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-07-17-dna-evidence-exonerates-innocent-prisoners-wrongful-convictions_n.htm

Last is a "are you kidding me article."

http://news.yahoo.com/alabama-still-collecting-tax-confederate-vets-095645624.html

Comment Away


QUOTE

Louisa May Alcott authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote is "I am confirmed in my division of human energies. Ambitious people climb, but faithful people build." She was born in 1819 and died in 1910. She was a prominent American abolitionist, social activist, and poet, most famous as the author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic. She was also featured on The Dahn Report as the Who Am I of the day. Who authored today's quote?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Food

Today we are talking food.

First up is a list of food festivals you may want to attend. However, I do think I will avoid the Road Kill Festival:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/food-wine/worlds-weirdest-food-festivals_b_898652.html#s309030&title=La_Tomatina

Did you have a lemonade stand when you were a youngster? My brother and I had several. I remember one we had in Pocatello, Idaho when lived on a busy street. That summer was hot. On our street up about a mile there were doing construction on the road we lived on. The construction workers frequented our stand several times a day. We made what we thought was a fortune. What is the status of lemonade stands today? Read on.

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/19/138461324/americas-attack-on-lemonade-stands?sc=fb&cc=fp

Are food trucks making a comeback in your area? Portland isn't really big on food trucks but we are the food cart capital of the world. We have food carts where you can get any kind of food from sea food to peanut butter. A lot of the food carts are in downtown Portland on Alder Street. The names they use are pretty tame. Are food truck names over the top? Click on the link in the article "food truck names that should be banned" in the article at your own risk.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-daily-meal/food-truck-names-that-sho_b_901777.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk2%7C219401#s311412&title=Hit_n_Run

It seems like Los Angeles has the most names.

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Helen Keller authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote "I like to help women help themselves, as that is, in my opinion, the best way to settle the woman question. Whatever we can do and do well we have a right to, and I don't think any one will deny us." She was born in 1832 and died in 1888, She was a novelist whose most known work loosely based on her childhood. As an adult, She was an abolitionist and a feminist. In 1847, the family housed a fugitive slave for one week. In 1848, She read and admired the "Declaration of Sentiments" published by the Seneca Falls Convention on women's rights. Poverty made it necessary for her to go to work at an early age as an occasional teacher, seamstress, governess, domestic helper, and writer. When the American Civil War broke out, she served as a nurse in the Union Hospital at Georgetown, D.C. There are several types of women but if you know LITTLE WOMEN, you will able to tell me who said today's quote.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Going Down, Going Viral.

What is going down is elevator etiquette:

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/kelly-connor/elevator-etiquette_b_898707.html?ir=Style&icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk3%7C219300

Lots of interesting stuff in the article. She asks some interesting questions at the end of the article:

"So the question emerges; have we (women) traded chivalry for freedom? How are young boys being raised today? Are they being equipped with these retro ideals or is chivalry a fading behavior?"

Also going down is the prices house. In this case all the way down to sixteen dollars:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/07/18/man-snags-300-000-house-for-16/

I was surprised that the first comment supported the man, she would rather have anyone in the house than have it sit vacant.

What is going viral is the following video:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/19/138502333/must-see-video-chihuahua-chases-armed-robbers-out-of-california-shop?sc=fb&cc=fp

Comment away:

QUOTE

Mae Jemison authored yesterday's quote. Jemison was one amazing woman. Today's quote is from another amazing woman who made Patty Duke famous. "A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships." She was born in 1880 and died in 1968. She was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Here life was influenced by THE MIRACLE WORKER. Bill once received an award named after her. Who said today's quote?

Monday, July 18, 2011

The Debt Ceiling

Hope the weather is bearable in your state. Here it is mid seventies and cloudy with a little bit of rain thrown in.

I usually stay away from politics because everyone has their opinion and nothing I do and write is going to change anyone's opinion and nothing someone else does or writes is going to change mine.

However, there doesn't seem to be much to talk about except the debt ceiling. So here goes.

Why should you care about the debt ceiling?

http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2011/07/16/debt-ceiling-your-finances/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk3%7C219194

We all have our own personal debt ceilings. Here are some tips on how to keep your own debt ceiling under control:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/credit/2011-07-16-5-Tips-for-Debt_n.htm

What does history tell us about recessions and spending? One man's opinion:

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/07/misreading_history_gop_with_gr.html

Fire Away.




QUOTE FROM HISTORY:

"Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination." We have had her before on The Who Am I. This astronaut was born in 1956 She loved science growing up but she also loved the arts. She began dancing at the age of nine and all kinds of dance — African dancing, ballet, jazz, modern — even Japanese dancing. She went to Stanford, entering at age 16. During her senior year in college, she was trying to decide whether to go to New York to medical school or become a professional dancer. Her mother told her, "You can always dance if you're a doctor, but you can't doctor if you're a dancer." She obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1981 from Cornell Medical College After the flight of Sally Ride in she felt the astronaut program had opened up and applied. Her inspiration for joining NASA was African-American actress Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek. She was turned down on her first application to NASA, but in 1987. She was also accepted on her second application. She became the first African American woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992. Who said today's quote?

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Weekly Update

"I personally believe that each of us was put here for a purpose -- to build not to destroy. If I can make people smile, then I have served my purpose for God.” Red Skelton.

Life is getting emotionally easier since I mad the decision not to take Mom's comments to heart and adopted a game plan to make my days there as pleasant as possible for both her and I. It seems to be working.

Talked to Mark P. twice in the last week. He is still having a tough time with it. Yesterday was his wife's birthday and it was a really hard time for him. I keep hammering him to take care of himself because that is my greatest fear where he is concerned. He did say he was eating more. I hope that continues. I am having lunch with the other Mark on Tuesday.

I need to ask for prayers and good thoughts for my friend Nancie. She was supposed to be at Mom's last week to give Mom a foot treatment but she was down with a monster cold. Nancie is seemingly have one lost after another. The day after I had dinner at her house she had to put her cat of seventeen years down. In March her nephew disappeared on a hike and wasn't found until last week. They had the memorial form him last Monday. Then tomorrow her only child, her daughter, is moving back east. She will now be three thousand miles away instead of two hours away. In a way that is a loss too. If you can take a moment to send prayers or good thoughts her way it will be very much appreciated.

Last week. Lunch with Mom on Sunday. Lunch with the man from the firm I worked with on Monday. It was actually a pleasant lunch. He didn't really seek out any information just wanted to reconnect. He said again I was the only one that helped him from beginning to end during tax season. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were at Mom's. During the time there I did my laundry, had a really nice dinner out at Claim Jumper with Mom, was a lunch out, I cooked two dinners and made two lunches. Friday was knocking for ten things on my to do list. Saturday was knocking another ten items off my to do list.

On the agenda this week. Today is lunch with Mom. Tomorrow shopping for my sister's birthday gift. Tuesday the lunch with Mark. Wednesday and Thursday is at Mom's. Friday and Saturday is working on my to do list. I'm cleaning out the garage, redoing my will and trust agreement, making lists of people to contact should something happen to me, and so on.

On the entertainment front The Amazing Race 19 will begin on September 25, 2011. Reports have teams including former Survivor winners and dating couple Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca, and Zac Sunderland, the first person under 18 to sail solo around the world, with his father Laurence.

If you want to do something really fun go to :

http://maps.google.com/

Click on "get directions. Enter China as your starting point. Then enter Taiwan as your destination. Now scroll down and read number 48. Are these directions all wet?

What is up with you? My favorite thing to do is learn about others. So please check in and let us know what went on in your lives last week and what is going to go on in your lives next week. Extra credit for secrets. Post whatever you damn well please. The blog is now yours.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Good Dogs, Good Women, & Good Giuys.

"We all can't be heroes. Somebody has to sit on the sides and clap as they go by." Author unknown

The answer to yesterday's quote of the day was the incredible Rosa Parks. If you didn't get the answer you deserve a spot in The Dahn Report Hall of Shame. Today we are doing good stories:

The good animal story:

http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/14/kids-who-read-to-dogs-are-better-students/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk1%7C219068

The good woman story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/11/mila-kunis-to-attend-marine-corps-ball_n_894553.html

If you don't know who Mila Kunis is in 2010, she won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor or Actress at the 67th Venice International Film Festival for her performance as Lily in Black Swan. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for the same role. She was ranked No. 81 on the FHM U.S 100 Sexiest Women in the World in 2008.

The good man story:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/man-builds-own-million-dollar-bugatti-supercar-hand-211223675.html

Comment Away

Friday, July 15, 2011

Compassion Coupons.

This was one of those days where is was a little difficult finding interesting articles. We are all tired of hearing about the debt ceiling. I'm hoping Pat survives carmageddon but I am guessing she is tired of seeing and hearing about it. So this is what I have ended up with today:

Compassion coupons:

http://www.watershedcom.com/CompassionCoupon.htm

A mother's love:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/woman-toddler-escape-carjacking-by-bailing-out-on-beltway/2011/07/14/gIQA5gM3EI_story.html

Are there fifty states in the United States? Guess again:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upshot/fine-print-north-dakota-may-not-state-195631502.html

Comment Away.

QUOTE FROM HISTORY:

Yesterday's quote was authored by Amelia Earhart. "I had no idea when I refused to give up my seat on that Montgomery bus that my small action would help put an end to the segregation laws in the south. I only knew that I was tired of being pushed around. I was a regular person, just as good as anybody else." was authored by a lady born in 1913 and died in 2005. That is all you need to answer the question, Who authored today's quote?

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Blind Teach Us.

Let's start out with a story that I would describe either as amazing or as inspiring:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/07/12/blind-superman-saves-colorado-teenager-after-fall-from-horse/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk1%7C218697

Good for the blind man, he did more in a crisis than many of us that can see would have.

What do you think of young children in nice restaurants?

http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/07/12/restaurant-bans-young-children/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk1%7C218716

I can go either way on this one. I do agree that if kids misbehave it is the parents that should step in and if they don't they really are fault. However, I think a more viable solution would be to turn on or two booths in a small closed family room and require reservations for parents that want to bring their kids in.

You can sometimes fool someone, sometimes someone can fool you, but can you fool a flamingo?

http://news.yahoo.com/ohio-zoo-uses-fake-eggs-mama-flamingoes-rest-133626057.html

Comment away

QUOTE FROM HISTORY:

Yesterday's quote was authored by Abigail Adams. "The woman who can create her own job is the woman who will win fame and fortune." was said by an author and aviator that was born in 1897 and was declared legally dead in 1939. She was the first woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Trading on her physical resemblance to Lindbergh,] whom the press had dubbed "Lucky Lindy," some newspapers and magazines began referring to her as "Lady Lindy". Have you ever been missing? If you have you can answer the question, Who Authored today's quote?

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Big Baby

Nancie was supposed be over yesterday to give Mom a foot treatment but she came down with a monster cold. If hse is well enough she will be over tomorrow to work on Mom's fee and then maybe we are going to a movie tomorrow. We haven't been out for a while. Slow progress but maybe that is best.

First article up to do is just unbelievable:

http://news.yahoo.com/whoa-baby-texas-mom-delivers-16-pound-newborn-152224782.html

I don't know if the next article is unbelievable but I wonder if it is necessary:

http://news.yahoo.com/australia-puts-health-warnings-booze-bottles-032456165.html;_ylt=AvMAlGVmS.Ft9xYRwsSnMyGs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNocHFzMW1yBHBrZwM1ZjQ0OWEwYi04MzhjLTNjYTAtODc3Yi03MmNkNzk4YWU5Y2IEcG9zAzIEc2VjA1NlY3Rpb25MaXN0IEZQIEhlYWx0aAR2ZXIDMDA4ODM1MDAtYWM4MS0xMWUwLTllZmYtNmYwZGRjNWE3MGU0;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

What do you think about a man having several wives? Should it be legal?

http://news.yahoo.com/sister-wives-family-challenge-utah-bigamy-law-113816890.html;_ylt=ApiVyV1Wru50wtg1W0_ULCOs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNvczg5Z20zBHBrZwM5MjFkMzMyOS00ZDk5LTM3ZTMtOWFiMi1hMWE3MDI0ZDIyOTAEcG9zAzUEc2VjA1NlY3Rpb25MaXN0IEZQIEVudGVydGFpbm1lbnQEdmVyAzczYzdmY2MwLWFjOGMtMTFlMC1iNzZiLWE5ODU1M2VhYmExZQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Comment Away.

QUOTE FROM HISTORY:

Yesterday's quote was authored by Janis Joplin. "Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands." The quote was said by a president's wife. She has been an answer to a Who Am I of the day. She was born in 1744 and died in 1818. She advocated and modeled an expanded role for women in public affairs during the formative days of the United States. Her letters show her to have been a woman of keen intelligence, resourceful, competent, self-sufficient, willful, vivacious, and opinionated—a formidable force. Her writing reveals a dedication to principle, a commitment to rights for women and for African-Americans, fierce partisanship in matters of her husband's and her family's interest, and an irreverent sense of humor. She received no formal education. Like Barbara Bush she was a wife and a mother of a president. She was featured on a HBO series. If you know the number two, then you can answer the question, Who authored today's quote?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly.

One of my favorite old western movies was THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY with Clint Eastwood. It was one of a series of which were labeled "spaghetti westerns". Remember those? Today really isn't about westerns but it is about the good, the bad, and the ugly.

THE GOOD:

http://news.yahoo.com/facebook-teams-time-warner-fight-bullies-133536350.html;_ylt=An0DTVwyCvvueIduXKT7qeas0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNsbTNoMDBxBHBrZwM4ZjUyOWEyZi04YmQ1LTNjMjYtOGIyZi02ZDZmZDUwM2U2ZGUEcG9zAzEEc2VjA1NlY3Rpb25MaXN0IEZQIFRlY2hub2xvZ3kEdmVyAzRlMmVlNTUwLWFjOGMtMTFlMC1iZmViLTI3MjgxYjhkMWVlMQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

THE BAD

http://news.yahoo.com/orleans-cops-planted-weapons-made-witnesses-trial-235051033.html

THE UGLY

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/11/lori-klein-arizona-gun-control-reporter-giffords_n_894973.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk1%7C218652

Comment Away.

QUOTE FROM HISTORY:

Yesterday's quote was authored by Gloria Steinam. Today's quote was authored by an American singer, "Don't compromise yourself: You are all you've got." She was born in 1943 and died much to young in 1970. At the height of her career she was known as The Queen of Rock and Roll as well as The Queen of Psychedelic Soul. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her number 46 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004 and number 28 on its 2008 list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Primarily a painter while still in school, she first began singing blues and folk music with friends. While at Thomas Jefferson High School, she stated that she was mostly shunned and was quoted as saying, "I was a misfit. I read, I painted, I didn't hate niggers." As a teen, she became overweight and her skin broke out so badly she was left with deep scars which required dermabrasion. Other kids at high school would routinely taunt her and call her names like "pig," "freak" or "creep." When she went to college at Texas the The campus newspaper The Daily Texan ran a profile of her that was headlined "She Dares To Be Different." The article began, "She goes barefooted when she feels like it, wears Levi's to class because they're more comfortable, and carries her Autoharp with her everywhere she goes so that in case she gets the urge to break into song it will be handy. TIME magazine called her "probably the most powerful singer to emerge from the white rock movement," and Richard Goldstein, in Vogue magazine, wrote that she was "the most staggering leading woman in rock... she slinks like tar, scowls like war... clutching the knees of a final stanza, begging it not to leave... She can sing the chic off any listener." Her extraordinary success as a pioneer in a male-dominated rock industry was unprecedented. She, along with Grace Slick of the Jefferson Airplane, opened opportunities into the rock music business for future female singers. Stevie Nicks commented that after seeing her perform, "I knew that a little bit of my destiny had changed. I would search to find that connection that I had seen between her and her audience. In a blink of an eye she changed my life." Do you have A LITTLE PIECE OF MY HEART? If so you can tell me who said today's quote.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Dresses That Cover & Stories Not Covered.

"Adults are always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up because they are looking for ideas. " Paula Poundstone

Only a couple articles today because the first one has a ton of information in it. The article is about the good stories that the regular media doesn't cover. Seven pieces of good news:

http://www.cracked.com/article_19317_7-pieces-good-news-nobody-reporting.html

Do you think the media refuses to cover good stories? Or do you think the general public is at fault because the bad news gets higher ratings?

Next up is an article about some beautiful wedding dressings made out of some pretty unusual material:

http://www.stylelist.com/2011/07/08/toilet-paper-wedding-gown-photos/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk2%7C218502

I am pretty impressed with the dresses. You?

Comment Away.

QUOTE FROM HISTORY:

"Some of us are becoming the men we wanted to marry." She was born in 1934. A prominent writer, feminist, and political figure, she founded many organizations and projects and has been the recipient of many awards and honors. She was a columnist for New York magazine and co-founded Ms. magazine. Working on an article for Huntington Hartford's Show magazine, she was employed as a Playboy Bunny at the New York Playboy Club. The article featured a photo of Steinem in Bunny uniform and detailed how women were treated at those clubs. Her experience as a Playboy Bunny was later made into the 1985 movie A Bunny's Tale. She later covered the George McGovern's presidential campaign. A radical feminist group, raised the question of whether she had continuing ties with the Central Intelligence Agency. Though she admitted to having worked for a CIA-financed foundation in the late 1950s and early 1960s, she denied any continuing involvement. She is a cancer survivor and the author of several works including DOING SIXTY AND SEVENTY & MOVING BEYOND WORDS. Who is the author of today's quote?

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Rest & Recovery Update

"Laughing at our mistakes can lengthen our own life. Laughing at someone else’s can shorten it." —Cullen Hightower

Last week was mostly rest and recovery. Sunday - Movie. It was just nice to ignore life for two hours. Monday - a very enjoyable bbq at my sister's house. There eight of us there. Nice group. Tuesday- meeting with Mark to pickup a work assignment. He is doing really well and looks really great. Wednesday - at Mom's from two in the afternoon to overnight. Played a couple of games of Scrabble. Cooked dinner. Thursday. All day at Mom's. Two games of Scrabble. Fixed Mom lunch. Went out to dinner with Mom, sister and her husband. Friday - Grocery shopping for Mom's house, my house, and a the movie HORRIBLE BOSSES. Don't waste your money. Saturday - errand and house cleaning day.

On the agenda next week. Today is lunch with Mom. Tomorrow is lunch with the man from the firm I worked at during tax season. The one I was supposed to train and really didn't like some of his actions. Be interesting to see what is going on with him. Tuesday is at Mom's. Nancie is also coming that day to give Mom a foot treatment. Wednesday is at Mom's. Thursday is at Mom's in the morning and a movie in the afternoon. Friday is a work day. Saturday is for me.

The biggest entertainment rumors in relation to Dancing With The Stars are that bachelorette Ashley Hebert, Regis Philbin and Lindsay Lohan's Mom, Dina Lohan, will be joining the cast this season. I would love to see Matt Bomar, the star of WHITE COLLAR, and the star of COVERT AFFAIRS. Piper Perabo, be on this season. Those are two shows that if you haven't checked out both, on The USA Channel, I would recommend. They are on Tuesday nights at 9 and 10 PM. The new season of Dancing With The stars will start September 19,

You know the drill. Share everything & Post what you damn will please is the mantra for Update Day. Fire away.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

It's All Good

The answer to yesterday's quote was the great Margaret Thatcher. Quotes will return Monday.

Today it is all good. Let's start with story to warm you heart:

http://news.yahoo.com/missing-arkansas-dog-found-7-years-143026377.html

On now to people doing good things:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/06/paradigm-project_n_891715.html

For the last story of the day I had to choose between good mushrooms and good potato chips. I chose mushrooms. Well, not really a mushroom but it sure looks like a place I'd like to live.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/07/07/house-of-the-day-mushroom-house-offers-psychedelic-living-exper/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk1%7C218172

I am closing with a piece of advise Cale Yarborough; "Don’t ever wrestle with a pig. You’ll both get dirty, but the pig will enjoy it."

Comment Away.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Good Or Bad?

Today you get to decide. You get to decide between good or bad. You can read the article and then weigh in. Is this a good or a bad?

First up is a different kind of lottery:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/07/07/uk-fertility-lottery-sparks-controversy/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk3%7C218286

I come down strongly on the bad side. A very bad idea. You?

Next up is a way to a faster commute?

http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2011/07/hate_portlands_red_lights_gree.html

I'm on the fence but leaning towards bad. You?

Next up some advise about panic attacks:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/copd/managing-copd-panic-attacks.aspx?xid=aol_eh-asthma_33-_20110704&aolcat=AJA&icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk2%7C218110

Good advise or bad advise? Good information or bad information? I'm coming down on the side of both good advise and good information.

Here is hoping that as you go through today and have to make choices between good and bad that you will choose the one that is the most fun! Comment Away.

Quote:

Dr. Maya Angelou authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote is authored by a British Politician. "In politics if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman." She was born in 1925 and gained Prime Minister status in 1979. She survived an assassination attempt in and her hard line against trade unions and tough rhetoric in opposition to the Soviet Union earned er the nickname of the "Iron Lady. She holds a life peerage as Baroness of Kesteven in the County of Lincolnshire, which entitles her to sit in the House of Lords. She was Prime Minister at a time of great racial tension in Britain. Her standing in the polls rose by 11 percent after she said in a TV interview during campaigning for the 1979 election: "The moment a minority threatens to become a big one, people get frightened. The British character has done so much for democracy, for law, that if there is any fear that it might be swamped, people are going to react and be rather hostile to those coming in". Who authored today's quote?

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Huggable Stories.

Let's start off today's post with a good catch:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/03/woman-catches-toddler-10-stories_n_889417.html

I loved the following piece on parenting. A touching look at what animals can teach us. It is beautifully written by Lian Dolan.

http://chaoschronicles.com/2011/07/05/the-gift-of-flight/

After the above two articles we all need a hug:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/05/lauree-ostrofsky-bethesda_n_887276.html?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk2%7C217947

Hug away. Well Comment Away.

QUOTES

The lovely Mae West authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote was authored by a poet. "How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" She was born in 1928 and is still going strong. She has appeared on the blog before as the answer to one of the daily Who Am I questions. Hailed as a global renaissance woman she is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. She has received over 30 honorary degrees and is Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. Her words and actions continue to stir our souls, energize our bodies, liberate our minds, and heal our hearts. I KNOW WHERE THE CAGED BIRD SINGS, Do you? If so you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Rich Stories.

Off to Mom's today after some refreshing days off.

None of us like texting and driving. Do you think the following commercial will have an impact on preventing texting?

http://autos.aol.com/article/bmw-texting-and-driving-ads/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%7C217971

From a rich commercial to a rich story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/03/treasure-billions-hindu-temple_n_889489.html

And now ending with a feel good story:

Good news story:

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/07/05/11-year-old-has-booming-landscaping-business-in-chatham/

Comment Away


Wendy Wasserstein authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote comes from a famous actress known for salty quotes. "There are no good girls gone wrong - just bad girls found out." She was born in 1893 and died in 1980. Her father was a prizefighter known as "Battlin' Jack West" who later worked as a "special policeman" and then as a private investigator who ran his own agency. Her mother was a former corset and fashion model. The family was Protestant, although by some accounts her mother was Jewish. She started appearing in amateur shows at the age of seven. She was prosecuted on morals charges and was sentenced to ten days for "corrupting the morals of youth." While incarcerated on Welfare Island (now known as Roosevelt Island), she dined with the warden and his wife and told reporters that she wore her silk underpants while serving time. She served eight days with two days off for good behavior. In her first scene in the movies (a very small role) she played a hat check girl that someone says to her, "Goodness, what beautiful diamonds." She replies, "Goodness had nothing to do with it, dearie." (she had rewritten the line). Reflecting on the overall result of her rewritten scenes, the famous George Raft is said to have remarked, "She stole everything but the cameras." By 1935, she was the second-highest paid person in the United States (after William Randolph Hearst). If you can think of I'M NO ANGEL SHE DONE HIM WRONG, AND MYRA BRECKINRIDGE, then you can tell me the author of today's quote.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Green, Lightening, & Bombs

"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits."Albert Einstein

Going green?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/04/town-pond-turns-fluoresce_n_889929.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk1%7C217909

I'm kind of skeptical about the above article. Could it be a prank?

Talk about a rough way to get a frilly hair style:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/01/melvin-roberts-survives-being-struck-lightning_n_888761.html?ir=Weird%20News&icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk3%7C217909

I wonder if anyone will ever calculate what the odds are to be struck by lightening six times? Why do so many of these articles come from South Carolina? DR lives in an exciting place.

On to the frightening:

http://news.yahoo.com/school-found-using-bomb-bell-134023895.html

Shouldn't one of the teachers or administrators have known that wasn't the type of thing to use for a bell?

Comment Away/

Quote:

Yesterday's quote was by Bella Abzug. Today's quote comes from a playwright. "No matter how successful I become as a playwright, my mother would be thrilled to hear me tell her that I'd just lost twenty pounds, gotten married and become a lawyer." Born in 1950 and died in 2006. Her family moved to the United States from Poland when her dad was accused of being a spy. She received the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Her first play was in college. A full version of the play was produced in 1977 off-Broadway with Glenn Close, Jill Eikenberry, and Swoosie Kurtz playing the lead roles. The play was subsequently produced for PBS with Meryl Streep replacing Close. She is described as an author of women's identity crises. "Her heroines -- intelligent and successful but also riddled with self-doubt -- sought enduring love a little ambivalently, but they did not always find it, and their hard-earned sense of self-worth was often shadowed by the frustrating knowledge that American women's lives continued to be measured by their success at capturing the right man." She said in an interview her parents allowed her to go to Yale only because they were certain she would meet an eligible lawyer there, get married, and lead a conventional life as a wife and mother. She was never married but had a daughter at age 48 and never identified the father. If you know of The Heidi Chronicles, The Man In A Case, & Any Woman Can't you can tell me who said today's quote.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Fourth Of July

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! Known in some parts as a contest to choose the dumbest adults in your city day. The one that takes the fireworks a step to far and sends rockets towards houses and people. They get extra points in the contest for starting fired, injuring others, or blowing off their own body parts. STAY SAFE!!

In one of the posts last week we talked about citizenship tests. Here is an article on the subject:

http://www.newsweek.com/2011/03/20/how-dumb-are-we.html

I didn't take the test because it was just to difficult to log in there. I will find the test on the Internet and post it in an entry later this week.

Most people associate heart attacks with winter but summer heart patients are at risk too. Her is what to look for if you or someone you love has a heart history:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/summertime-heart-smarts.aspx?xid=aol_eh-cardio_41-_20110627&aolcat=ESR&icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-
n%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk3%7C217727


I was surprised at a lot of information in the article.

As you know one of my favorite subjects is old things. An article about some old inscriptions:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/27/egyptian-inscribed-limestone-blocks-unearthed-archaeologists-_n_885370.html

Comment Away.

QUOTES

"Maybe we weren't at the Last Supper, but we're certainly going to be at the next one." She was born in 1920 and died in 1998. This American lawyer and Congresswoman was a lead of the Modern Women's Movement. Another one of her famous quotes was "This woman’s place is in the House—the House of Representatives." When she was 13, her father died and she was told she would not be allowed to say the Mourner's Kaddish for her father in synagogue, where it is Jewish law for sons to say Kaddish (for 11 months after the death of a parent, although in Conservative and Reform communities both sons and daughters are permitted to say Kaddish). However, she did so as one of her first feminist actions because her father had no son. She became an attorney in the 1940s, a time when very few women did so, and took on civil rights cases in the South. She appealed the case of Willie McGee, a black man convicted of raping a white woman in Laurel, Mississippi and sentenced to death by an all-white jury who deliberated for only two-and-a-half minutes. She was happily married and the marriage produced two children. Who said today's quote?

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Short Update

It was really an uneventful week this week. Last Sunday was lunch out with Mom. Monday was a lunch with friend for my birthday. We went to Ruby Tuesday's. Tuesday and Wednesday night were at Mom's as was all day Thursday. Sister is in the midst of dental surgery and she had stage two on Friday so Mom was mine Friday. I started the day by driving to hell and gone to get Mom some medical supplies. Long trip out because I didn't know where I was going, shorter trip home because I did know where I was going. Dropped the stuff off at Mom's and made lunch for her while I was there. Went home and caught up on some things then went to Mom's to take care of dinner for her and the caregiver. Saturday was a rest day as I was coming down with a sore throat. Saturday I went between resting and cleaning house. I did do some grocery shopping and mild cooking.

This week doesn't look all that busy. Today is a movie and bill paying. Monday is a barbecue at Sister's. Tuesday is picking up a work assignment from Mark who is back at work and doing well. Wednesday night and all day Thursday is at Mom's. Friday is completing the work assignment for Mark. Saturday is free day.

What is on you agenda for next week? What did you accomplish last week? Want to celebrate some joys? Feel free. Want to vent? Go ahead. Want to talk about co It was really an uneventful week this week. Last Sunday was lunch out with Mom. Monday was a lunch with friend for my birthday. We went to Ruby Tuesday's. Tuesday and Wednesday night were at Mom's as was all day Thursday. Sister is in the midst of dental surgery and she had stage two on Friday so Mom was mine Friday. I started the day by driving to hell and gone to get Mom some medical supplies. Long trip out because I didn't know where I was going, shorter trip home because I did know where I was going. Dropped the stuff off at Mom's and made lunch for her while I was there. Went home and caught up on some things then went to Mom's to take care of dinner for her and the caregiver. Saturday was a rest day as I was coming down with a sore throat. Saturday I went between resting and cleaning house. I did do some grocery shopping and mild cooking.

This week doesn't look all that busy. Today is a movie and bill paying. Monday is a barbecue at Sister's. Tuesday is picking up a work assignment from Mark who is back at work and doing well. Wednesday night and all day Thursday is at Mom's. Friday is completing the work assignment for Mark. Saturday is a free day.

What is on your agenda for next week? What did you accomplish last week? Want to celebrate some joys? Feel free. Want to vent? Go ahead. What to talk about concerns about health, friends, of family? Go right ahead. Want to tell us about what your are doing to celebrate the fourth? Then share away. Write about anything you damn well please because the blog is now yours. Fire away.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Planes, Light, & Citizens

The answer to yesterday's quote of the day was Thomas Paine. The quotes will return Monday.

Where do old airplanes go to die?

http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/29/airplanes-find-second-careers-as-homes-hotels-photos/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk1%7C217701

Let's shed some light on the world:

http://news.yahoo.com/bright-galaxy-sheds-light-early-universe-170731884.html

A couple of us were discussing in e-mail that we probably couldn't pass the citizenship test to become citizens her in the good old U.S.A. Here is on author's view on citizenship:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2011-06-30-citizenship-lesson-july-4_n.htm

Comment away.

Friday, July 1, 2011

The Readers' Day

"I don't believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be. " Ken Venturi

This is really the readers' blog. Most of today's post comes from two frequent readers and posters.

Form DanaRae:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20075586-503544.html

From Pat:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2011/06/goodbye-oxford-comma-hello-shatner-comma.html

From Me:

http://news.yahoo.com/pond-insect-loudest-animal-earth-131427758.html

The Official Blog Dog, DR's Scamp.






Comment Away

QUOTES

Yesterday answer was Samuel Langhorne Clemens or Mark Twain. Today's quote. "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women." He was born either in 1737 and died in 1809. He was an author, pamphleteer, radical, inventor, intellectual, revolutionary, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was also expelled from Congress. Do you have COMMON SENSE? Or do you know of THE AGE OF REASON? If you follow those close you can answer the question, Who said today's quote?