Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Justice System

The party was fun last night. I got home about ten and did some work. I was to pumped up to go to be right away. I'm looking forward to football season. Mostly because of the Sunday breakfasts. First one a week from Sunday.

Today is all about our justice system:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/29/alberto-luis-alvarez-man-_n_941018.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%7C90638

They should have thrown away the key on this dude a long time ago.

Next up a seven cent robbery:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/30/anthony-stewart-7-cent-robbery_n_942036.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk2%7C91492

I'm not so sure anyone should go to jail for seven cents, a diversion course would probably been better. However, this young man had a history and doesn't appear to have learned right or wrong. Maybe some jail time is the right thing to do.

Next up is the most controversial subject anyone can put on the blog:

http://news.yahoo.com/idaho-woman-challenges-abortion-laws-prosecution-130244951.html

I am a firm believer in women not going to jail for making medical decisions for themselves or decisions about their own body. I hope the woman succeeds in her legal endeavor.

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Lillian Wald authored yesterday's quote. "I was just born to swing, that's all." Was authored by a band leader born in 1898 and died in 1971. She was a jazz pianist, composer, arranger, singer, and bandleader, and the second wife of a famous trumpet player. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, she worked mostly as a soloist singing and playing piano. In the late 1940s, she decided to leave the music and become a tailor, so she took a course in tailoring. Her graduation project was to make a tuxedo for the famous trumpet player. She was born as in Memphis, Tennessee, where she grew up in a household with her grandmother, Priscilla Martin, a former slave from near Oxford, Mississippi. During her early years, She was taught hymns, spirituals, and Classics on the piano. She was drawn to popular music and later blues, but could only listen or play these styles occasionally and covertly, because her mother, Dempsey (she called her "Decie"), a deeply religious woman, considered them "sinful". Her compositions include "Struttin' With Some Barbecue", "Don't Jive Me", "Two Deuces", "Knee Drops", "Doin' the Suzie-Q", ""Just For a Thrill" (which became a major hit when revived by Ray Charles in 1959), "Clip Joint", and "Bad Boy" (a hit by Ringo Starr in 1978). Who authored today's quote?

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Dancing, Childhood, and Where In The World?

I think I am good to go for the football party tonight from five to ten. Intelligent men acting like idiots and good food. Got the sandwich stray, the desert, the chips, and the veggie tray. I will leave her about four to get there. Then after two days at Mom's I can rest for some days.

They announced the Dancing With The Star cast last night and is obvious ABC is going for the controversial factor with a transsexual and a hypocritical legal mind. Appearing the year:

George Clooney's ex, Elisabetta Canalis. Kristin Cavallari from "The Hills". Head hypocrite Nancy Grace. Cher's son Chaz. Has been Ricki Lake. Wilson Phillips singer Chynna Phillips. Soccer star Hope Solo. War veteran J. R. Martinez. You can see the rest of the cast here:

http://news.yahoo.com/nancy-grace-chaz-bono-among-dancing-cast-025538978.html

Do you sometimes wonder how people know about your childhood? They know your childhood because it is written all over your face:

http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/08/29/7507501-your-childhood-is-written-all-over-your-face

Where in the world? Where in the world would you like to live? Here are some hint:

http://news.yahoo.com/melbourne-named-worlds-most-liveable-city-103229749.html

I like Vancouver, B.C. on that list but good old Oregon is just fine with me.

Comment away.

QUOTE

Inez Milholland authored yesterday's quote. "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." was authored by a woman born in 1867 and died 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. Her unselfish devotion to humanity is recognized around the world and her visionary programs have been widely copied. The New York Times named her as one of the 12 greatest living American women in 1922 and she later received the Lincoln Medallion for her work as an "Outstanding Citizen of New York.” In 1937 a radio broadcast celebrated her 70th birthday; Mrs. Sara Delano Roosevelt read a letter from her son, President Franklin Roosevelt, in which he praised her for her “unselfish labor to promote the happiness and well being of others.” Houses on Avenue D in Manhattan were named for her. The Henry Street Settlement and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York continue the work she started more than a hundred years ago. Who authored today's quote?

Monday, August 29, 2011

Last Night Revisited

First I will report in on last night. It was a great time. The play was fantastic and people were dancing in the aisle's at the end of the performance. The play MAMMA MIA was at least a thousand times better than the movie. For those that don't know the story a young woman that was completely raised by her Mom is getting married. The daughter reads her Mom's diary and discovers three men that could be her father. Without the mom knowing it she invites the three men to her wedding. This my rundown. The actress or actor that played the role in the movie will be in ().

Mary Callanan as Rosie (Julie Waters) simply stole the show. If anyone says any different they weren't in the audience. There was a ten to fifteen minute scene with her and Tanya (Christine Baranski) played by Alison Ewing, the second best scene stealer in the movie that was hilarious, well acted, and the harmony between the two when they sang DANCING QUEEN was amazing.

While every time Ms. Callanan was on stage a stunning voice and lots of laughs happened the best song of the night goes to Donna (Meryl Streep), the mother, played by Kaye Tuckerman when she sang THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL. Stunning.

While the men didn't sang as well as the women they were definitely better than the men in the movie. Benjamin J. McHugh as Sam was a gigantic improvement over the movie's Pierce Bronson.

If you like lots of energy, great music, and a funny story go to the play version of Mamma Mia, you won't regret it.

Oh and the dinner before the movie was great. Great food and after dinner we walked to the venue.

Moving on to the rest of today's post. First, Kate Winslet and now Brad Pitt:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/27/brad-pitt-saves-woman-on-world-war-z_n_938877.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk3%7C89996

Next is an article about men in the work force:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44288256/ns/business-us_business/

Comment Away.

QUOTE

"I am prepared to sacrifice every so-called privilege I possess in order to have a few rights." Was said by a woman born in 1886 and died in 1916. She was was a suffragist, labor lawyer, World War I correspondent, and public speaker who greatly influenced the women's movement in America. She attended Vassar College, where she was once suspended for organizing a women's rights meeting. The president of Vassar had forbidden suffrage meetings, but she and others held regular "classes" on the issue, along with large protests and petitions. I vehemently protested against America's involvement in World War I. She was a labor lawyer and was involved in the production of the socialist journal, The Masses. Who authored today's quote?

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Mamma Mia What An Update

Tonight Nancie and I are going to the Broadway Version of MAMMA MIA'S which I am sure will be better than the movie version because people in plays actually can sing. It is at the Keller Auditorium. We have orchestra tickets:

http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/2011/08/mamma_mia_returns_to_portland.html

We are having dinner at the Vertible Quandry befpre the play. Since I bought the tickets, she wanted to pay for the dinner. She chose the place and it is the perfect place:

http://www.veritablequandary.com/

We already know I am OCD so this morning early I drove down to downtown Portland to scope things out so I don't get lost tonight. Found the perfect parking lot, right between the restaurant and the Keller.

Dinner is at 5, play is at 6:30. The Keller is three blocks from the restaurant.. Looks doable to me. Hope I stay awake the whole time.

Tomorrow is the only day next week that I have no plans. Tuesday is the annual football party. Wednesday and Thursday at Mom's. Friday is picking up work from my friend Mark at his CPA. The CPA with prostate cancer, in another bit of sad news his dad died last week. Saturday the Oregon Ducks start the season against LSU and of course I am setting aside time to watch the game. I've cleaned out my lucky spot so I can stand there the entire games. I usually put on three thousand steps watching the game.

Last week? Sunday was Scrabble with my mom and my brother from Wyoming.. Monday was finishing some things for the football party. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were at Mom's. Friday was getting the car washed and Saturday getting a haircut. Friday night was also going to Mom's for a little get together. Brother and his wife came over to say goodbye to Mom as it was their last night in town. Susan the caregiver and yours truly was there. It was a fun conversation and unexpectedly the problem child was actually nice to me.

That's my update. Now give me yours. I would love your updates. And don't shy away if it isn't positive. We all go through tough times and at times we all need support. Reality is that life isn't always positive and rosey. When you share tough times you not only get support from us, you may also provide support for others going through tough times too. So D fire away.

Update Away.

Sign on a church:

"People are like tea bags you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are."

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Lists

Virginia Woolf was the author of yesterday's quote.

Sorry I am late today. I had breakfast with my brother-in-law this morning. You know I don't like his politics because he is as far to the right as I am to the left. But he has done a thousand times more for Mom and myself than my brother. You can count on Bob to be there for you whenever you need him. I don't have much, a house, a car, and an IRA. The way it is now Mom gets everything if she is alive at the time of my demise. If she isn't than my brother and sister get 50-50. I am in the process of changing that to 40-40 to sister, brother and 20 to Bob. This will recognize how much Bob has done for us, get a little more to my sister than my brother and not hurt my brother's feelings. I've been caring for a parent for over ten years now, not once in that time has my brother called and offered to take a week or two so I could take a vacation. My sister would come up monthly and Bob would encourage that and come up with his wife. Without those breaks I don't think I would have survived. Then they moved here two years ago to take the pressure off of me. They deserve more, it isn't much but they are getting more. I wanted to tell Bob that. He was blown away. Then I had to get a haircut for an event I am going to tomorrow evening. More on the update tomorrow. Last I had to do some work for the football party Tuesday night. On to today's post, all about lists.


The following is the list for the most dangerous jobs of the last decade.

1. Logger.
2. Pilot.
3. Fisher.
4. Iron/Steel Worker.
5. Garbage Collector.
6. Farmer/Rancher.
7. Roofer.
8. Electrical Power Installer/Repairer.
9. Sales, Delivery, and Other Truck Driver.
10. Taxi Driver/Chauffeur.

This is different than yesterday's most dangerous jobs of 2010. I find it interesting that miner, convenience store clerk and police aren't on the list but garbage collector is.

Next up is the top ten items Children stick up their nose:

1. Crayons.
2. Beads.
3. French Fries.
4. Their fingers.
5. Marbles.
6. Spaghetti.
7. Tissue.
8. Cheerios.
9. Small Toys.
10. beans/peas.

I wonder if they put Spaghetti up they if they also included the meatballs. I also wonder if Cherrios isn't missing the boat. I see an advertising campaign in there.

The following list is the top ten national news stories for 2011.

http://www.tiptoptens.com/2011/08/22/top-10-wtf-moments-in-2011/

Comment Away.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Diamonds, Houses, & Jobs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR!!! May the worst of your tomorrows be better than the worsts of your yesterday!!

Diamonds would be a good birthday gift, now? Well, I know a place where you can get free diamonds, it just might be a little difficult to get there.

http://news.yahoo.com/astronomers-discover-planet-made-diamond-014913051.html

The house of the week:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/08/25/house-of-the-day-rock-solid-resort-style-living/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk2%7C8960

Last year's survey of the most dangerous job in America picked convenience store clerk. This one has new jobs at the top.

http://news.yahoo.com/mining-police-most-dangerous-u-jobs-150504899.html

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Sandra Day O'Connor authored yesterday's quote. "I would venture to guess that Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman." was said by an English author, essayist, publisher, and writer of short stories, regarded as one of the foremost modernist literary figures of the twentieth century. She was born in 1882 and died in 1941. Her work was criticized for epitomizing the narrow world of the upper-middle class English intelligentsia. Some critics judged it to be lacking in universality and depth, without the power to communicate anything of emotional or ethical relevance to the disillusioned common reader weary of the 1920s aesthetes. She was also criticized by some as an anti-semite, despite her being happily married to a Jewish man. This anti-semitism is drawn from the fact that she often wrote of Jewish characters in stereotypical archetypes and generalizations, including describing some of her Jewish characters as physically repulsive and dirty. Have you ever taken THE VOYAGE OUT? Or have your ever gone TO THE LIGHTHOUSE? If you have done either you can answer the question, who authored today's quote.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Animals, Pain, & Implants.

Sometimes animals are better at predicting things than we are:

http://news.yahoo.com/critters-moving-away-global-warming-faster-180108117.html

Do you have chronic pain? Are you treating in properly?

http://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management-pictures/6-common-pain-treatment-mistakes.aspx?xid=aol_eh-pain_29-_20110815&aolcat=ESO#/slide-1

A new trend among senior women. I really find it a troubling trend, breast cancer survivors exempted.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/23/morning-rush-best-morning_n_934133.html?1314118532#s336574&title=Today__75YearOld

Comment Away.


QUOTE

Barbara De Angelis authored yesterday's quote. "The family unit plays a critical role in our society and in the training of the generation to come." This jurist born in 1930 retired a few years ago to take care of a husband not doing well. In 2001, the Ladies' Home Journal ranked her as the second-most-powerful woman in America. In 2004 and 2005, Forbes magazine listed her as the sixth- and thirty-sixth-most-powerful woman in the world, respectively; the only American women preceding her on the 2004 list were then-National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, then-U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and then-First Lady Laura Bush. On August 12, 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor of the United States, by President Barack Obama. If you know of the first woman on the Supreme Court, you can answer the question, who authored today's quote.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Actress, Monogamy, Bullet Proof


Let's hear it for an Oscar award winning actress and her latest performance:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/22/kate-winslet-escapes-fire_n_932993.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%7C88460

I always liked Winslet.

Do you believe in monogamy?

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/delaine-moore/dont-believe-in-monogamy_b_931483.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk3%7C88541

I'm the jealous type so monogamy is for me and whomever I choose to marry.

Let's close with an interesting but unusual article.

http://news.yahoo.com/utah-researcher-helps-artist-bulletproof-skin-222748012.html

Comment Away

QUOTE

Alice Walker, author of "The Color Purple" authored yesterday's quote. ""You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back." This lady born in 1951 has loved so much that she has been married at least five times. Using a masters in psychology from Sierra University in California and a PHD from Columbia Pacific this relationship specialist has written fourteen books on the subject including HOW TO MAKE LOVE ALL THE TIME., SECRETS ABOUT MEN EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW, ARE YOU THE ONE FOR ME, AND REAM MOMENTS. Let me tell you one secret about men that every woman should know, we wouldn't take relationship from someone that has been married five times. Who authored today's quote.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Deadly Silence

It is estimated by some reports than one hundred thousand children are killed by abuse every year. Silence contributed to the killing of the child in the following article:

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/08/records_show_family_members_kn.html

This child could have been saved by someone not only listening but by speaking. If you suspect a child is being abused speak out SHOUT FROM THE TREE TOPS, it is better to lose a friend than a child.

One hundred thousand children killed every year by abuse. In addition there are four million women beaten and abused each year. Abuse is the leading cause of injury among women. More than car Accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Read the following article and weep.

http://www.mincava.umn.edu/documents/factoid/factoid.html

I have to wonder how many of this women and children could be saved is someone would have just spoken up. How many would have been save if people ignored the "I don't want to get involved" syndrome and got involved.

After the above articles we need a laugh and I hope the following provides one.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/21/one-kids-advice-for-licoln_n_932407.html

At some point when I run out of quotes we may play a game where we pick someone from history and let you tell me what advise you would have given them if were alive at the time.

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Barbara Walters authored yesterday's quote. "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." This quote was said by an African American author, poet, and activist born in 1944. Growing up with an oral tradition, listening to stories from her grandfather she began writing, very privately, when she was eight years old. "With my family, I had to hide things," she said. "And I had to keep a lot in my mind." On March 8, 2003, International Women's Day, on the eve of the Iraq War, she, Maxine Hong Kingston, author of The Woman Warrior; and Terry Tempest Williams, author of An Unspoken Hunger; were arrested along with 24 others for crossing a police line during an anti-war protest rally outside the White House. In March 20 she traveled to Gaza along with a group of 60 other female activists from the anti-war group Code Pink, in response to the Gaza War. When you hold your breath to long do you turn THE COLOR PURPLE? Who authored today's quote.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Don't

Don't miss work:

http://news.yahoo.com/ore-city-dumps-mayor-not-showing-231202127.html

Don't rob the ladies house:

http://news.yahoo.com/woman-90-beats-back-burglars-cane-152447976.html

Don't ride this Ferry:

http://news.yahoo.com/ferry-runs-aground-captain-stuck-toilet-152914917.html

I'm not sure the person wants me to mention this on the blog so I will keep names and gender out of it but don't forget to send super positive vibes to an important member of the blog that the current health problem will go away. We love this person and want wellness and happiness sent. And don't forget to comment to today's post.

QUOTES.

"Success can make you go one of two ways. It can make you a prima Donna--or it can smooth the edges, take away the insecurities, let the nice things come out." The famous lady interviewer was born in 1929 and is still alive and working. She started out as a writer at CBS. Then she moved on as a writer to a morning show on another network. Because at the time the thinking was nobody would believe a woman anchor she was a weather girl and did light news. She was chosen to be the moderator for the third and final debate between candidates Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, held at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall in Williamsburg, Virginia, during the 1976 Presidential Election. In 1984, she moderated a Presidential debate held at the Dana Center for the Humanities at Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Many of her regular and special programs are syndicated around the world. As of 2004, she is in semi-retirement as a broadcast journalist, but remains a correspondent for ABC News as well as a host of special programs. In the fall of 2008, she was honored with the Disney Legends award, an award given to those who made an outstanding contribution to The Walt Disney Company, which owns the network ABC. That same year, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Women's Agenda. On September 21, 2009 she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards at New York City's Lincoln Center. How is your eyesight? 20/20? After a vacation to you talk about THE VIEW? Who authored today's quote?

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Job Update

It was nice to see my brother yesterday. From now on is the ten referred to as The Group: Mom, Sis, Sis's husband, Grover, Grover's wife, Caregiver Susan, Niece Kristi, Kristi's kids Natalie & Carson. and myself. I enjoyed nine out of ten of the people. We had lunch and dinner together. Lot's of reliving the past and funny stories of the present. Recalling really hard jobs dad got us in high school. All of us kids worked in the family hardware store. When we complained about working in that store dad got us all other jobs. Sis worked cleaning books in a library. Brother worked on "the line" in a lumber mill. I drove twenty-seven miles to work for a dollar an hour in the fields. In the onion fields, weeding onions. Hardest job you can have. You work twelve hour days. You are either bent over at the back or on your knees the entire twelve hours. There was that third degree sun burn that certainly didn't help. When the onions were all weeded I got a job as a box boy (they are called something else now) in a grocery store. Piece of cake. All the other box boys were complaining about how hard the job was (we had to lift some heavy things is all) and I was telling them to quit complaining that the job was easy. All perception, no?

Last week. Going backwards. Saturday was family day. Friday was relaxing day. I seldom get headaches but I had a monster one on Friday. So I caught up on my sleep, returned phone calls, and did a little work on the annual football party. Thursday and Wednesday I was at Mom's. I did take Mom out a couple of times. The only time she gets out is when I am there. One of the guilt feelings I have with mom and the main reason I don't withdraw from the care of her even more is she gets better after I am there. What I have read about the elderly is that they are losing everything. Control of some of their decisions. Less movement in their legs and arms. That you should let them do things and not take away things and do them for them. I get her out and when she is out she interacts with people in the outside world. I make sure she is less dependant on the mobile wheelchair and make her use the walker as much as she can. She uses her mind when we play Scrabble. Basically Mom can do what she wants without the fear of being scolded like a little child when I am there. The caregiver and my sister have a different way of taking care of Mom and they have really good reasons for their methods. They are extremely fearful that Mom will fall. I am afraid mom will fall too but if she does it will be doing something she wanted to and loved doing. So when the others are there, mom has to use the mobile chair or someone will get mad, if she does something she might have to hide the evidence. Not a good way to live in my opinion, falling would be better. When I backed off caring for dad he got worse and died. I've always felt guilty about that. Now I am reliving dad through Mom. I just can't give more of my time to mom than I am now for my own mental health but do I ever feel guilty. If I were there seven days a week mom would improve. Just to be clear it isn't me seeing mom getting better when I am there, it is mom's friend Marion, mom's friend Betty, and even the caregiver making the your mom sure gets better when you are there comments. I should take it as a compliment but it really ends up being an unbearable responsibility.

On the agenda next week. Today is another family day with The Group. Tomorrow is a movie and ordering stuff and food for the football party on 8-30. Tuesday and Wednesday nights and days and Thursday all day is at Mom's. Friday is errand day. Saturday isn't scheduled right now but I am sure something will come up.

Update me your lives now. Besides telling me all about what went on in your life last week and what is on the agenda for you next week I would like to hear about the jobs you had as a teenage. First jobs. Hardest job. Inquiring minds want to now. The blog is now yours, post whatever you damn well please.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Moo To Goo

Harriet Beecher Stowe authored yesterday's quote.

First story comes from Germany:

http://news.yahoo.com/moohunt-runaway-cow-captures-german-hearts-111358150.html

All I can say is go YVONNE!!

Next up is a follow-up to a previous story on the blog. Remember the orange goo in Alaska?

http://news.yahoo.com/orange-goo-alaska-shore-fungal-spores-010414427.html

I hope now that they know what the goo is that the residents of the village have some piece of mind.

What I am saying about the next story, is bully for the photographer.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/19/jennifer-mckendrick-penns_n_931324.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%7C87871

I hope other photographers in her neck of the words join the boycott. Actually, I hope photographers every were join in.

Looking forward to seeing my brother this morning.

Comment Away.

Friday, August 19, 2011

The Death Of Common Sense

NEWS FLASH: Funeral home raises prices due to the cost of living.

I sometimes think common sense is dead and we really needn to resurrect it from the grave to turn this angry world into a more kind one.

Speaking of common sense, couldn't the city, county, and state shown more common sense in the following article and found a way to let this lady keep having garage sales?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/17/yard-sale-medical-bills-jan-cline-cancer_n_929911.html?1313619055&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk3%7C87417

Couldn't the casino in the following article used more common sense and found a better solution that one that generated so much bad publicity for them. Read the comments.

http://news.yahoo.com/austrian-says-won-millions-casino-says-no-175352693.html

There is so much common sense lacking in the following article I don't really know where to start.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/18/standard-poors-investigation-mortgage-ratings_n_930237.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C87452

Didn't anyone have the common sense to say "don't release the fact that we are investigating S & P now because it will look like a witch hunt."? Nobody is going to read far enough in the story or hear the words "the investigation was started six months to a year before S & P downgraded the U.S." They are going to assume it is a payback and quit reading. Where was the common sense when S & P started charging people that they were rating? Certainly someone at S & P would know that it might not look on the up and up.

Comment Away.

QUOTES

Harriet Tubman authored yesterday's quote. "When you get into a tight place, and everything goes against you till it seems as if you couldn't hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that 's just the place and time that the tide'll turn." - Was authored by a writer and abolitionist born in 1811 and died in 1896. She wrote more than 20 books, including novels, three travel memoirs, and collections of articles and letters. She was influential both for her writings and her public stands on social issues of the day. She was among the founders of the Hartford Art School which later became part of the University of Hartford. Have you ever had an uncle Tom? If so did you ever visit UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. If so you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

At Mom's all day today. Then tomorrow my brother and his wife are visiting Oregon for the weekend. Their visits are tough. It is always nice to see my brother but I really don't care if I ever see his wife. I think my brother made an agreement with his wife to never go to bed angry and he has been awake for over forty years.

The Good

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/13/jared-ropelato-boy-scout-utah_n_926335.html?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk1%7C221921

The Bad

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/08/16/2011-08-16_woman_sues_bathtub_company_after_getting_stuck_in_luxe_tub_for_30_hours_worst_12.html

The Ugly

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pete-subkoviak/the-ties-that-blind-how-t_b_925918.html

Comment Away. I may not respond until late tonight or first thing in the morning.

QUOTES

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross authored yesterday's quote. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - was said by a woman that was featured previously on the blog as an answer to a Who Am I. She was born in 1822 and died in 1913. She was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and a Union spy during the American Civil War. After escaping from slavery, into which she was born, she made thirteen missions to rescue more than 70 slaves using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She later helped John Brown recruit men for his raid on Harpers Ferry, and in the post-war era struggled for women's suffrage. Have you ever heard of a WOMAN CALLED MOSES? Or have you heard of THE QUEST FOR FREEDOM. If you have you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Adermatoglyphia.

Been afraid to commit a crime because you are afraid the finger prints left behind will send you to the clinker? There is hope for you.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/16/no-fingerprint-disease-adermatoglyphia_n_928762.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk3%7C87036

I think I still avoid committing a crime because it would just be my luck that I have fingerprints. How about you?

Do you like Peanut butter sandwiches? What do you like them with? Here are some suggestions.

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/08/16/peanut-butter-and-vidalia-onions-and-other-strange-sandwich-delights/?hpt=hp_bn8

Do you have any weird sandwiches that you will admit to? When a young kid I used to eat peanut butter and bologna sandwiches. I don't do that anymore.

Speaking of food. What do your dog or dogs eat?

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/08/16/the-dog-ate-my-everything/

Comment Away.

QUOTES:

Erica Jong was the author of yesterday's quote. "People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." This quote was said by a shrink born in 1926 and died in 2004. She was a pioneer in studying near death experiences. She is a 2007 inductee into the American National Women's Hall of Fame.[2] She was the recipient of twenty honorary degrees and by July 1982 had taught, in her estimation, 125,000 students in death and dying courses in colleges, seminaries, medical schools, hospitals, and social-work institutions. We have already mentioned DEATH AND DYING but have you thought about DEATH: THE FINAL STAGE OF GROWTH? If you have you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Surprising.

"There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle." Alexis de Tocqueville

Today is the surprising.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/08/15/study-rude-employees-out-earn-their-nicer-colleagues/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk1%7C222029

I just can't believe this. If they are rude the customers it would cost business, if they were rude to co-workers it would create a stressful working environment, and if they were to management it would be suicide. Unless rudeness is confused with honesty. What do you think?

A lot of people think Hitler was an evil genius, I don't. I think he was an evil idiot. I admit, however, I like to watch and read stories about him. I keep trying to figure out how such a ruthless and violent man came to power. I also wonder how he avoided being killed during one of over a hundred assassination attempts. The following article tells of a surprising way to change his personality.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/15/hitler-estrogen-hormone-plot_n_927281.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk1%7C86777

Do you think that if the scheme would have worked, that estrogen would have changed his personality?

Sometimes holding on to your beliefs can do harm:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/0815/for-men-culture-of-honor-can-be-deadly.aspx?xid=aol_eh-emo_18-_20110815&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%7C86578

I have never felt the need to defend my reputation. I just work hard to maintain or improve it so that my reputation won't be questioned. That kind of makes me on the outside of the surveys looking in.

Comment Away.

QUOTES:

Erica Jong was the author of yesterday's quote. "The greater your capacity to love, the greater your capacity to feel the pain." was said by a well known actress born in 1969 that once was in the Pitt and was once everyone's FREIND. Then later she had FRIENDS WITH MONEY. After several failed TV series and several bad movies she considered giving up acting. She turned down SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. Some say it was a bad decision but she made the right choice. In 2007 FORBES magazine listed her as the tenth richest woman in the entertainment industry. This young woman probably won't be having lunch or dinner with an actress named Jolie anytime soon. Can you name the author of today's quote?

Monday, August 15, 2011

Miscellaneous Monday

Do you ever feel like a blimp?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/14/lillian-bernhagen-94-wakes-up-to-blimp_n_926825.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C86359

Looking for a new place to live?

http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/cnnmoney-best-places-to-live-the-top-12-cities/4365852/

Personally I think someone from Mary's Washington wrote this story. It wasn't listed in the top 20 but I am going with Ashland or Palm Springs.

Can you bear another animal story?

http://www.aol.com/2011/08/10/bear-monopoly_n_923099.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%7C85182


"Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads." ~ Was said by a woman born in 1942 and as far as I know still living. She is an American author and teacher best known for her fiction and poetry. In her most famous book she created a sensation with its frank treatment of a woman's sexual desires. Although it contains many sexual elements, the book is mainly the account of a young, hypersensitive woman, in her late twenties, trying to find who she is and where she is going. It contains many psychological, humorous, descriptive elements, and rich cultural and literary references. The book tries to answer the many conflicts arising in women in today's world, of womanhood, femininity, love, one's quest for freedom and purpose. I really don't like to fly. Do you have A FEAR OF FLYING? If you do and also know a name that rhymes with song you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Update On Comments

Today would have been my dad's 100TH birthday. He always wanted to live to be hundred. I am sorry he didn't make it. May my dad rest in peace.

Last week, Sunday lunch with Mom. Monday the movie CRAZY STUPID LOVE. Tuesday and Wednesday nights and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday days at mom's. Friday was the movie THE HELP. Yesterday was cleaning house. This is a major cleanup. Cleaned the fridge and the windows. Polished all the furniture. Moved all the furniture and vacuumed behind them. Cleaned all the light switches. Mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. I am completely done with downstairs.

Next week, today is finishing the major cleaning project by cleaning the upstairs. Two more bathrooms to clean up there. Monday is mom to lunch. Tuesday maybe a movie. Wednesday night and Thursday day at Mom's. Friday is errand day. Saturday I have no idea what is on the agenda.

Just a comment on the movies. THE HELP is a really good movie that has The Dahn Report's stamp of approval for most ages. The only swear wood was shit. Good story and great acting. Good one to take my Mom to. CRAZY STUPID LOVE not the greatest, not the worst to much swearing for all ages, decent acting, uneven story.

Several people have asked how to post a comment, here is a step by step way to do so.

HOW TO POST A COMMENT:

At the end of the day's post there will be the word or words "0 comments " or the number of comments that have been posted "6 Comments". Double Click on that.

If there has been comment posted the comment will appear to the left and an empty window will appear to the right. If there has been no comments posted at the time there will be a empty box there.

Below the empty box in red is CHOOSE AN IDENTITY.

YOU DO NOT NEED AN ACCOUNT FOR ANY SERVICE TO POST A COMMENT.

Under the red "CHOOSE AN IDENTITY"

"Google Account." not needed but if you have one you can use it.

"Open ID" Which will give you a choice of four accounts if you have one of them. LiveJorunal, WordPress, AIM, and Typepad.

NEXT TWO ARE THE WAY YOU POST WITHOUT AN ACCOUNT.

"Name/url" You don't need an URL all you need is a name our a screen name. Enter your name or screen name. After you write a comment in the blank box click on "publish comment."

"Anonymous" Just click on the circle next to anonymous. Write a comment in the blank box and click on "publish comment"

I posted two comments on yesterday's post to show how the comments show up if you post without an account.

Comment away. This is your day to share your lives with me. The day to tell your story. They day to post anything you damn well please.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

You're Fired, The New Homeless, & Smile

The answer to yesterday's quote was Susan Anthony.

Starting out Saturday with a unbelievable story.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/08/09/bus-driver-george-daw-fired-for-saving-3-police-officers/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%7C85152

I think firing this driver had to one of the stupidest things a company could do.

On to the new homeless:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/10/maurice-johnson-homeless_n_922800.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk3%7C85182

The sad thing is the way politics are now I don't see the economy getting better anytime soon. More masters degrees are headed for the streets in my opinion.

Now let's close the day with a smile:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/12/morning-rush-best-morning_n_925451.html?1313168562#s328093&title=Today__Husband

Comment Away

Friday, August 12, 2011

Amazing Friday

Today it is only the amazing stories.

You have probably heard of this story but this is an absolutely amazing video.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/09/sawyer-glacier-break-off-video_n_922888.html?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk1%7C221507

Now that is what I call an exciting tour for tourists!

Speaking of water the following is just an amazing story. Can a 12 year old boy that doesn't know how to swim spend twenty minutes in the ocean, much of it underwater, without breathing equipment and survive?

http://www.chinookobserver.com/news/truly-a-miracle/article_2128ad0c-c2df-11e0-b3fe-001cc4c03286.html

Quoting just part of the story:

"She related that Nicole said that once she reached him, she placed him on her board, laid on top of him and grasped the sides of the board to secure him as they were hit by the waves and pulled out further into the water."

In a follow-up story the doctors send that the time the boy was on the board out of the water was one of the reasons he survived. It was also reported that on Thursday morning he was taken out of intensive care and his condition was updated to "fair."

From the amazing video to the amazing story of survival to the amazing response. Are you a quick thinker? I want to be as quick thinker as the senior citizen in the story from The Edge Column in today's Oregonian:

An Oregon "senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road he pushed it to eighty miles per hour, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. Amazing he thought as he flew down I-5 pushing the pedal even more."

"Looking in his review mirror, he saw an Oregon State Trooper, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to one hundred miles per hour. Then a hundred and ten miles per hour. Then 120. He thought to himself, "What am I doing? I an to old for this." He pulled over to wait for the trooper."

The trooper got out of his car ad walked up to the Corvette. He looked at his watch. "Sir, it is Friday and my shift ends in thirty minutes. I don't want to write a ticket because it will keep me at work an hour or more after my shift. If you can give me an excuse for speeding that I have never heard before I will let you go."

The older gentlemen paused, then said "Three years ago my wife left me for an Oregon State trooper. I thought you were bringing her back."

"Have a nice weekend."

You can read the Oregonian's edge column daily at:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/edge/index.html

Have a great Friday!!

QUOTES

Margaret Mead authored yesterday's quote. "I do not demand equal pay for any women save those who do equal work in value. Scorn to be coddled by your employers; make them understand that you are in their service as workers, not as women." was said by a well known woman born in 1820 and died in 1906. She was a prominent American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the 19th century women's rights movement to introduce women's suffrage into the United States. She traveled the United States and Europe, and averaged 75 to 100 speeches per year. She was one of the important advocates in leading the way for women's rights to be acknowledged and instituted in the American government. On November 18, 1872, She was arrested by a U.S. Deputy Marshal for voting illegally in the 1872 Presidential Election two weeks earlier. Her trial took place at a Ontario County courthouse in New York, before Supreme Court Associate Justice Ward Hunt. Justice Hunt refused to allow her to testify on her own behalf, allowed statements given by her at the time of her arrest to be allowed as "testimony," explicitly ordered the jury to return a guilty verdict, refused to poll the jury afterwards, and read an opinion he had written before the trial even started. The sentence was a $100 fine, but not imprisonment; true to her word in court ("I shall never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty"), she never paid the fine for the rest of her life. Who authored today's quote?

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Young, Old, & Household Repairs.

This is my last day at Mom's so things will go back to abnormal tomorrow. I need a break from the reality of the news.

First up is a young one doing good:

http://www.aol.com/2011/08/02/ishaan-singh_n_915963.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk1%7C82830

Next up is an old one doing good:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/08/98-year-old-black-belt_n_921212.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk1%7C84709

Last up is all of us doing good by knowing what household projects we shouldn't tackle.

http://www.diylife.com/2011/07/29/10-home-projects-you-should-never-diy/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk3%7C82744

Put the hammer down and comment away.


QUOTES

Coretta Scott King was the author of yesterday's quote. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Was said by an American cultural anthropologist, who was frequently a featured writer and speaker in the mass media throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She was born in 1901 and died in 1978. She was married three times. During World War II she served as executive secretary of the National Research Council's Committee on Food Habits. She served as curator of ethnology at the American Museum of Natural History from 1946 to 1969he . She was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1948. Have you ever wondered about people COMING OF AGE IN SAMOA? If you have you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Disturbing

Today only the stories that I found disturbing.

First up are men that should be banned from the United States forever.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/08/mek-lobbying_n_913233.html

How do we allow this to happen? We should take their salaries away from them.

From men bad to the core that have no conscience to a good man being discriminated against.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/08/raymond-johnson-breast-cancer-man_n_921016.html?1312821006&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%7C8

Can you believe this?

Back to bad men. I don't really believe in the death penalty but I would seriously consider supporting it in the case of this idiot. Certainly at minimum he should be tied up and be beaten by several women so he knows how it feels.

http://www.aol.com/2011/08/08/eliseo-ortiz-jailed-in-va_n_920888.html?ir=Crime&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec3_lnk3%7C84734

As soon as you settle down Comment Away.

PS

Here is an update on the orange goo in the small Alaskan village.

http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/orange-goo-near-remote-alaska-village-idd/e27ec07227e04ae8a7a0bef09dd9a3ea

QUOTES

Martha Washington authored yesterday's quote. "Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated." - Was said by a woman born in 1927 and died in 2006. After her husband's assassination she became the leading Civil Rights activist and fought for Women's rights. She also became an author. Her husband said of her, "I am indebted to my wife without whose love, sacrifices, and loyalty neither life nor work would bring fulfillment. She has given me words of consolation when I needed them and a well-ordered home where Christian love is a reality." She was also under surveillance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1968 until 1972. Her husband's activities had been monitored during his lifetime. Documents obtained by a Houston, Texas television station how that the FBI worried that she would "tie the anti-Vietnam movement to the civil rights movement." A spokesman for the family said that they were aware of the surveillance, but had not realized how extensive it was. Did your hear freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California, or from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado, or did you hear it ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia? If you did you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Findings

My friend Mark (Pat this is the one you know) needs more prayers. They called in hospice for his dad. I was thinking what a bad day it was yesterday when the stock market basically crashed. Then I thought about the two Marks. Prostate cancer and losing his wife. Now the other prostate cancer and losing his dad. The stock market is now a distant memory and it is such a joy to be alive and I wish both the Marks peace and love.

Today we are doing findings.

Found in a closet:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/04/veil-of-veronica-painting-found-in-closet_n_918880.html?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk1%7C221050

Found in the deep blue sea:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/08/captain-morgans-ship-found_n_920944.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk1%7C84472

Found in a small village in Alaska:

http://news.yahoo.com/orange-goo-baffles-remote-alaska-village-080239475.html

Comment Away.

QUOTES

Elizabeth Cady Stanton authored yesterday's quote. "I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition." - Was said by a first, first born in 1731 and died in 1802. She was one of eight children. Her first marriage was when she was eighteen. Her second marriage was when she married General George when she was 27. After her second husband accepted the position of commander in chief, the woman who loved hearth and home left both to join her husband at military encampments in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Mrs.She had a row galley named in her honor. The ship holds the distinction of being the first U.S. military ship to be named in honor of a woman and for a vessel named while the person was still alive. In 1902 she became the first American woman to be honored on a U.S. postage stamp. This 8c issue was printed in black with her portrait surrounded by an elaborate laurel wreath. In 1923, a second stamp was issued in her honor, a 4-cent definitive stamp. The third issue to honor her was issued in 1938, a 1½¢ denomination stamp. She is the only woman whose portrait has appeared on the face of a U.S. currency note. It appeared on the face of the $1 Silver Certificate of 1886 and 1891, and the back of the $1 Silver Certificate of 1896. An 1856 national banknote carried The baptism of Pocahontas on its reverse face. You have enough information now to tell me, who authored today's quote?

Monday, August 8, 2011

The Fun Meets The Weird

It is Monday so let's just do fun or weird stuff.

That Hershey bar you have been eating, does it taste a little different?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/04/hersheys-website-acked_n_918142.html?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl10%7Csec3_lnk1%7C220986

Enough about tastes let's move on to smells. Are you sensitive to smell when you are out in public?

http://news.yahoo.com/italian-town-mayor-bans-smelly-kebabs-175508434.html

I'm not sure this is a good idea or a bad idea. I am sensitive to smell but I am also sensitive to wanting to eat.

I guess there just isn't enough jackasses in California.

http://news.yahoo.com/wild-donkeys-taken-hawaii-california-192312648.html

Comment Away

QUOTE

"No matter how much women prefer to lean, to be protected and supported, nor how much men desire to have them do so, they must make the voyage of life alone, and for safety in an emergency they must know something of the laws of navigation." was said by a woman once featured on The Dahn Report as an answer to the Who Am I of the day. She was an American social activist, abolitionist, and leading figure of the early woman's movement. Her Declaration of Sentiments, presented at the first women's rights convention. She was born in 1815 and died in 1902. Unlike many of those involved in the woman's rights movement, she addressed various issues pertaining to women beyond voting rights. Her concerns included women's parental and custody rights, property rights, employment and income rights, divorce laws, the economic health of the family, and birth control. She was also an outspoken supporter of the 19th-century temperance movement. After the American Civil War, her commitment to female suffrage caused a schism in the woman's rights movement when she, together with Susan B. Anthony, declined to support passage of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. Have you ever thought about or enjoyed SOLITUDE OF SELF?If so you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Kayaking Update

"Most of the shadows of life are caused by standing in our own sunshine. " ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

However, I think Symply Amused who posts here once in a while deserves to stand in her own sunshine. While working a job and raising a special needs child she recently graduated from college. Congratulations to her!

My last week. Sunday lunch with Mom. Monday the movie FREINDS WITH BENEFITS. Tuesday a work day. Wednesday and Thursday days and Wednesday night at Mom's. Friday the meeting with Ted and the movie CRAZY STUPID LOVE. Saturday cleaning house. More me time than normal weeks which I really appreciated. Both of the movies were entertaining and I liked FRIENDS WITH BENEFTS a little better but if you are taking a parent or a child go with CRAZY STUPID LOVE.

This coming week is less me time and more duties. Today I am taking lunch to Mom's. Monday is shopping for several things. A device to put on my car visor that will allow me to take calls when I am driving without holding the cell phone. A radio. I listen to the radio in the car but never at home and I want to listen to the radio a little more at home. Also a computer. Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday days and Tuesday and Wednesday nights are at Mom's. Friday and Saturday or unscheduled. A little note about the future. August 28 I am going to the Broadway Play Version of Mama Mia's with my friend Nancie. She is traveling until then. First she is going to San Francisco to celebrate the 70TH anniversary of her form in-laws. Then is going to do what is called Kayak Oregon with three of her girlfriends. They leave from Corvallis on a Thursday (two to a Kayak) and arrive in Oregon City four days later. The stay in the kayak all four days except at night when they sleep on the banks in a tent. Not for me but I admire her for being adventurous.

That's is it for the week. Now your turn. Let me know what went on in your life, what you expect will go on in your life, advents attended or attending, and give me your birthday date. I'd like to keep a file of everyone's birthday. Other than that post what you damn well please.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Relax It's Saturday

The answer to yesterday's quote was the amazing Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell.

The meeting with my friend went well. It really wasn't a serious problem, it was to him but it is easily fixable. He was really relieved. He said to me, "I don't have anybody to really tell this to that I trust. You are the only one I trust." That always shocks me when someone tells me that because my first reaction is "billboards aren't that expensive." However, it is nice to be trusted by one of the most influential men in Portland.

Today we are doing fun facts, beautiful homes, and fun dogs.

If she were still alive this would be Lucille Ball's 100TH birthday so there has been a lot of tributes to her in the newspapers. I have to confess that I was never a fan of hers. I didn't really get her humor. However, as the following article shows she was quite talented and had amazing business acumen.

http://www.aoltv.com/2011/08/05/lucille-ball-100th-birthday-i-love-lucy/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk1%7C221115

I was surprised at some of the shows she was producer of, like Star Trek and Mission Impossible.

About once a week I post a link to houses I would like to live in and here are this week's houses.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/gorgeous-private-island-homes-for-sale/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk1%7C221175

My favorite is the first house pictured.

Now a story that is going to a dog.

http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/126841893.html

Make sure you click on the link to Truman's web page. Then anytime you want to smile you can click on the link!

Comment away and then go out and have a great Saturday.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Discrimination, Taxes, & Water.

Back at home and enjoying the cool morning. It is going to be a little hotter today, close to 90. But I will take that over most of the country. In Dallas they are now in their 35TH day in a row of triple digit heat. 109 two days ago, 108 yesterday and predicted for today. It has been so hot there for so long that according to some reports air conditioners have began to melt.

A couple of days ago my friend Ted called and said he wanted to meet with to discuss something personal. I am off to downtown Portland to meet him at a Starbucks in what they call the cities "living room", also known as pioneer square. I really don't like going to downtown Portland because parking is either a nightmare or expensive. However, I am kind of afraid what is going on in Ted's life. In a bit of perception about three weeks ago I called him to check in on him and when I hung up my immediate reaction was "there is something wrong with him." Then less than two weeks later I get a call to meet to discuss "something personal."
I hope it is good news but I am afraid it isn't. More along the lines of a divorce or an illness. Prayers and good thoughts would sure be appreciated.

Discrimination is still going strong, just a different type of discrimination.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/08/03/why-charges-of-age-discrimination-are-on-the-rise/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec3_lnk2%7C83145

Taxes usually depresses Pat but I am sorry, Pat, I found the following article and results of the survey pretty interesting:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/04/irs-incomes_n_918458.html

In kind of disturbs me that at a time with the so called job creators are paying no taxes that jobs are not being created and unemployment statistics aren't get any better.

Since some of my followers may think I am all wet for posting the above and others may think I am from another planet I found an article that combines water and planets:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2011/08/markings-may-indicate-water-on-mars.html

Comment Away.

QUOTES

Former First Lady Barbara Bush authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote is "It is not easy to be a pioneer -- but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world." - was authored by an answer to a woman featured as a Who Am I of the day. One of the first women to be featured. The doctor was born in 1821 and died in 1910. She was the third of nine children and when she lost six sisters and two brother she decided to enter a man's world and became the first woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree. Banned from practice in most hospitals, she was advised to go to Paris, France and train at La Maternité, but had to continue her training as a student midwife, not a physician. While she was there, her training was cut short when she caught a serious right eye infection, purulent ophthalmia, from a baby she was treating. She had to have her right eye removed and replaced with a glass eye. This loss brought to an end her hopes to become a surgeon. In 1857, she long with her sister Emily and Dr. Marie Zakrzewska, founded their own infirmary, the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children, in a single room dispensary near Tompkins Square in Manhattan. During the American Civil War, she trained many women to be nurses and sent them to the Union Army. Many women were interested and received training at this time. After the war, she had time, in 1868, to establish a Women's Medical College at the Infirmary to train women, physicians, and doctors. Today is a hard one but I have faith that you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

DNA, Concussions, & Heartburn

First D.B. Cooper. Now Ted Bundy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/02/ted-bundys-dna-fbi-database_n_916127.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%7C82830

Frankly, I think putting out Bundy's DNA is a great idea if it can solve some murders and finally give victims' relatives some peace of mind.

What makes this kind of weird is that I am reading Catherine Coulter's newest novel, SPLIT SECOND. The plot is that Ted Bundy's daughter is now out there doing her dad proud by becoming a serial killer. Interest read though.

How about you, do you think putting Bundy's DNA out there is a good idea?

From DNA to two medical issues.

Concussions among teens:

http://news.yahoo.com/concussion-program-aims-test-1-million-kids-150255174.html

As someone who has had more than one concussion. I think this is a great idea. You?

Do you know the difference between indigestion and heartburn? You really should and I am here to help you out:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/heartburn-and-indigestion-whats-the-difference.aspx?xid=aol_eh-digest_24-_20110801&aolcat=ESO&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%7C82766

Comment Away.

QUOTES

Dolly Parton authored yesterday's quote. Today's quote is "Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps, and preside over the White House as the President's spouse. I wish him well!" The mother and wife of a president that was born in 1925 and is still kicking. As wife of the Vice President and then President, she has supported and worked to advance the cause of universal literacy. In 1953, her daughter, Robin, died of leukemia. It severely affected her and is the incident that is credited with beginning to turn her hair from a light brown color to chalk-white. She disclosed she was suffering from an overactive thyroid ailment known as Graves' disease when she lived at the White House. Her husband came down with the same malady not long after his wife. It is rare for two biologically unrelated people in the same household to develop Graves disease within two years of each other. Their dog, Millie, came down with Graves' disease, too, although there are reports that she had a different auto-immune disease, lupus. Who authored today's quote?

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Legal Eagles.

All legal, all the time.

Good cop:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/02/morning-rush-best-morning_n_916162.html#s320179&title=Today__Police

Bad journalism:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/01/wbbm-distorts-child-inter_n_914884.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-sb-n%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk1%7C220677

Good Journalism. This is from DanaRae.

http://usa.goooh.com/2011/03/16/taxes/charley-reeses-final-column-why-we-have-taxes-and-deficits/

Comment Away.

QUOTES

Loretta Young authored yesterday's quote. "If you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain." was said by an actress, singer, writer, multi-instrumentalist, philanthropist, and known for two other things. She is still alive and still famous. She was born in 1946. She, Jane, and Lily were well known one year for working from NINE TO FIVE. She is one of the most successful female country artists, garnering the title of "The Queen of Country Music," with 25 number-one singles. and a record forty-one top-10 country albums. She has the distinction of having performed on a top-five country hit in each of the last five decades and is, along with Reba McEntire, one of the only two country artists having had No. 1 singles in each of four consecutive decades. She was one of twelve children. Do you know where THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS is? If you do you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Inspiring, Legal Cheating, & Turning Red.

Are you tired of the debt ceiling talk? Amidst the bull and idiotic political wrangling is one shining moments that all can appreciate. All of us can stand and cheer the following story:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-debt-giffords-20110802,0,4910712.story

We need more like her in Congress.

You all know one of my favorite subjects is the lottery. I even go so far as to often list my occupation as "future lottery winner." According to the following article it does pay quite well, but it has a high investment:

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/08/01/elderly-couple-cheats-lottery-win-millions/

How long before they close this loophole.

Have you ever played that game where you hold your breath until you turn blue? I haven't but the following article tells of a body of water that held its breath until it turned red.

http://news.yahoo.com/end-times-texas-lake-turns-blood-red-121202631.html

Comment Away.


QUOTES

The author of yesterday's quote was Mother Teresa. Today's quote author, Bill actually met in the long ago past. "A charming woman doesn't follow the crowd. She is herself.." And Bill can tell you she was very charming. This actress was born in 1913 and died in 2000. She started as an actress at the very young age of four. At age 35 she won the best actress award for being some FAMER'S DAUGHTER. She made her last movie when she was forty. She would later win three Emmys for a TV series bearing her name. Her trademark was to appear dramatically at the beginning in various high fashion evening gowns. She returned at the program's conclusion to offer a brief passage from the Bible, or a famous quote, that reflected upon the evening's story. (her introductions and conclusions to her television shows were not rerun on television because she legally stipulated that they not be; she did not want the dresses she wore in those segments to "date" the program.) Her program ran in prime time on NBC for eight years, the longest-running prime-time network program hosted by a woman up to that time. Who authored today's quote?

Monday, August 1, 2011

Sugar Daddys, Who He Is, & Doga

A surprising but in my mind a disturbing trend:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/29/seeking-arrangement-college-students_n_913373.html?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk1%7C220630

Certainly the bad economy has a lot to do with this trend but I am just thinking there are to many risks out there to make money this way. What do you think? Good idea or bad idea?

Could we really be close to finding out who one of the most infamous character in history really is?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/01/fbi-credible-lead-surfaces-in-db-cooper-case/?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk1%7C220643

What do you think happened to D.B. Cooper? I think he is most likely dead now. But I don't think he died the day of the hijacking. My guess is he sold the money on the black market, had a sex change, and lived his life out as a woman. What do you think happened?

Next up is a story about Yoga going to the dogs:

http://news.yahoo.com/let-dogs-yoga-class-100433216.html

Is doga a good idea?

Comment Away.

QUOTES

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." Said the religious woman born in 1910 and died in 1997. Many people called her Mother and that she was. She often said we will have nun of that that. For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying. Her Missionaries of Charity grew during her life-time, and at the time of her death, they had 610 missions in 123 countries, including hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, soup kitchens, children's and family counseling programs, orphanages, and schools. As a young woman she wrote in her diary that her first year as a missionary was fraught with difficulties. She had no income and had to resort to begging for food and supplies. She experienced doubt, loneliness and the temptation to return to the comfort of convent life during these early months. She wrote in her diary: "Our Lord wants me to be a free nun covered with the poverty of the cross." Who Authored today's quote?