TheDahnReport

UPDATE

2012-01-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

Been a busy morning. Paying bills. Doing my own books. Cleaning house. After I post this blog entry then it is finishing Mom's books and working on a client's books. Let's do updates today. We haven't hard from Dona for a very long time. Maybe she will check in. Mary Z has also been missing in action. I am going to check both of their blogs this afternoon and will report back if I find anything out.

Last week. Sunday a day of rest. Monday errands and work. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at Mom's. That include some nice dinners at home and some nice dinners out. Several games of Scrabble. On Wednesday afternoon some of Mom's friends came over and played bridge with her. I got the tables and house all set up for the game and then spent the afternoon playing and running errands for Mom. We also played a lot of Scrabble the days bridge didn't take over. Somewhere during the week I fought off fifteen cop cars and a murder suspect. Friday I went to the movie, ONE FOR THE MONEY. It is based on Janet Evanovich's first book. I thought the casting was off but the movie wasn't half bad. I would have had either an unknown or Sandra Bullock as Plum, Banderas as Ranger, and someone else as Morrelli. On Saturday I took Mom to lunch.

Coming up next week. Today is work. Tomorrow is dinner with the family. Tuesday is the movie THE ARTIST. Wednesday and Thursday are at Mom's. Friday is getting ready of reporting for work the following week. Saturday is more of the same.

That's my weeks. Last and next. Now it is your turn. Tell me what is going on with you. Spill your guts, tell me your secrets, and post anything you damn well please.

Building Love.

2012-01-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

Did you ever play with Leggos as a kid? As an adult? I did and I found the following video kind of interesting:

http://www.aol.com/video/teens-send-lego-man-80000-feet-into-space/517256842/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D130651

We often built buildings with Leggos and the buildings were often beautiful. We never thought about marrying one of the buildings that we created, however. Is that to our credit or our detriment?

http://www.kimatv.com/news/entertainment/Woman-set-to-marry-building-undeterred-by-demolition-work-138165759.html

If you decide to shred your all of your cash and don't really don't know what to do with it here is an idea for you:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/billion-euro-home_n_1230261.html?ref=weird-news&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D130099

Off to Mom's to do her books and then take her to lunch!

Comment Away.

No Shots Fired

2012-01-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

Why is the blog starting out today with a picture of car parked right in front of my house?

I spent Wednesday night and most of Thursday at Mom's. We decided to go out to dinner. I went home to change clothes. I was getting in my car when the pictured car came flying around my corner followed by fifteen police cars (I later counted). Pictured car stops. Police stop and block my driveway, guns drawn. "Back in your house. " I followed orders. Man on ground. Dog searching suspect's car. Four officers behind shield with guns still drawn walk toward pictured car, check trunk, nothing in it. After about thirty minutes I was allowed out of my driveway, police holding the tape up so I could get out of the driveway and on my way to Mom's. Officer asked how long I would be gone and when I answered I was told by the officer that if the tape was up when I got back that I would have to park on the street. When I got back from Mom's police tape was gone but suspect car's was still there.

Here is the beginning of what took place:

http://sherwood.katu.com/news/news/455994-man-shot-and-killed-outside-aloha-grocery-store

A witness followed the suspect and called 911 when they got close a street called Scholls Ferry Road, which is the dividing line between Beaverton/Tigard/Sherwood the cops took chase after him as he speed down Roy Rogers Road. The cops blocked Roy Rogers Road to keep the suspect from going to a main highway, 99-W and forcing him to turn on Borchers. The blocked Borchers at Daffodil basically forcing him to turn on Daffodil. Had he been going any faster he would have landed in my drive way as I live on the corner of Daffodil and Borchers.

Some follow-up. They think the man murdered his daughter's ex boyfriend as part of a custody dispute. The grocery store where the murder took place is about ten miles from where I live. But I have a connection there too. Remember when I used to donate my time to sell hot dogs to raise money to buy shoes and socks for grade school kids that couldn't afford their own? I sold them in front of the store where the murder took place. The store mentioned in the article donated the hot dogs and buns and the space where we sold them.

I really wasn't scared until I got to Mom's and she was so scared. I had called her to tell her I would be late and why. It really scared her and that scared me. I never thought of stray bullets, I thought I was pretty safe with that many police folks in front of my house. Mom thought of stray bullets.

And another added note Roy Rogers Road is not named after the famous cowboy. It is named after a local CPA and Washington County (my county) and commissioner.
That's it for the day. Blog back to normal tomorrow.

Holster your guns and comment away.

PS

When the story was on the news this morning there was a clear picture of my house when they showed the officers searching the suspect's car and scanned the neighborhood. Better my house then me!

Watch.

2012-01-26T09:26:00.001-08:00

Watch what you eat:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/bunmi-sobowale-blinded-paralyzed-food-allergies_n_1232249.html?1327532936&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D130339

Watch how you feel.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/bird-flu-mutation-studies-h5n1-influenza-_n_1231393.html?ref=science&ir=Science&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D130336

Watch where you go:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/travel-leisure/americas-rudest-cities-ph_b_1224063.html?ref=travel&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D129595

Comment Away.

Accidental Inventions.

2012-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Movies are on my mind with the Oscar Nominations out yesterday. Here is a movie story that I guarantee you everyone will enjoy:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/21/tuskegee-airmen-red-tails-los-angeles_n_1212214.html?ref=black-history-month&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D129626

Do you think it takes a lot of genius to invent something? Or is luck your style?

http://www.aol.com/video/10-accidental-inventions/517251435/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D129769

Did you ever wonder the difference between conservatives and liberals? Wonder no more.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/conservatives-liberals-do_n_1223095.html?ref=science&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl20%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D129644

Comment Away.

Lotteries, Mysteries, & Movies.

2012-01-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

Heading out to Mom for two nights three days there. Before heading out am posting today's entry and starting out with a charming story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/napolean-elvord-lottery-winner_n_1223984.html?1327353017&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D129627

It really should have been my win but I am happy to let him have the glory. Sounds like he needed a boost.

Do you like mysteries? I do:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/air-force-x-37b-space-plane-purpose-robot-unmanned_n_1224373.html?1327354562#s516461&title=X37B_Unmanned_Space

What do you think the secret plane is doing? I'm thinking it is trying to find out how many of us use coupons. What is your guess?

Today they announced the Oscar Nominations. They changed again how many pictures can be nominated for best picture. It can be anywhere from five to ten. First it was five. Then it was ten. Now it is anywhere from five to ten. If there are only six movies in a year that are good enough for Oscar consideration then six will be nominated. This year nine were nominated. I've seen five of them. The five I have seen:

War House - to me this was the best movie of the year. About a house during World War I.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - touching movie about 9-11 with a boy searching for his father. Not enough screen time for Hanks or Bullock. To much time for the young actor discovered during Teen Week on Jeopardy, Thomas Horn.

Moneyball - True story about the Oakland Athletics winning the championship without giving players big contracts. Well acted. A little slow.

The Descendants - End of life decisions. Extremely well-acted. Moral decisions. My second favorite movie of the year.

The Help - Maids in Jackson, Mississippi during the sixties. My third favorite movie. Humorous and touching scenes.

The ones that I haven't seen but will:

The Artist - a celebration of silent movies.

The Tree Of Life - Three brothers in the 1950s with the eldest watching the loss of interest.

Hugo - magical better scene in 3D. A young orphan living in a Paris train station uncovers a mystery that jeopardizes his secretive way of life.

One I may or may not see. I am boycotting Woody Allen movies and have for a long time. I just don't think men should marry their daughters step or otherwise.

Midnight In Paris - A romantic comedy about a family traveling to the French capital for business

Here is my dilemma. My goal every year is to see every movie nominated for The Oscars. I've met that goal two out of the last three years. I didn't go to 127 last year because I knew the story and didn't want to watch a man cut off his arm. My question is should I see Midnight In Paris. What is more important, my boycott of Woody Allen or leaving my goal to see all nominated movies wanting?

Comment Away.

Monday, Monday.

2012-01-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

Let's start the week off with a question:

http://news.yahoo.com/no-wikipedia-internet-went-down-233050046.html

What would you do if the Internet went down? I'd cry and then I would go back to my old ways. Would that be a bad thing?

Instead of ordering sandwiches over the Internet, I might go to a restaurant. Maybe there would be some surprises waiting for me:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/20/modern-art-sandwiches_n_1217536.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D129077

I am hoping for a Norman Rockwell sandwich.

Let's end Monday with a bit of good news:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/01/20/low-birth-weight-linked-to-autism-spectrum-disorder_n_1218357.html

If we can help find the cause of autism then the cure can't be far behind.

Comment Awat

Celebration In Pictures

2012-01-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

Before today's post just want to invite you to post an update on your lives today. Catch me up on what is going on with you.

Today's post is Mom's last night 96TH birthday party as narrated by Mom herself.

Come here often? A New York style deli in Sherwood, Oregon. Definitely.

They are known for big and delicious deserts.

I am how old!! Doesn't matter I still wouldn't mind taking Brad Pitt out behind the barn.

I am lucky to have a beautiful daughter & handsome son-in-law. I don't look damn bad either.

Having good friends is one of the secrets of living a long life.

This is Marion, Belva, Don, and Susan the caregiver

This is Rod (Marion's husband, Cousin Belva and her husband.

Sometimes I wonder about my children but I know the waitress loves me.

Bring on the free desert!

Updates & Birrthdays

2012-01-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

Before posting today's entry DR asked for some updates on my relatives that were dealing with some health issues. Cousin Jack died of prostate cancer about a month ago. Cousin Lavelle is managing her two cancers well and seems to be doing well. Mark W, the CPA that bought my business, brokeup with his power to downsize to just doing the clients that he likes and are easy to deal with (like Pat). His prostate cancer is controlled and his heart test have come out well but he is on blood pressure medicine. My other friend Mark that lost his wife the same week of his prostate cancer surgery is still struggling. More with the loss of his wife than with his cancer. He said the holidays were very hard.

I am not sure you remember Kaye. She used to post on the blog. She is from Texas and works for the Social Security Department. The reason she quit posting is she met a very nice man, Dave, and has been concentrating on that relationship. I go this email from her a few days ago:

"Dave will be having brain surgery in about 2 weeks to remove an aggressive growing tumor from the left side of his brain. That's in the area of speech and language. They sent him home from the hospital today to start steroid treatments to reduce the swelling before the surgery.

This all started the Sunday before Veterans Day in November. Dave came home from picking up some groceries and as we unpacked them, he was having difficulty in coming up with a word. Well, we all have that problem now and then. But this was really frustrating him. I asked him to try to write it down, and he wrote a 5 character word of all consonants. He tried to log into his computer, but the letters on the keys looked foreign. Suspecting a stroke, I took him to the ER. While in the ER, he had a seizure. After a 24 hour period of just about every test one could think of, Dave was diagnosed with a gray area in the left part of his brain."

She is asking for prayers and of course both her and Dave have mine.

Just a couple of articles today. I kind of hope we nail Mom's birthday dinner tonight:

http://news.yahoo.com/no-joke-3-inch-nail-removed-ill-mans-080153858.html

Mom is an animal lover and I hope the animal in the following article does prevent a nuclear war during the rest of your lifetime:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/17/dolphins-iran_n_1211412.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D129191

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM. REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING PICTURE IS 96 YEARS-OLD SO IF YOU WANT A CLEARER LOOK JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE IT:

Comment Away.

The Late Bill Dahn

2012-01-20T14:11:00.000-08:00

It has been a really busy day so far. I've been going since early this morning. Mom's birthday is tomorrow so had to do some things related to that. So far this morning, didn Mom's grocery shopping and delivered them to her house. Went to the bank. Bought Mom's birthday gift and card. Met with a friend for lunch. I called Rose's the restaurant where we are taking Mom tomorrow. They don't take reservations but I thought I should warn them that fourteen of their closest friends will be walking through their doors at 4:30 tomorrw. Then did my own grocery shopping. Shoot I haven't even had time to respond to emails. I know I owe DR a couple of responses.

We haven't done open houses for a while:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/01/20/open-houses-of-the-week-jan-20-22/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D128949

I like the ones in Los Angeles, Austin, and Portland.

I've come up with a surefire way to get enough money to buy one or two of them:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/19/what-would-you-do-with-a-billion-dollar-bank-error/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D128864

After buying the three our four houses in the first article you will still have a lot of money left over to buy a few bottles of soda. Want to know what to do with the bottles?

http://www.stylelist.com/chris-barnes/5-new-uses-for-soda-bottles_b_1213808.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D128725

Comment Away

Animal Magic

2012-01-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

OK, I admit I am sucker for unusual animal stories. Does it make me squirrelly?

http://www.katc.com/news/acadiana-painting-squirrel-hits-national-spotlight/

Click on the blue arrow at the top of the page to start the video.

How about another animal story?

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/pet-dog-saves-two-children-deadly-snake-145606809.html;_ylt=AlDygBXI6oasunkxkvOW5dSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNta29nZ2RqBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDYzEwOTFkMjctNmIxOS0zYzlmLWJhMjctZDhmM2EwODQ5M2ZjBHBvcwMxNgRzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgNiOTNlYzZhMC00MmFkLTExZTEtYmZmZi1mZDIxYWI2ZDg5ZjM-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

The dog is braver than I would be. I hate snakes. I see one I am out of there.

From animals to another stupid school story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/18/new-york-schools-strict-b_n_1214363.html?ref=new-york&ir=New%20York&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D128678

Everything I have read on the subject says it is very unhealthy to hold it.

Comment Away.

Order In The Court.

2012-01-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Back to our normal abnormal weather. Just wind and rain. Going over to Mom's about eleven this morning and returning tomorrow night at about eight. Since the weather (translated bad drivers) caused a lot of accidents the last few days and no doubt some lawsuits will arise from those accidents the first couple of articles are about lawsuits.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/01/17/chicago-secretary-fired-working-during-lunch-wins-court-battle/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D12845

Frankly, I think this should have been settled long before it got to court..

Next up is one of those head shakers:

http://autos.aol.com/article/why-a-convicted-drunk-driver-is-suing-his-victims/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D128184

I am not really sure how I feel about this. I am totally against causing the victim's family more pain. However, if he really was railroaded then he deserves his day in court. Speaking of head shakers here is a not court head shaker:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/17/missing-colo-man-found-de_n_1210084.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D128263

How in the world did this happen? I thought the restrooms in theaters were required to be cleaned daily. Wouldn't someone notice within several days that the restroom wasn't being used?

Comment Away

Snow & Procrastination

2012-01-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

The snow is still falling but sticking sometimes and not sticking sometimes. Supposed to be like this until noon tomorrow. Bean a lot of accidents because people just don't adjust their driving habits to the road conditions. Some end up in the hospital:

http://news.yahoo.com/man-stable-condition-44-million-hospital-bill-075830021--abc-news.html;_ylt=AjnqwOdoDLvQ83v_sG3UAlms0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtdWd2a201BG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDZWU1MTYxM2EtMzcyZi0zM2I5LThiMWUtZDVjN2E3Nzk4YjYwBHBvcwMxMwRzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgMxNzA4MTM5MC00MDQyLTExZTEtYTVjZC1hZjQ0NGMyN2Q0MzA-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

So what would you do if you had gotten this bill?

We need some good news today after yesterday was the saddest day of the year:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/14/samantha-garvey-homeless-teen-intel-prize-house_n_1206360.html?1326585704&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D127662

With the snow coming down some people find it as an excuse to procrastinate. Why make excuses for something can be defined as being good for you:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-tai/why-procrastination-is-a-_b_1199981.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D127196

Comment Away

Awards & Sadness

2012-01-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

Are you sad today? Even though it is a holiday? Apparently you are not alone:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/the-saddest-days-of-the-year.aspx?xid=aol_eh-news_12_20120109_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D127519

I enjoyed watching the Golden Globe Awards last night. Here is the listing of the best quotes of the night:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/jan/16/golden-globes-2012-quotes?newsfeed=true

My favorite was from Octavia Spencer, best supporting actress for The Help. "Dr. King said it best: all labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance."

Following is the list of the winners:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/partial-list-of-winners-for-the-69th-annual-golden-globe-awards/2012/01/15/gIQAXANs1P_story.html?tid=pm_entertainment_pop

Here is my take on the telecast. My favorite winner was the aforementioned Octavia Spencer. She brought humbleness to the award show. I also liked Morgan Freeman receiving the lifetime achievement award. His presenter, Sidney Poitier, brought class to the show. Matt Lablanc's acceptance speech was really charming. Christopher Plummer was a class act. I really didn't like the host, Ricky Gervais. He is an obnoxious, classless, no talent human being best left in the background never to appear in public again. I didn't really like any of the TV awards because they were from shows I've never watched. Why can't Covert Affairs or White Collar win an award once in a while.

I have seen some of the winning movies. The Descendants was a very good movie about end of life decisions. I liked The Help for its acting, period costumes, humor and history.

I plan on seeing The Artist as our friend Shirley has given it some thumbs up. Right now it is playing only in downtown Portland and I am adverse to the cost of parking and the trip down there. I am waiting for it to expand to the burbs. I plan on seeing Hugo, My Week With Marilyn, Beginners, and The Iron Lady.

That is it for the day. Enjoy the holiday, after you Comment Away.

Party

2012-01-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Party last night:

http://www.thirstbistro.com/

Your good vibes worked as there was no snow and we made it safely to and from the party. The party was held at the Thirst Wine & Restaurant Bar. It sits on the waterfront in downtown Portland with a beautiful view of the Willamette River. They had a nice buffet set out and all during the night a waiter or waitress would bring a plate of stuff in addition to the buffet. Pork sandwiches and chicken skewers for example were not part of the buffet but were served throughout the night. We had a great bartender. Everyone there was very relaxed. Amy the receptionist that has now been promoted to solely doing tax returns brought her baby that was born in August. Cute as a darn button. Nancie being the nice person she is kind of looked out for the baby so Amy could have the night off. Nancie and Amy developed a friendship when Nancie worked at the firm. I go a real surprise when they gave me a holiday card and inside was a crisp fifty dollar bill. What meant more than the money was the thought. It is so nice that they appreciate me.

Speaking of that. The last three years I have been sitting at desk back in the warehouse. This year they remodeled the firm and added an office. I am going to be in that office now. A nice office with a door and everything!

The Weather Today:.

The vibes worked well but this morning the snow started to fall. When I woke up this morning there was no snow just a little ice. After an hour of Sunday Paper surfing I looked outside and there was an inch of snow on the ground. It has been snowing off and on, some sticking, some not. In a real weird quirk it snows harder in the front yard then the backyard. It is predicted to be doing this on and off for the next three days. I cancelled my lunch with Mom today and it just seems like a good day to read, watch football, pay bills, and work around the house.

A LOOK BACK.

Last week was a full week. The party last night was insightful in some ways. Even though Nancie and I went our separate ways it was really nice having her there. That feeling of being a fifth wheel kind of disappeared. Friday was the seminar and I learned a few things, like accounting seminars are boring. Thursday, Wednesday, and Tuesday were at Mom's and after a tense day on Tuesday the other days were fun and pleasant. Monday was errands and work. Sunday was taking Mom to lunch.

A LOOK FORWARD

Looks like an easy week which will allow be the time I need to get ready to go back to work. Today it is home rule. At home and doing little things that need to be done. Of course there will be time to watch The Golden Globe Award show. Tomorrow is a movie and some shopping. At the party when the gift game was going on I "stole" a book store gift card from Tony. The gift game. Everyone draws numbers. Then gifts are picked in number order. If you don't like the gift you got, you can steal someone else's gift and then they pick what was going to be your gift for themselves. I was number 12. The best gift was a Barnes & Noble gift card. I stole it from Tony. He was kind of disappointed so I thought I would use part of the card to buy him a book. Tuesday is another errand day. Wednesday and Thursday are at Mom's. Friday is lunch with friend. Saturday is Mom's 96th birthday.

The blog is now yours. Give me an update on your lives. Post anything you damn well please. Then? Comment Away.

Party, Snow, & Taxes.

2012-01-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

I do not know what this day will bring. The company party is tonight at 6:00. I am picking up Nancie at 5:30 and then heading to downtown Portland where the party is. I asked Nancie to go with me because I just couldn't see two cars fighting for parking spaces. These are the plans. However, the weatherman is predicting snow tonight. Anywhere from one inches to five inches of snow coming anywhere between this afternoon and after ten tonight. I am thinking it will mean leaving the party early rather than not go to the party. Wish me safe travels and the snow holds off until after ten tonight after I have arrived safely home.

Since this is a party of CPA types let's talk taxes:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/06/tax-season-scam-how-to-avoid-fake-refund-con-identity-theft/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D12715

And since most of us are sit at the desk types I am kind of excited about the next article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/12/exercise-pill-irisin_n_1202672.html?1326401107&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D127254

After I get home tonight and hopefully then watch the snowfall through my window to the backyard I am going to try to get warm. Keeping warm can sometimes being expensive. Now I have some hints on how to keep costs down:

http://www.stylelist.com/2012/01/10/cheap-ways-to-stay-warm-in-winter_n_1196738.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D127133

Comment Away.

The Best Of The Best.

2012-01-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

Off to a seminar today. This one is put on by the seasonal employer of mine and I actually get paid for it. Before leaving thought I would post some articles about the best of the best. Certainly head shakers.

By the way the last two days at Mom's were great so another troubling day is firmly in the background.

Now on to people that have risen to important jobs and jobs of leadership.

The best economists in America:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/business/transcripts-show-an-unfazed-fed-in-2006.html?_r=1&ref=binyaminappelbaum

From the best economists in America to our cherished congress and their leadership abilities:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/congressional-wildfire-office-pool-angers-firefighters/2012/01/12/gIQAMTwqvP_story.html

On to another leadership position:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/12/fl-principal-faces-charge_0_n_1201548.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D127278

In all of the articles are people that reached the height of success in their occupation and ended up with well paying leadership positions. I would listen to and place my money on anyone that reads this blog before I would listen to these doofuses. How is it that they end up rich and we stay poor?

Comment Away.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream.

2012-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

I came home from Mom's this morning and there was a package on my porch. I am sure most of you remember Shirley from S16. She and her husband went to this year's Rose Bowl Parade and Game. She knew I was a big Oregon fan. The package was the Program for this year's Rose Bowl. I was really pleased.

By the way the day at Mom's was much better yesterday. The argument from the night before was pretty much forgotten. Probably best. It certainly made for less stress and more enjoyment.

To celebrate let's start out with a good story:

http://news.yahoo.com/diver-finds-class-ring-tracks-down-owners-family-131931842.html

Which is louder a chainsaw or a hospital room? Don't be so quick to answer:

http://news.yahoo.com/hospital-rooms-may-nearly-noisy-chainsaws-study-163148732.html

If you want some peaceful rest don't go to the hospital!

Speaking of loud noise the following article about scream rooms just makes me wonder how such stupid people get in charge of schools.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/outrage-over-scream-rooms-connecticut-elementary-school-163557778.html;_ylt=Amuh6iomHhpnRBBrn2LehvGs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtYWFiYW5uBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDMTQzZDU0MWYtMDg5Yi0zOGE3LWE1NDYtMzM3NDFjMDYxZDJkBHBvcwMxNARzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgNhNjdiZDE1MC0zZDNjLTExZTEtYmRlMy00YTIxNDQwNWNjMjk-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Comment Away

Staying Healthy

2012-01-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

How about health today? Seems like a good thing after a tense day at Mom's yesterday. I am hoping I can get over the hurtful things said so that today is more pleasant. I am going to do my best. It is the best way to stay healthy.

Old news for many but still worth sharing:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/0109/red-wine-study-hints-at-breast-cancer-benefit.aspx?xid=aol_eh-women_2_20120109_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D126092

Staying healthy and doing things into your nineties. A nice goal and charming when it succeeds:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/07/senior-athletes-masters-athletes-track-_n_1187679.html?ref=healthy-living&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D126050

I doubt very much that the star of the next article will live into his nineties. He is just to adventurous (translated, stupid.)

http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/an-interview-with-nik-wallenda-the-daredevil-who-will-tightrope/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D126075

Comment Away.

Unlinked

2012-01-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

Back to a two night, three day week at Mom's. Will head over there at two after lunch and be there until Thursday night. Of course there will be some excursions home during that time while Mom naps to take care of the blog, etc.

I am just doing what I think are interesting articles today. No common thread. It destroys my organized personality but so be it.

So might say the blog is going to the birds after reading the first article:

http://portlandtribune.com/sustainable/story.php?story_id=132613096747211700

From birds to some interesting research:

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/01/09/intel-exploring-ways-to-help-stephen-hawking-speak-again/

From research to the dangerous. Well at least what the TSA considers dangerous.

http://news.yahoo.com/tsa-defends-confiscation-mass-womans-cupcake-022436160.html

Comment Away.

Redux

2012-01-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to a good start for the week. Comments from frequent posters Pat and DR brought about links to the first two articles for the day.

In one of her comments Pat mention Arts From The Ashes. Here is a link to their home page:

http://www.artfromtheashes.org/exhibitions_deukmejian_pr.html

Make sure you go through the photo gallery.

DR has mentioned an article I posted on the blog a while back. Here is an update of The Happiness Project:

http://www.happiness-project.com/

I am seriously thinking about instituting the Happiness project in my life.

I certainly need to do something to make me happy after reading the following article:

http://news.yahoo.com/fred-got-two-beatings-per-day-homework-asks-230717586--abc-news.html;_ylt=AtiGwtppjrtQtwgx5M4Pbjms0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNqaTB0N2ozBGNjb2RlA2N0LmMEcGtnAzlhNzY0YjAwLTViNGYtM2NlNC04OGU5LWY5ZTI2MzJkZDA5YgRwb3MDMgRzZWMDbW9zdF9wb3B1bGFyBHZlcgNhMzgxYjM2MC0zOTg3LTExZTEtYjRmZi0xZTIyYmY3MGIwOTg-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Apparently stupidity reigns at the school in the above article. Isn't thinking required to be a teacher. It is teachers like the one in the article that give good hard working underpaid teachers a bad knock.

Comment Away.

Update

2012-01-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

Time to start of the year with an update. Been kind of bored the last three days. I cut my leg fairly deeply and per doctors orders have been staying off of it and elevating it. It looks like it is improving, slowly but it is improving. I wouldn't be disappointed in the least if you sent a few prayers and good thoughts my way.

Last week:

Sunday morning at Mom's. Monday at sisters watching the Rose Bowl. Yea Ducks. Tuesday was a business meeting then some banking that require visits to two banks. Also on Tuesday was some grocery shopping and light bulb changing. Lots of lights had went out over time and it just like it was about time I addressed the issue. Wednesday afternoon and night and all day Thursday were at Mom's. It was the first week since the middle of November that I only did one night at Mom's. Friday and Saturday were me days where I just did wound care on my leg.

Next Week:

Today it is more rest and elevation and taking Mom out to lunch. Tomorrow is shopping for tax season. Tuesday afternoon and night are at Mom's as is Wednesday all day and night. Thursday all day is at Mom's. Friday is a tax update seminar put on by the firm. Breakfast and lunch served and I get paid for it. Saturday is the company holiday party. Other than that nothing on the agenda.

Some of my goals for 2012 include:

Keeping my head out of the sand:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/carl-jara-takes-sand-scul_n_1185286.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D125499

Eating healthier:

http://gmctradesecrets.aol.com/cooking/healthy-brunch/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D125510

Being more artistic, which for me means to write more:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/05/war-veteran_n_1186687.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D125516Update me on your life and then comment away.

Pondering

2012-01-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

I have been spending the morning ponder whether or not I would make a good Wal-Mart greeter. Can't be to stressful. Certainly less stressful than doing taxes. I just not real happy about the lawsuits that employees have filed against them and in some cases won because of the way they treated employees. However, I discovered there is a new company on the horizon that very well could replace Wal-Mart as a leading employer:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/06/can-the-all-american-store-reverse-our-nations-walmartization/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D125582

I was also pondering where I could go to get out of the range of politicians. I'm just tired of their musings. What do you know, I found the perfect place to eat:

http://news.yahoo.com/hampshire-restaurant-bans-politicians-175602944.html

While eating I was pondering certain places. The way my mind works I just don't ponder the best places to visit, I ponder the places not to visit:

http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/worlds-worst-places-top-10-places-you-do-not-want-to-visit-in/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D125376

Do you think I would make a good Wal-Mart greeter? Would you go to a restaurant that banned politicians? Where would like not to vist?

Comment Away.

Monkeying Around

2012-01-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

This was front page news in today's Oregonian and in several papers nationwide:

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/317395

Amazing, no?

This was one of the top stories on the five o'clock news last night:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/0105/is-driving-with-a-cold-like-driving-drunk.aspx?xid=aol_eh-flu_4_20120102_&aolcat=ESO&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D125203

I usually don't drive that much when I have a cold, I just don't feel like. I feel like laying on the couch and complaining. Do you drive with a cold?

The rumor has it that colds can be caused by stress so stay away from these jobs:

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/01/04/10-most-stressful-jobs-of-2012/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D124922

Most of the jobs on the list don't surprise me, but event coordinator?

Comment Away.

Jury Duty & Reunions

2012-01-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

So far the first year has been without Drama. Been kind of laid back and casual. Watched The Rose Bowl on Monday. Tuesday had a business appointment and the did some banking, grocery shopping, and reading. Yesterday is Mom's banking, some Scrabble, and a night there. Today it is more grocery shopping, this time for Mom., and other errands for Mom. The more Scrabble and home by nine tonight. I wish I could say there were casual and laid back stories for today but nope.

Another reason to get out of jury duty:

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/01/04/woman-allegedly-fired-for-reporting-to-jury-duty/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D124922

I wonder what cave her boss has been living in. How many times have you heard that it is illegal to fire someone for doing jury duty? I've lost count.

Next up is reunion story number one:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/missing-dallas-teen-accidentally-deported-columbia-162535506.html;_ylt=Aopo9MUe.KS9vniJKvvOaZWs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNscWo5MDY3BG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDNTc3N2E1ZjUtZTA2NC0zNmUzLWI2NzktY2EyNzcxMDRiOWEzBHBvcwM5BHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyAzk2OTYzMDMwLTM3YmMtMTFlMS05ZmVlLTU5MmYzYThmNWYxZA--;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

What are the odds that the teen would use an alias that was in the system?

Closing out the day with reunion story number 2.

http://news.yahoo.com/florida-man-reunites-lost-kitty-colorado-004718978.html

Someone had to pick up the cat and took it to Colorado. That is my guess.

Comment Away.

Dancing Hookers & Politicians

2012-01-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Taking off today for one night at Mom's. The first week since the week before Thanksgiving that I have only done one night. I feel like dancing. So let's dance:

http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/01/video-mexico-city-street-performer-dances-to-michael-jackson/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D12456

The Iowa caucus was yesterday. I think one Republican candidate was screwed by the following endorsement:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/03/moonlite-bunnyranch-endorses-ron-paul_n_1181575.html?ref=weird-news&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D124579

We haven't had a good cry yet this year so get the tissues out:

http://news.yahoo.com/mom-reunites-biological-child-77-years-later-201717607.html;_ylt=AkbD5p.KHxRk2hhJp8plBxys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNqNHVldDg2BGNjb2RlA2N0LmMEcGtnAzY5YjIwYWQ1LTc1YmItMzhkZi1hYmI5LTdmNjI2NzM5M2QxMARwb3MDMgRzZWMDbW9zdF9wb3B1bGFyBHZlcgNmM2MyNzVmNi0zNTg4LTExZTEtYmIzYy1jYmU0Y2VhMGEwYWU-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Comment Away.

Studies

2012-01-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Rose Bowl Summary. It was the best game in the history of the Rose Bowl. Records set. The highest combined points by two team in the 117 years of the game. The longest run from scrimmage in the history of the game (91 yards by true Freshman DeAnthony Thomas). The most poins scored by a losing team. The most combined yards by the two teams in the history of the the game. My friend (DR's & Pat's) Shirley and her husband were at the game and her words were "incredibly exciting." These two teams could play ten times and Wisconsin would win five times and Oregon would win five times. Yesterday Oregon got the breaks. Oregon 45 Wisconsin 38.

On to today's entry which is all about studies.

First up is a study about a park I used to go to frequently as a child. Yellowstone National Park:

http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/01/02/yellowstone-wolves-help-resurgence-trees

From the good study to the bad one:

http://news.yahoo.com/bugs-may-resistant-genetically-modified-corn-213322828.html;_ylt=AgOa4au3idE.mNKKhlj4HSSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ3M3Y4ZmJyBG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBTY2llbmNlBHBrZwMyNDEwNDliMS1mM2MwLTMyYjUtYWNmZS1jYjk5Yzk5NDVjYjEEcG9zAzUEc2VjA01lZGlhU2VjdGlvbkxpc3QEdmVyAzYzOWIxMDUwLTMxYWYtMTFlMS1hYmZlLTUxNWRiNDBjMjU4Yw--;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

I am certainly hoping the corn survives. I can't go to a movie without eating popcorn.

From the bad study to the very troubling one:

http://news.yahoo.com/anger-over-secret-drug-trials-indian-children-001122860.html;_ylt=Aoq0lNs5_wZT_T3tOKK.TQCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ2OGkxOGt2BG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBIZWFsdGgEcGtnAzhkMjYyZTBjLWU1NWMtMzY0NC05NjEwLTdkMTcwNjBjY2Y5YgRwb3MDNQRzZWMDTWVkaWFTZWN0aW9uTGlzdAR2ZXIDNTVhZmYxYzAtMzYxNi0xMWUxLWFmZjUtNWIxZDVkNDIxZjI1;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Comment Away,

Good, Bad, Ugly, Part 2

2012-01-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Repeating the title because I am not very creative today. I am realling enjoying watching the Rose Parade this morning. It is bringing back memories of a New Years Day from my childhood. My dad sold TVs. Because he sold TVs they always gave him a demo for our house. This one year we were the first family in the neighborhood to have a color TV. Mom fixed a gigantic breakfast for friends, family, neighbors near and far. We had about forty people sitting at card tables around the living room watching the Rose Parade on a 19 Inch Color TV set while us kids served as unpaid waiters and waitresses.

Today is the Rose Bowl Game. Ellen, who posts once in a while, is from Wisconsin. I am from Oregon. I am guessing that Ellen is rooting for the Wisconsin Badgers. I am rooting for the Oregon Ducks? Whose side are you on? Both are great teams and this is going to be a great game, probably one of the best games of the year. GO DUCKS!!

On to the good:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/01/utah-river-rescue_n_1178931.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D124244

On to the bad:

http://news.yahoo.com/10-most-ridiculous-lawsuits-2011-175104066.html;_ylt=AvvDlx3aVfZisWSa59EPHEus0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNqYjRhbHYyBGNjb2RlA2N0LmMEcGtnA2U5MWQwM2E4LTczODQtMzZkYS1hMmRiLWI4NmNmNTUwYmIwYgRwb3MDMgRzZWMDbW9zdF9wb3B1bGFyBHZlcgMwMmUyZGM0MC0zM2Q4LTExZTEtYmJmZS01YjIwNTlmNTNiZjA-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Now the ugly. It really could be the stupid.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/01/michael-fuller-1-million-bill-walmart_n_1178855.html?ref=weird-news&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D124229

Comment Away.

And just in case I haven't said it. May the Rose Bowl be a great came with both teams playing their best, where there are no injuries for either team, and GO DUCKS.

January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Day everyone. Here is a quote by Brooks Atkinson that pretty much sums of my feelings about 2011:

"Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go."

Kind of being lazy today. I did stay up to see the New Year in. I was at Mom's and was the only one up to hear the fireworks. First time in a while that I saw the New Year in.

First up is an update to a previous article on the blog.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/12/30/103-year-old-woman-that-faced-eviction-gets-new-lease-on-life/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D124000

Happy endings always charm me.

What will 2012 bring with Medicare:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/01/2012-medicare-debate-is-a_0_n_1178374.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D124179

For those of you that believe in horoscopes:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tali-and-ophira-edut/horoscope_b_1152297.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D123982

I don't really believe in horoscopes but I think the are fun and interesting.

Comment Away!

Look In Back, Looking Forward.

2011-12-31T08:53:00.001-08:00

Are you wondering where Friday went?

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/12470080/friday-disappears-in-samoa-s-great-leap-forward/

An unusual look back at 2011:

http://news.yahoo.com/strictly-unusual-offbeat-stories-2011-200642943.html;_ylt=AsNR2cmo5E3vb4OQxusiEH2s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTN2Y2o2MmNnBG1pdANPZGQgRnJvbnQgUGFnZQRwa2cDYzA0NmZmYjgtYmYzNC0zODFhLWFhNzctYTdmNjIzNTgwNzgwBHBvcwM1BHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgM0NzY5MDk4MC0zMzI4LTExZTEtOTZlZi1mOWFhOTM2ZGZmZmE-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Let's look ahead to what is going to happen in 2012:

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/scott-galupo/2011/12/29/10-predictions-for-2012

I disagree with the Republicans taking control of the house. I think just the opposite. They lose control. They are getting the blame, fair or not, by the independants for the stalemates. Independants rule the elections.

.............................................................................

We interrupt this blog entry to inform you that the rest of the blog will be all about me.

Maybe at some point I will do a personal summary of 2011 but I am looking forward today and here are my personal goals for 2012:

Finding a caregiver for Mom who values their commitment to us instead of just valuing the commitment until something better comes a long.

Increase my productivity at my seasonal job.

More travel.

Less anger.

More dating.

Less alone time.

More writing.

Less procrastination.

Better health.

Less complaining.

More thinking about myself.

Less time at Mom's

That is a start for me. What are your goals?

Comment Away.

Love & Peace

2011-12-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

Before starting the blog entry today I wanted to pass on condolences to Pat, a main contributor to the blog. Her mom passed away yesterday. She was 105. What she must have seen during her lifetime. Our hearts go out to Pat.

In a world that is to angry, to busy, and to mean it is just a joy to know Love and Peace survived:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/12/portland_cat_on_second_life_an.html

I for one hope 2011 is better than 2012. I am hoping for more good luck. Now I know what to eat to bring on that good luck:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/23/new-years-good-luck-foods_n_1167701.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D123844

A couple of days ago was good riddance day. Maybe we shouldn't have been so fast to get rid of the junk:

http://www.stylelist.com/2011/12/15/home-makeover-junk-room-office_n_1150393.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D123615

Comment Away.

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

2011-12-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

Today let's do the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The good:

http://www.theboombox.com/2011/12/29/drake-karaoke-performance-with-fan-video/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D123640

I don't even know who Drake is but he gets my vote as the entertainer of the year.
The bad:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57349320/s.c-dems-seek-to-ban-mandated-cheerful-greeting/

I agree with the one comment that said both sides look moronic. The Democrats should have just kept there mouth shuts and worked on something more productive. And I if there weren't better things for the governor to spend her time on than happy greetings.

The ugly:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/kenneth-shaw-benefits-denied-boston-cop_n_1173315.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D123604

Certainly they could have found a solution to benefit the widow.

Comment Away.

Good Riddance Day

2011-12-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

Good Riddance. Why did I just type that? Because today is officially good riddance day. Get rid of the old, heck get rid of the new if you don't like it.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/water_cooler/good-riddance-day-say-goodbye-to-your-bad-memories-of-2011

What are you getting rid of today? Gosh I have so many choices!

There actually are a lot of people on the most admired men and women list of 2011 that I would like to get rid of:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-27/most-admired-people-2011/52243574/1Those that I want to get rid will remain nameless. I don't want to get rid of Ellen but tied with Margaret Thatcher?

Enough with admired people lets move on to us guys and our one track minds.

http://www.seventeen.com/health/tips/boys-and-sex

Comment Away.

Venting

2011-12-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas holiday is basically over, Hanukkah has a couple of days left, and the New Year holiday is on the Horizon. Today on the agenda is going to the bank and cash my brother's check so they have money for their trip home. They are leaving today. Then it is to a movie. Then to Mom's for the next three days. I am in the venting mode so here goes.

My brother and his wife keep down playing my time at Mom's. They make it sound like a walk in the park. According to them it is something that I would choose to do because it is so easy. Right, I would chose to give up ten years of my life to watch my Mom and Dad decline then die. Frankly, I am sick of tired of having what I do downplayed. Downplayed especially by the clueless that haven't done a damn thing just so they can smooth over their own guilt feelings.

I love my sister. Without my sister and her husband I would be dead. They have been a huge help. I respect both of them and would do anything for them. However, I get a little annoyed when she says "I am at Mom's all the time." Since the fourteenth of November I have done two to three nights a week. Next week will the first time in seven weeks that I will only be doing one night. So if she is there "all the time" what have I been doing?

Venting over. Now on to today's entry.

A new use for Facebook:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/26/mother-son-facebook-rescue_n_1170317.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D123146

A new use for virtual reality:

http://news.yahoo.com/doctors-look-treat-sick-children-virtual-worlds-055048383.html

With everyone gone it may be a like a ghost town around here:

http://main.aol.com/2011/12/21/ghost-towns-of-the-world-_n_1163227.html?1324496786&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D122705

Comment Away.

The Salt Of The Earth

2011-12-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

I have had a nice Christmas holiday. I've enjoyed the dinner outs and the visits from my Wyoming relatives (brother, his wife, niece, her husband and their three kids). I've enjoyed seeing the local relatives more frequently. It has been fun. But now I am ready to get back to normal. Normal schedules, normal life problems, normal life joys.

Sometimes the stress of holiday combined with overeating can result in heart attacks. The combined Christmas-New Year holiday results in more heart attacks than any other time of the year. What are the signs of a heart attack? We should all be familiar with them:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/what-is-a-heart-attack.aspx?xid=aol_eh-cardio_1_20111219_&aolcat=ESR&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D122674

Speaking of eating. Did you eat to much salt? Not enough? If you didn't get enough salt, I know just the place to go:

http://main.aol.com/2011/12/21/salar-de-uyuni-bolivias-s_n_1163363.html?1324496751&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D122703

Now that you know what to do in case of a heart attack we can talk taxes:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/12-money-saving-year-end-tax-tips/4693165/

Comment Away.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

I'm Walking Backwards for Christmas

poem by Spike Milligan

I'm walking backwards for Christmas,
Across the Irish Sea,
I'm walking backwards for Christmas,
It's the only thing for me.

I've tried walking sideways,
And walking to the front,
But people just look at me,
And say it's a publicity stunt.

I'm walking backwards for Christmas,
To prove that I love you.

An immigrant lad, loved an Irish colleen
From Dublin Galway Bay.
He longed for her arms,
But she spurned his charms,
And sailed o'er the foam away

She left the lad by himself, on his own
All alone, a-sorrowing
And sadly he dreamed, or at least that's the
way it seemed, buddy,
That an angel choir did sing -
An angel choir did sing.

I'm walking backwards for Christmas,
Across the Irish Sea.
I'm walking backwards for Christmas,
It's the finest thing for me.

And so I've tried walking sideways,
And walking to the front.
But people just laughed, and said,
"It's a publicity stunt".

So I'm walking backwards for Christmas
To prove that I love you.

If I could write words
Like leaves on an autumn forest floor,
What a bonfire my letters would make.
If I could speak words of water,
You would drown when I said
"I love you."

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Angels We Have Heard On High

2011-12-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

I often felt I've had at least two angels in heaven watching over me. Of course my dad. Then my cousin Debbie who left the world at the much to young age of fourteen.

Growing up we had a cabin at a resort area near Klamath Falls called Rocky Point. We owned the middle cabin. My Uncle Frank and Aunt Velma (set of parents number two) owned the cabin to the left as you faced the front of the cabins. And my grandmother (Nanny) and her husband Cecil owned the cabin to the right. Every other Christmas all of our families would meet at the cabins for an old fashioned Christmas. Yes we did exchange gifts but the gift exchange was just a small part of the holiday, hidden amongst the skiing, skating, sledding, game playing, cutting and putting up the tree, good conversation, eating some pretty darn good meals. There were always close to thirty of us. At the time I had my going CPA practice with over four hundred clients. There was a lot of preparatory work done each December to get ready for the onslaught of work heading my way in January. The four hundred organizers had to be printed, collated, stuffed in envelopes, stamped, and mailed. Supplies had to be order. The tax program had to be loaded and refined. Because of the volume of work I was always the last one leave Portland and the last one to arrive at the cabin. I with very few exceptions traveled alone.

One Christmas trip to the Cabin I will never forget. The cabins were roughly three miles from Portland. A few mountains along the way and some mountain roads when you got within an hour of the cabin. The cabins were roughly at the elevation of over four thousand feet. I had expertly navigated Interstate 5 and the Willamette pass was going over the mountain near the cabin. I don't if you have ever been in the mountains in Oregon at night but I can tell you that it is pitch black. There are no street lights. On a cloudy night stars don't help. Neither do headlights. They allow you maybe to see five feet. Believe me I am not taking literary license here, five feet is generous. I was the only car on the road. I was the only person in the car. The radio wasn't going (no reception. Then I heard it. Then I hear my Angel. My cousin Debbie's voice very clearly said "slam on your brakes." It scared the holy heck out of me but I listened. I slammed on my brakes. I missed a three hundred pound bear by inches. Had I not listened I would be dead.

I can't say for one hundred percent certainty that I believe in angels. I can't say for one hundred percent certainty that I don't believe in angels. I can say with one percent certainty that I experienced the un-explainable. More than once. Twice actually. The second story will go untold for the time being:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/12/23/national/a010142S14.DTL

Whether I believe or not I love the idea of angels. So pure. So beautiful.

Certainly there are earth angels:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/california-family-answers-balloon-letter-santa-5-year-old-girl-article-1.996392

Speaking of angels here on earth, lets here it for EMTS, First responders, and rescue workers:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/23/texas-family-rescued-from_0_n_1167788.html?ref=impact&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D122850

Comment Away

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

Only The Good

2011-12-23T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today it is only going to be good or fun stories.

First story is one about attack dogs. Hang in there it is a different type of attack.

http://www.pawnation.com/2011/12/21/puppy-swarm/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D122353

Would you want a dog to attack you like the above?

Did you build or have gingerbread houses when you were a youngster? We did.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/12/22/best-gingerbread-houses-ever/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl18%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D122595

Wow would I ever like to have some of those houses!

Next up is a story of the Christmas Spirit.

http://news.yahoo.com/wash-city-rallies-around-laid-off-diner-workers-183520542.html

Comment Away

Food, Cats, & Cars

2011-12-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

Last day at Mom's until Christmas Eve. Looking forward to a salad and a movie with Nancie tonight. Then tomorrow is day of rest.'

Everyone loves food. Everyone loves scandals. Does everyone love food scandals?'

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/16/food-scandals-2011_n_1154029.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D122073

Everyone loves babies. Everyone loves pets. Does everyone love pets and babies together?

http://www.pawnation.com/2011/12/20/cat-calms-crying-baby/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl18%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D122012

Not everyone loves insurance companies but thank goodness the man in the following story had insurance:

http://news.yahoo.com/man-crashes-lamborghini-6-hours-winning-153618061.html

Comment Away.

Cash, Fashion, & Memory Pills

2011-12-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Second day at Mom's I am enjoying the gig this week.

Just an update about a previous blog article. So far Secret Santas have paid off seven hundred thousand of lay away debt nationwide for unsuspecting folks in need. Started in Michigan and has spread nationwide. Wow.

Second day in a row I am starting the entry out with a good story.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/12/19/home-demolition-reveals-stash-of-cash-and-generous-heart/

Second day in a row is a men's fashion article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/19/ryan-gosling-fashion-2011_n_1158099.html

I always liked Ryan Gosling now I may have to start dressing like him.

Next up is some good news in the area of health!

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/super-memory-pill-possibly-alzheimer-cure-could-around-162010613.html

I'd certainly take the pill if needed. I hope it is on the market sooner than later.

Comment Away.

Good Stories, Underwear, Quotes, & Hanukkah

2011-12-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

First of three days at Mom's today. I have a business meeting at ten this morning, then lunch, then off to Mom's. I finished my Christmas shopping yesterday. I have a very nice young couple that lives next door. I came home a couple of days ago and on my porch was a bunch of homemade goodies. I finished my shopping by buying them a little plant. Now for the rest of the gifts the wrapping starts!

When my neighbor left the goodies it made me feel really good. That made me want to start the day off with a good story:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/12/19/sara-wood-free-home-operation-finally-home/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D121590

President Bill Clinton was once asked if it was boxers or briefs. He answered boxers. I am not going to really answer the question of boxers or briefs other to say I am presidential at times. Want to know what to buy the men in your life for Christmas:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/21/savings-experiment-mens-basics/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D121497

See if you follow the blog and you will learn more about Men's underwear than you ever wanted to know.

I don't have a quote of the day but I do have an article about quotes. The best movie quotes of 2012.

http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/12/12/best-movie-quotes-2011?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D121153

Hanukkah starts at sunset tonight and ends at sunset on the 29TH. Happy Hanukkah to those that celebrate it! And if anyone would like to learn about the history of Hanukkah they can read it about it here:

http://judaism.about.com/od/holidays/a/hanukkah.htm

Comment Away and then enjoy the day!

Warnings, Hope, & A Brush With The Sun

2011-12-19T07:07:00.000-08:00

Off to shower, then some final touches on Christmas shopping followed by taking Mom to the foot doctor and having minor foot surgery while I am there. Before leaving I thought I would leave you with;

A warning:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/christmas-tree-health-hazards-unwrapped.aspx?xid=aol_eh-news_4_20111212_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D120930

With some hope in the world of medicine:

http://news.yahoo.com/us-breakthrough-live-cancer-cells-061637346.html;_ylt=AgUR51vpUnkxYz6C18MBro.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ2azhqYjR0BG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBIZWFsdGgEcGtnAzU0YjhmY2VhLTRjODUtMzIzMy04YjQ2LTVhMTVkNmY2YWE3NgRwb3MDMwRzZWMDTWVkaWFTZWN0aW9uTGlzdAR2ZXIDMzM0ZmUyNzAtMmEyNy0xMWUxLWFlZjItYzkwNzRkZjM2MDg0;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

With an out of this world surprise:

http://news.yahoo.com/comet-defies-death-brushes-sun-lives-151858543.html

Comment Away.

Holiday Update

2011-12-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

am in the start of a busy week with a lot of out of town visitors. The blog may be hit and miss next week with family events and the like. The quote of the day will be on hiatus until the New Year. The blog will just be boring posts about articles or family interactions.

My nephew won his basketball game yesterday. They don't really keep score at that age but both my brother and I mentally kept score. That old competitive genes. My niece won both her basketball games and they do keep score at her age. They play in the championship game today at 4:40.

One the agenda last week. Sunday night and Monday night at Mom's. Tuesday and Wednesday a boring all day seminar. Thursday night was dinner with the family and then staying at Mom's until nine when the caregiver showed up. Friday was taking mom to the eye doctor. Saturday was two basketball games and Christmas shopping I only have one gift left to buy and one Christmas card.

Today it is breakfast with the boys, grocery shopping, pharmacy pickup and drop, and a basketball game. Monday is minor foot surgery and taking mom to the foot doctor. Tuesday and Wednesday are at Mom's. Thursday is a date with Nancie. Dinner and a movie. Friday I am disappearing. Saturday is overnight at Mom's

That is my update. What is yours?

Comment Away and share anything your little old hearts desire.

Off Today

2011-12-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

The author of yesterday's quote was Marliyn Monroe.

No blog entry today due to relatives and basketball. My brother is visiting from Wyoming. Their grandkids are playing in basketball games today. I am between watching the their grandson play and heading to watch their granddaughter play at 2.

Christmas shopping before and after. No time for blogging.

Will return tomorrow with a new entry.

The Season Of Miracles

2011-12-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

First up on the to do list is a haircut. Off to the lawnmower shop as soon as I post this. Second on the to do list is taking mom to the eye doctor. Third on the list is cleaning the downstairs bathroom and the kitchen. It really is a miracle for me to have clean bathrooms and kitchens. That is why the call this the season of miracles.

Coming back to life:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/15/dead-dog-returns-to-life_n_1151981.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D120590

Coming down to earth to help:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/officer-crawls-under-bus-comfort-woman-pinned-under-013738925.html;_ylt=AqGLtQfbXOkO6O1gqfLhTSGs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtajBwbGQ1BG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDMjg4OGEwODAtZTgyZC0zZWRiLThlODAtMDY4YThjZDQ1NDExBHBvcwMyMARzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgM3ZTkwMTZmYy0yN2Y2LTExZTEtYmVlOS1hZmIxY2Y2ODkwMzA-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Coming out of nowhere:

http://news.yahoo.com/anonymous-donors-pay-off-kmart-layaway-accounts-221000605.html;_ylt=Aj2cThFMR05UE_ebO1YyCZes0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNqcDlrcG1yBGNjb2RlA2N0LmMEcGtnAzgyODFiNmRjLWYyOWEtMzg0YS04NDkxLTJiYmU1ZjMzODkxMQRwb3MDMwRzZWMDbW9zdF9wb3B1bGFyBHZlcgNlOTg4MzA5Mi0yN2U4LTExZTEtOTY1Ni03OGU3ZDE1ZTkxZjI-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=

May your day be filled with miracles. Comment Away.

QUOTE

Aaimee Semple McPherson authored yesterday's quote. "I'm for the individual as opposed to the corporation. The way it is the individual is the underdog, and with all the things a corporation has going for them the individual comes out banged on her head. The artist is nothing. It's really tragic" was authored by an actress who lived from 1926 to 1962. She died of an overdose of barbituates in 1962. Nevertheless, interest in her life and her story continues in popular culture and in feminist studies. She starred in many popular films. She married a playwright and later a baseball player. Have you ever waited at a BUS STOP? If so you can tell me which blonde bombshell authored today's quote.

Waving

2011-12-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

I am back from the seminar and waving good-bye to the death of boredom and ready to share some unusual articles and videos.

First up is a new way to treat pain, seemingly very effective:

http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2011/12/in_an_imaginary_world_oregon_b.html

As the above article is waving hello to new technology the next article is a wave that lead to a new Internet sensation.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2011/12/waving-bear-becomes-internet-sensation/

Now I am taking the bear's lead and waving to some local firefighters and their caring hearts:

http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/index.ssf/2011/12/forest_grove_and_banks_firefig.html

Animal Magic. Hope you day is full of magic of any kind.

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Maria Goeppert Mayer authored yesterday's quote. "And my task, as I see it, is to interest you folks to help me, to help them, to join the line right around the whole world! Not only to help the heathen abroad, but to help the heathen in Los Angeles. In America, too. By God's grace, if we can see our task and join hands and get together, we can spread the gospel around the world" an evangelist who founded the Foursquare Gospel Church. Though hugely successful through using modern technology (automobile, radio), a kidnapping scandal is what many remember most about her. She lived from 1890 to 1944. Upton Sinclair was fascinated with her history. After writing a poem about her dubious abduction, called "An Evangelist Drowns", he wrote her into his 1927 novel, Oil!, in the character of Eli Watkins, a corrupt small-town minister. That character is called Eli Sunday in the 2007 film, There Will Be Blood. Who authored today's quote?

Boredom Part II

2011-12-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Off to the second day of boredom. Nothing is more boring than accounting seminars. They did provide some new information and that part is good. I did see some old friends and that is good. Some of the speakers were actually friends of mine and that can be good or bad. Nice to see them but it is an ugly reminder of how long I've been doing tax work.

The seminar is at a nice hotel. A clean hotel. Clean is always nice so her is some dirt to watch out for:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45525459/ns/business-going_green/

Sometimes when I am at accounting seminars and the boredom is just to much I just get up and start dancing:

http://news.yahoo.com/dancing-santa-lifts-mood-philippine-traffic-jams-071023408.html;_ylt=Atdx6NF.SBVO.1t.lHwDzuCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTN2a2pjNHFuBG1pdANPZGQgRnJvbnQgUGFnZQRwa2cDMDZhM2IxZjYtNWY4NC0zOGY0LTg1NjYtZTNiZWViMjY2OWZhBHBvcwMzBHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgM2NzNmYmEwMC0yM2U4LTExZTEtYmRmYi0yNTMyOTM1YTA1ZWI-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

This particular place where the seminar is has great food. Lunch is included in the price of the seminar. It is buffet style and is very good. I really liked the corn. I do kind of wonder where the got it:

http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/11/9366825-brazil-50-tons-of-corn-stolen-from-moving-train

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Harriet Martineau authored yesterday's quote. "Mathematics began to seem too much like puzzle solving. Physics is puzzle solving, too, but of puzzles created by nature, not by the mind of man", was authored by A mathematician and physicist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963 for her work on the nuclear shell structure. She lived from 1906 to 1972. When the United States went to war in 1941, she received a paid teaching appointment -- only part-time, at Sarah Lawrence College. She also began working part-time at Columbia University's Substitute Alloy Metals project -- a highly secret project working on separating uranium-235 to fuel nuclear fission weapons. She went several times to the top-secret Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico, where she worked with Edward Teller, Niels Bohr and Enrico Fermi. After the war, Joseph she was offered a professorship at the University of Chicago, where other major nuclear physicists were also working. Once again, with nepotism rules she could work as a voluntary (unpaid) assistant professor -- which she did, with Enrico Fermi, Edward Teller, and Harold Urey, also by that time on the faculty at the U. of C. Have you thought about the ELEMENTARY THEORY OF NUCLEAR SHELL STRUCTURE? Think about it now and you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Boredom Part I

2011-12-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

Heading out to attend the first day of a two day accounting seminar on tax changes. My goals during the seminar are to do a little Christmas shopping, a little reading, learn a little, and survive the boredom. I am celebrating the first day of boredom by sharing article that have no common theme other than not to be boring.

Safety tips are the holidays are always a good thing to share with family, friends, relatives, and strangers waiting for the bus with you:

http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/photo-gallery/holiday-safety-guide.aspx?xid=aol_wte-preg_1_20111205_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk2%7C119001n

How about some good old fashioned hot chocolate to zip or gulp while you are reading this? Or maybe some good hot chocolate to share with your guests:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/02/the-best-hot-chocolate_n_1126386.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117918

Safety and hot chocolate sound pretty healthy to me which leads me to share a good news health article:

http://news.yahoo.com/method-boosts-blood-clotting-hemophiliacs-161548746.html

Comment Away.

QUOTES

Wangari Maathai authored yesterday's quote. "The older I have grown, the more serious and irremediable have seemed to me the evils and disadvantages of married life as it exists among us at this time. " Was authored by a social theorist who lived from 1802 to 1876. She wrote over 50 books from a sociological, holistic, religious, domestic, and, perhaps most controversial, a feminine perspective, as well as translating various works from Auguste Comte. She has said of her approach: “when one studies a society, one must focus on all its aspects, including key political, religious, and social institutions'. She believed a thorough societal analysis was necessary to understand women’s status. Her writing introduced refreshing sociological perspectives on otherwise overlooked issues such as marriage, children, domestic and religious life, and race relations. Have you ever wondered HOW TO OBSERVE MORALS AND MANNERS? Wonder now and you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Transportation

2011-12-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

Today we are all about transportation.

First up is a video that some say is funny. I am leaning on the not funny side:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/if-you-seek-humor-tear-down-this-wall-with-an-opel-cors/#continued

Speaking of crashes did you ever wonder how to survive a plane crash?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/how-to-survive-a-plane-cr_n_1130382.html?ref=travel&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%7C118121

Sometimes out of the ashes comes a good story. The following is one of those:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/self-driving-car_n_1130568.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec1_lnk2%7C118205

Comment Away.

QUOTES

"We can work together for a better world with men and women of goodwill, those who radiate the intrinsic goodness of humankind. To do so effectively, the world needs a global ethic with values which give meaning to life experiences and, more than religious institutions and dogmas, sustain the non-material dimension of humanity. Mankind's universal values of love, compassion, solidarity, caring and tolerance should form the basis for this global ethic which should permeate culture, politics, trade, religion and philosophy. It should also permeate the extended family of the United Nations", was authored by a woman of many fields including ecology, sustainable development, self help, planting, environment, member of Parliament, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Wildlife. She lived from 1940 to 2011. She was the first woman in central or eastern Africa to hold a Ph.D., first woman head of a university department in Kenya, first African woman to win the Nobel Prize in Peace. She founded the Green Belt movement in Kenya in 1977, which has planted more than 10 million trees to prevent soil erosion and provide firewood for cooking fires. In 1997 she ran for the presidency of Kenya, though the party withdrew her candidacy a few days before the election without letting her know; she was defeated for a seat in Parliament in the same election. In 1991 She was arrested and imprisoned; an Amnesty International letter-writing campaign helped free her. In 1999 she suffered head injuries when attacked while planting trees in the Karura Public Forest in Nairobi, part of a protest against continuing deforestation. She was arrested numerous times by the government of Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi. . Who authored today's quote?

Dilemmas

2011-12-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

A brief update.

Next week is just one of those easy weeks with not much going on. Tonight and Tomorrow are at Mom's. Tuesday and Wednesday is a two day accounting seminar on the changes in tax laws and a review of recent tax court rulings. Thursday is a night at Mom's. Friday is taking Mom to the eye doctor. Saturday is Christmas Shopping and house cleaning.

Last week. Sunday was breakfast with the boys and Monday was errand day. Dry cleaners, grocery shopping, etc. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were at Mom's. Saturday was another errand day wavering between business to dos and personal to dos.

I have a dilemma that I would love your opinion on. Background. We have always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. It isn't a secret, it isn't a shot. My sister is planning a dinner Christmas Eve. Mom is going on 96 and at that age their are no guarantees of future Christmases. My brother, his wife, his daughter Kelli and her family are going to be here from Wyoming. Mom was looking forward to having her family together for Christmas Eve.

A couple of days ago I got this email from my brother:

D & K bought tickets for the Seattle-San Francisco game for them, you, K & I. Here is the dilemma. The game is on December 24. It is in Seattle. The game is at 1:15. It is an all day deal. We won't be home until late on Christmas Eve.

If I say yes to the game I upset Mom & Sister. If I say no to the game I upset the other group. I am leaning towards upsetting the latter group because I think it was kind of inconsiderate not to ask the family about Christmas Eve plans before buying the tickets. I also have to be with Sis and Mom all year and the other group hit and miss throughout the year. So I am pretty sure I am going to ask them to give the ticket to my other nephew, Ryan and stay home.

Your input?

I am going to end the post with some great pictures of Christmas Trees from around the world.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/christmas-trees-photos_n_1130630.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%7C118455

Comment or Update Away or Both!!

Discoveries

2011-12-10T07:31:00.000-08:00

The author of yesterday's quote was Edna St. Vincent Millay.

The first weekend in a long time that there hasn't been an Oregon Duck football game. What's a man to do? Christmas Shopping or a movie? Probably both.

Since I am trying to discover what to do without football most articles today will be about discoveries:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/05/kepler-22b-new-planet-discovered-habitable-zone_n_1129591.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117945

Next up is a discovery about the C.I.A.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/08/romania-cia-prison_n_1135799.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C118718

The final article is discovery of stupidity and no heart.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/12/07/tennessee-home-burns-as-firefighters-watch/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%7C118179

Comment Away.

Rats & Cats.

2011-12-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

always save articles for future blog posts. In an orderly fashion I set them for publication on a certain day. Once in a while an article comes along that is just so doggone interesting that I bump another article. The following article is one of those:

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/334/6061/1427.full

I am still stunned by the findings. Now only if we could get our politicians to act like rats.

Continuing the theme, another bumper article. The is bumping the other articles not because it is interesting but because it is charming:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/pets-save-human-lives_n_976913.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%7C118761

From one bumping charming animal story to another one:

http://news.yahoo.com/cats-26-toes-help-boost-milwaukee-animal-shelter-080754594.html

Comment Away

QUOTE

Yesterday's quote was authored by Denise Levertov. "The soul can split the sky in two, and let the face of God shine through", was authored by a woman who lived from 1892 to 1950. A poet of the first half of the 20th century, wrote of personal freedom including sexual freedom, nature, an unconventional religious mysticism, and death. She was an American lyrical poet, playwright and feminist. She received the Pulitzer Prize for SPoetry, and was known for her activism and her many love affairs. She used the pseudonym Nancy Boyd for her prose work. The poet Richard Wilbur asserted, "She wrote some of the best sonnets of the century. Who authored today's quote?

Oyster Talk, Fried Rice, & Cell Phones.

2011-12-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

Last day at Mom's. She is playing bridge this afternoon so I will get a break there. I will take her to bridge at 12:30 and pick her up at 4:30. I plan to have dinner ready for her. The caregiver won't get there until 9:30 so I will stay until close to then. Looking forward doing my own thing tomorrow. I've tried to play bridge before but it is just a different language for me. Speaking of different languages:

http://news.yahoo.com/japan-scientists-study-oyster-language-074401511.html

From language to food:

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/safety/story/2011-12-05/Researchers-call-for-monitoring-of-arsenic-levels-in-rice/51657062/1

From food to cell phones:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2011/12/survey-at38t-rates-last-in-customer-satisfaction/1

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Gerda Lerner authored yesterday's quote. "Peace as a positive condition of society, not merely as an interim between wars, is something so unknown that it casts no images on the mind's screen", was authored by a poet who lived from 1923 until 1997. She was raised in Britain, worked and lived in America through most of her career. Her poetry is notable for its social content, particularly feminism and themes of peace. In her later poems, she turned to religious themes. She served in the 1960s as poetry editor of The Nation and in 1975-78 as poetry editor for Mother Jones magazine. Have you ever lived life WITH EYES AT THE BACK OF OUR HEADS? If so you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Reunions & Head Shakers.

2011-12-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

The plans are today and tomorrow at Mom's getting home late Thursday night and then Friday morning up early to go start and finish my Christmas shopping.

I just like reunion stories and I like them even more during the holidays:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/05/irving-roth-holocaust-survivor-rick-carrier-soldier-liberator-reunion_n_1129673.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117901

Not really a reunion story but certainly kind of an amazing one:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/04/judith-bello-missing-woman-found_n_1125849.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117605

Now on to a story that just makes me shake my head:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/12/02/boy-7-accused-sexual-harassment-after-school-fight/?test=latestnews&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec3_lnk1%7C117207

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Ursula LeGuin authored yesterday's quote. "We can learn from history how past generations thought and acted, how they responded to the demands of their time and how they solved their problems. We can learn by analogy, not by example, for our circumstances will always be different than theirs were. The main thing history can teach us is that human actions have consequences and that certain choices, once made, cannot be undone. They foreclose the possibility of making other choices and thus they determine future events", was authored by a woman born in 1920
who fledin 1939 with her family to escape from the Nazis. As a young mother, she learned English and then became a writer, including the screenplay for Black Like Me. She returned to school in 1959, graduating from Columbia University with a Ph.D. in history in 1966. Her dissertation on the Grimke sisters is an early women's history classic. As a teacher, mentor, and director of the first graduate degree program in women's history, her work has been integral in the field. The idea for Women's History Week -- which evolved into Women's History Month -- began at an institute that was offered through her work at Sarah Lawrence College. Did you ever think about BLACK WOMEN IN WHITE AMERCA: A Documentary History? If so you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Travel, Pennies, & Shoplifting

2011-12-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

Heading out to spend the next three days at Mom's as soon as I get this post, posted. Lots of people travel during the holidays. Many questions whether it is cheaper to fly or drive. I now have the answer to that question:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/02/savings-experiment-holiday-travel/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117836

Do you have any pennies handy? I have a bunch that I was going to give to the church but after reading the next article I am reconsidering that.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/laws-change-penny-hoarders-cash-thousands-dollars/story?id=15076522

Do you ever wonder what are the most popular things in stores for the holidays? One way to judge is by what is shoplifted:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/30/high-risk-merchandise-for-sticky-fingers_n_1121075.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk1%7C116728

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Selma Lagerlof authored yesterday's quote. "The creative adult is the child who has survived", was authored by an American woman writer whose fantasy and science fiction explores ethics and the future. Her most famous work is the Earthsea series. Have you ever seen THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS? If you have then you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Death & Dilemmas

2011-12-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today's post is about death, but not sad cases it is all about curiosity, dilemmas, and preventing death.

First up is one of those young children knowing what to do in a crisis story. The surprising part of the story is how she learned CPR:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2070063/Madisyn-Kestell-uses-CPR-learned-Greys-Anatomy-save-mother.html

I bet this Mom is going to let any future children she has watch TV.

Did you ever ask yourself where do planes do to die? I mean every day new planes replace old ones. What happens to the old ones?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/05/abandoned-aircraft-in-airplane-boneyard_n_1120678.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117681

Now don't you just feel better informed?

Next up is a major dilemma. What choice would you make? How many people would you save?

http://news.yahoo.com/kill-one-person-save-five-research-classic-debate-090500884.html;_ylt=AhEpoET3s_WK7iwiGz41o1as0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtcWgyNnNtBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDZDc4ZDEyZjEtMTQ1Ni0zNzJhLWEyOTYtMGM1YTFjMjc1OWQ4BHBvcwMxMwRzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgM0ZmViZGVmMC0xZjQ4LTExZTEtOTRmMy1hNmI3MDQ3NjJhNjg-;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

I don't think I would save any of them because I would just sit down and cry. In all seriousness these are split second decisions and I am not sure what I would do. Hopefully I would save the five.

Comment Away.

QUOTE

"There isn't much that tastes better than praise from those who are wise and capable" was said by a Swedish writer, was the first woman Nobel Laureate in Literature who lived from 1858 to 1940. Her most famous work was GOSTA BERLINGS SAGE. Who authored today's quote?

Football Wins

2011-12-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

We interrupt this blog post to bring you an important announcement.

I am following the advise of one my favorite posters and taking a day off to watch football. The blog will return to normal tomorrow.

In the meantime if you would like to post an update by all means please do!!

Books, Houses, & Stupidy

2011-12-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

The answer of yesterday's quote was Julie Krone.

I'm in my disappearing mode today. I plan on disappearing right after I take Mom to lunch. Disappearing to take care of some business related tax matters. I have to load the 2012 income tax program on my computer. Then I have to fill out this big IRS form that will allow me to be a certified by the IRS electronic filer. Once I fill out the form I will undergo a background check. I think I am fine there, I did once hold a top secret clearance nd I have a fair to middling reputation. Things are changing at the IRS. I don't really do that many tax returns, mostly relatives, but now if you do twelve returns you have to file all returns by electronic filing. I'm not at twelve yet but with the last year of my sales agreement coming up and with Mark and Paul separating I want to be prepared to help out. Yes you heard that right, the guys that bought my business are separating. It is a friendly split. Mark just wants to dial it down. His prostate cancer is in check and most likely in remission but he has been having heart signs. He did a stress test yesterday and the results will come by Tuesday. Mark wants me to help him. I really like Paul but Mark and I are really a match as accountants. I am keeping my seasonal job with Napier because it is fun, I am good at it, I like the people there, and it is a better income stream than Mark can provide. However, I want to be there for Mark and will help him weekends. When my agreement expires, who knows.

I've been doing a bit of reading late. I just finished Janet Evonovich's EXPLOSIVE EIGHTEEN. Here are some suggestions to but on your to be read list:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/02/fall-books-_n_1125198.html?ref=books&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117320

About the only one on their list that I am interested in is the one by Margaret Atwood so I will add a couple of suggestions. My favorite book that I have read this year is IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS. It is a non-fiction book that reads like a novel, extremely well written, and historically accurate. Pick it up and read it. You won't be disappointed. I bought two books to read during an upcoming two day accounting seminar. LITIGATORS by John Grisham & Michael Connelly's THE DROP. That should keep me awake. What are your suggestions?

Moving on from creative writing to creative housing:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/trippy-futuristic-homes/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117378

I like the Ensculptic house made of foam. If I run out of shaving cream, I can just use part of the house.

From creativity to stupidity. A dumb criminal story:

http://news.yahoo.com/burger-king-cashier-calls-cops-herb-smoker-212158342.html;_ylt=AqLii4f344B579xAPQieL_Ws0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTN2M2ZtYzB1BG1pdANPZGQgRnJvbnQgUGFnZQRwa2cDMDA2ZmI3NDgtNGY5MS0zZmY3LWE3MDUtNmVkMDFlOTgxZTRkBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgNkMjMxNmZjMC0xZDJiLTExZTEtYjVmZC05ODA4YTVkNGEyYjc-;_ylg=X3oDMTI1cjk4NXJqBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QDY29udHJvbF9wcm9tbw--;_ylv=3

Comment Away.

The Christmas Spirit

2011-12-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

First up today is correcting a serious mistake I have made. With all that was going on with Mom while sister was gone I let DR & Himself's anniversary slip by. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Now I am doing my arm and leg stretches and getting in the right frame of mind to get into the Holiday Spirit. Articles like the following two certainly help get me in my Christmas Shopping game face:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/01/anonymous-good-samaritan-secret-santa-video_n_1123869.html?ref=impact&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%7C117115

Why am I never where they are handing out money? I'd most likely give it away anyhow. At least that is what Mom says.

http://www.katu.com/living/kids-pets-family/Santa-answers-the-mail-with-help-from-Gresham-postal-worker-134889508.html

Don't you just love Debbie?

Even when I am in the Christmas Spirit I sometimes feel like disappearing:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/wanderlust/top-5-disappearing-places-195437165.html

Comment Away.

The author of yesterday's quote was Jackie Kennedy. "I'm on top, I'm 35 years old, and there are other things I want to do. Physically, there is a lot of pain. I don't want to be hurt again. I have nothing left to prove. " Was authored by the first woman to win a Triple Crown Race who was born in 1963. In 2000 she became the first woman inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. She appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated for the issue of May 22, 1989. She is one of only eight jockeys so recognized (the others are Willie Shoemaker, Bill Hartack, Eddie Arcaro, Johnny Longden, John Sellers, Robyn Smith and Steve Cauthen). She also was the only woman to win riding championships at Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park, The Meadowlands and Atlantic City Race Course. Who authored today's quote?

Hunting Dogs

2011-12-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

It is has been a peaceful morning. I've been at home and knocking off items on my to do list, fifteen done so far today! My new microwave is up and running. I got it in place, the clock set, and working with the minimum amount of swear words. A lot less swear words then I used Sunday when I tried to fix the flat tire on Mom's mobile wheelchair. We finally took the tire off and went to the nearby Les Schwab tire center who kindly fixed the tire for free. It had two holes in the tube so I never would have gotten the darn thing fixed.

I know it is awful of me but I did laugh at the following story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/30/dog-shoots-man-brigham-ci_n_1121998.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk1%7C116797

Fess up, did you laugh?

Next up is an article that gives a hint on how you can turn a bad situation into a worse one:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/dentist-fines-patient-posting-negative-review-online-could-160012744.html

I am kind of sad that we have lost common senses but I am not sad that neither Portland or Seattle failed to make the following list:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/30/americas-saddest-cities_n_1120753.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%7C116693#s507084&title=St_Petersburg_FL

Comment Away.

Quote

Florynce Kennedy authored yesterday's quote. "When Harvard men say they have graduated from Radcliffe, then we've made it" Was authored by a first lady we all have heard of. Men wanted to date and women wanted to be her. She lived from 1929 to 1994 during which some of it was Camelot. A first lady, she brought a youthful elegance to the White House during her tenure there. Briefly a photographer before her marriage to the President and an editor after she was widowed for the second time. She lost many relatives, some to plane crashes, some to assassinations. I vividly remember her blood strained dress on November 22, 1963. If you do also you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Injustice

2011-11-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry I am late with today's entry but this was my last day at Mom's for a while and sister is back after thirteen days on the road. I wanted to leave the house in great condition for sister so I cleaned Mom's house before I left. When I clean, I clean everything. Light switches, windows, TVs front and back, and so on. I am such a good cleaner I may open a business and start charging! However, I am not wearing those French Maid costumes.

When I got back from Mom's I started to fix lunch and my microwave exploded. Only victim was a bowl of soup and myself who had to clean another kitchen! I just got back from Target with a new Microwave in hand.

It was really an injustice to have my Microwave go out after working so hard to help my mother but it is nothing like the injustice in the following article:

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/11/oregon_officials_say_man_calle.html

There is so much wrong with the above story. My heart just goes out to the should be dad and the children. My angst is directed at the government that doesn't seem have any common sense or flexibility.

Let's switch from injustice to justice:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/27/toilet-paper-scam_n_1114961.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%7C115795

It will be crappy story if the scam artist don't end up in jail.

On to another story where the bank should have had the heart of the law and the movers:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/11/30/deputies-refuse-to-evict-103-year-old-from-home/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl25%7Csec1_lnk2%7C116676

QUOTE

Sister Corita Kent authored yesterday's quote. "I’m just a loud-mouthed middle-aged colored lady with a fused spine and three feet of intestines missing and a lot of people think I’m crazy. Maybe you do too, but I never stop to wonder why I’m not like other people. The mystery to me is why more people aren’t like me" was authored by a young woman living from 1916 to 2000. She was the daughter of a Pullman porter, graduated from Columbia Law School in 1951. She handled the estates of Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday. She was also known as a social activist, a feminist who was one of the founders of the National Organization for Women and a participant in the 1967 Atlantic City Miss America protest. She founded the National Black Feminist Organization in 1975 and published her autobiography in 1976. In all she was a U.S. lawyer, activist, civil rights advocate, and feminist. She was the author of COLOR ME FLOR, MY HARD LIFE AND GOOD TIMES. In her spare time she acted in two movies playing Enid The Maid in THE LANDLORD. Who authored today's quote?

Heart Attacks Suck.

2011-11-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

I talked to my friend Ted's wife this morning and he is doing extremely well. The removed the breathing tubes last night and are going to sit him up in a chair sometime today. Speaking of heart health, when is the worst time to have a heart attack:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/1128/heart-attack-severity-may-depend-on-time-of-day.aspx?xid=aol_eh-cardio_9_2011128_&aolcat=ESR&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk3%7C116121

Personally, I think anytime is a bad time to have a heart attack.

Heart attacks really do suck and apparently so do some governors:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/28/emma-sullivan-receives-ap_n_1116945.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk3%7C116149

I really think the governor's office made a mistake by reacting to the tweet, they should have just ignored it.

Speaking of bad policy when are the big companies ever going to learn that they are going to get the public's angst when they go after the little guy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/28/chick-fil-a-eat-more-kale_n_1116695.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%7C116144

Another case where ignoring would have been the best policy.

QUOTE

Wendy Kaminer authored yesterday's quote. "Creativity belongs to the artist in each of us. To create means to relate. The root meaning of the word art is "to fit together" and we all do this every day. Not all of us are painters but we are all artists. Each time we fit things together we are creating - whether it is to make a loaf of bread, a child, a day" was authored by an artist and member of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She combined sacred and activist ideas with her silk screen for popular art and posters in the 1960s. Fellow artist Ben Shahn described her as a "joyful revolutionary." She designed the 1985 "Love" stamp, reportedly the best-selling postage stamp in history. In 1965 her "Peace on Earth" Christmas exhibit in IBM’s New York show room was seen as too subversive and Corita had to amend it. However, her work continued to be an outlet for her activism. "I am not brave enough to not pay my income tax and risk going to jail. But I can say rather freely what I want to say with my art." Born in 1918 & died in 1986. Tell me who designed the 1985 love stamp and then you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Healthy Differences

2011-11-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

A lot of people have differences with each other during the holiday season. Just like cats and dogs. After taking care of a cat that thought he was a dog I found the following article interesting:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-karen-becker/differences-cats-and-dogs_b_1097446.html?icid=maing-grid10%7

It is a deadly disease and sometimes a silent killer but it can be reversed unlike what some medical professionals tell you:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/reverse-diabesity_b_1100272.html?ref=health-and-fitness&ir=Health%20and%20Fitness&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk3%7C115230

Speaking of health, here is the answer to the age old question does cold weather cause a cold?

http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/colds-and-the-weather.aspx?xid=aol_eh-flu_2_2011121_&aolcat=ESO&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%7C114994

Comment Away.

QUOTE

"A liberal is a conservative who's been arrested. A conservative is a liberal who's been mugged", was authored by a writer and a social critic and an ardent critic of "institutionalized whining" and protectionist forms of feminism. She's also criticized the self-help movement and the criminal justice system, including the death penalty. She is best described, on women's issues, as an egalitarian feminist. She is a lawyer that was born in 1949. Do you agree that women have A FEARFUL FREEDOM: WOMEN'S FLIGHT FROM EQUALITY? If you do it may be easier to tell me who authored today's quote.

Update

2011-11-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a break from searching for articles today. We are just going to have an old fashioned update Sunday.

Last week was great. I do think I tired Mom out. The week started out with a nice dinner last Sunday with the wonderful Don and Belva and their beautiful daughter Christine. Monday was a night the caregiver wasn't supposed to work but with sis gone she worked Monday. In return I took her and Mom to dinner Monday night. Tuesday was my day at Mom's. We rested, cleaned, and played Scrabble. Wednesday was a nice lunch at The Astor House Retirement community with new residents, Mom's friends Rod and Marion. Thursday I cooked Thanksgiving Dinner for eight. Yes you read that right, I cooked Thanksgiving Dinner. Ham, scalloped potatoes, string bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and a fruit salad. Despite my cooking there were no food related emergency room visits and some people even asked if they could take leftovers home. I am now basking in my success and thinking about taking cooking classes. Friday I made Mom lunch and helped her with a few things like ordering checks for her. She had a really good day with some surprising things happening. Saturday was making lunch for Mom, watching the Oregon football game with my nephew who was in Portland to attend a wedding, and taking mom to dinner. We wanted to drop a housewarming gift off for Rod & Marion and just went to dinner near there and then dropped off the package.

On the agenda this week at some point is probably some rest. Today I am heading over to the Doofus Crew to watch a little bit of football, I am not staying very long because I have to be at Mom's to make her lunch and help her put dinner together. But I wanted to stop by the doofus crew to wish Ted good luck. He is having open heart surgery tomorrow. Tomorrow after noon and night, Tuesday day and night, Wednesday until about one are at Mom's. Sister is coming back tomorrow so she will do Wednesday night and then I won't have to be back to Mom's until the following Tuesday. So Wednesday afternoon, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Momday are resting, getting my house in order, and Christmas Shopping.

Sister and her husband had a great time on their trip. They visited his son for a couple of days and her daughter for a couple of days and they were able to go to the Dallas Cowboy football game on Thanksgiving Day. They were hosted by the CEO of the television my niece is the morning anchor so had a suite with food and drinks free! By the way Mom and I have been taking care of my sister's cat, Max while they have been gone. Max has taken to me and follows me everywhere when I am at Mom's. Normally not a lap sitter but Max is on my lap whenever I sit down. I will have mised emotions when Max returns home, will miss him but not the work that comes with it!

The blog is now yours to do with whatever you please, update, vent, ask for support, or just commeny way with anything that is on your mind.

PS

These is the suite my Sister and her husband were in at the football game:

My neice is on the right, her friend and co-worker is on the left. This is thre front of the suite they were in:

Holiday Hints

2011-11-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

Laura Bush authored yesterday's quote. Here are some tips on how to have a happy holiday season.

In whatever you are doing use common sense. Certainly more common sense then the security guard at Safeway used:

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/safeway-security-guard-fired-interrogating-girl-company-faced-184214252.html

Because the guard reacted with "I was just doing my job " I think he is not teachable and should be fired. What do you think?

Stress is a biggie during the holidays. Here are some things to help you manage those stressful moments:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45390936/ns/today-today_health/I especially like the dot on the phone as a reminder to take a deep breath.

Dreaming is a good way to handle stress:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/super-expensive-homes-0/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%7C115250

I am dreaming about the house in Bel Air. I have a picture of it on my refrigerator. I am looking forward to owning the home and also having a seventy-five million petty cash fund.

Comment Away.

The Inspiring, The Loyal, & The Big Tipper

2011-11-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

Black Friday is going to have a missing ingredient. Me. No way am I going out to fight those crowds. Just not worth it.

Let's start the day with a very inspiring story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/24/gabrielle-giffords-serves_n_1112199.html?1322166593&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C115460

The follow story just touched my heart to the core. I find it both sad and heartwarming:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/22/loyal-dog-refuses-leave_n_1107561.html?ref=impact&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%7C114982

Are you a big tipper? I think the most tip I've ever left was one hundred dollars for a hundred dollar tab. It was a case when the people with me kind of were not nice to the waitress and I tried to make up for it.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45398139/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/

QUOTE

Sarah Josepha Hale authored yesterday's quote. "The power of a book lies in its power to turn a solitary act into a shared vision. As long as we have books, we are not alone" was authored by the wife and daughter-in-law of presidents. She was born in 1946 in Midland, Texas. She met her husband during his first campaign for Congress; he lost the race, but won her hand and they were married three months after they met. She had been working as an elementary school teacher and librarian. Uncomfortable with public speaking, she has nevertheless used her popularity to promote her husband's candidacies, to promote reading for children, and to work on awareness of women's health problems including heart disease and breast cancer. Who authored today's quote?

Happy Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T05:48:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Hope this day is filled with family, friends, food, and for us guys football.

What I am thankful for:

The followers of the blog. You all know who you are! I love you all. There has now been about forty five thousand visits to the blog. I appreciate every one.

My Facebook friends.

The Dad I had.

The Mom I have.

The sister that helps me every day

The brother-in-law that treats mom so well and is truly my friend.

The brother I wish I would see more often.

My Albany Cousins

My sister cousin, Dixie and her siblings, Denny & Dave

My uncle Frank and Aunt Velma, truly a second set of parents.

Mom's friends Rod and Marion. We had a nice dinner with them yesterday. I hope when I am in my mid eightiest I can be as generous, as nice, as thoughtful, and as thankful as they are.

My friend Nancie who doesn't kill me if I wait to long to call.

My Section 16 friends.

My bosses and coworkers at Napier & Company. They ask me back every year and make
me feel useful and wise.

The caregiver Susan who gives sis and I nights off.

My Sunday morning football friends, Ted, Leland, Bill E, Greg, Jay, Doug, & Moi. Also known as The Doofus Crew we share more than football.

The Chaos Chronicles hosted by the beautiful and talented Lian Dolan..

They Chaos Crew. What a great group. How happy I am that so many "friended" me.

The Satellite Sisters hosted by the Dolan sisters, Sheila, Liz, Monica, Julie, & Lian. They let me post on their blog!

The sun rising over Mount Hood in the morning.

My Education.

My sense of humor that some say I have!

All the people that give up their time to Volunteer to help someone. Whether it be the disadvantaged, the elderly, sick children, the ill of all ages, or animals in need. Appreciated by me every day.

The Moon and its changing shapes.

Books.

Movies.

Ashland, Oregon

The Columbia Gorge

My microwave.

The Ducks football team.

The Beavers Basketball team.

My Korean dry cleaner who makes me smile when he says "you always make me happy when you come in"

The ability to appreciate little things. A smile from a clerk. A teen opening a door for my mom in a wheelchair. Free cups of coffee for Mom and I and the clerk saying "just because."

The history of Thanksgiving:

http://wilstar.com/holidays/thankstr.htm

And most of all I am Thankful for those that will forgive me if I forgot to mention them today. You know everyday how much I appreciate you!

Today's Quote

Mary Ritter Beard authored yesterday's quote. "There is something in the decay of nature that awakens thought, even in the most trifling mind" was authored by an American writer and an influential editor. She is the author of a very famous nursery rhyme. She famously campaigned for the creation of the American holiday known as Thanksgiving, and for the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument. She was born in 1788 and died in 1879. If you have ever had a little lamb you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Heroes, Divorces, & Movies

2011-11-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

Is there a better time than the day before Thanksgiving to celebrate young heroes!

http://www.kgun9.com/news/local/133242373.html

I've heard tell that the holidays bring the end to marriages. So in the spirit of the holidays here is the top ten things not to do in divorce court:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/edra-j-pollin/my-top-ten-list-of-what-n_b_1096630.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk2%7C114509

Going to any movies during the holidays? I am checking out THE DESCANDANTS. What do you think the best Thanksgiving movie is?

http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/21/8929919-planes-trains-is-best-thanksgiving-movie

Comment Away.

Quote:

Oksana Baiul authored yesterday's quote. "While it is generally agreed that the visible expressions and agencies are necessary instruments, civilization seems to depend far more fundamentally upon the moral and intellectual qualities of human beings -- upon the spirit that animates mankind" was authored by a woman born in 1876 and died in 1958 who was writing about women's history before women's history was an accepted academic field -- her major works were published in the 1930s and 1940s.. Have you ever looked at AMERICA THROUGH WOMENS' EYES or WOMEN AS FORCE IN HISTORY? If you have you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Getting To Know You.

2011-11-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

A lot of people are traveling for Thanksgiving. Apparently people aren't the only one:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/20/polar-bears-climate-change-canada_n_1104042.html?1321827123&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec1_lnk2%7C11444

The holiday season is a great time to get to know you neighbors, no?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/19/teen-adoption-my-birth-br_n_1103365.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl20%7Csec3_lnk1%7C114516

The holiday is a good season to have serious discussions about bias and discrimination. Just don't talk with your mouth full.

http://www.nytimes.com/schoolbook/2011/11/21/parent-complains-of-bias-in-sixth-grade-lesson/

Comment Away.

Quote:

Pearl Bailey authored yesterday's quote. "When I'm on the ice, I like being me and not imitate other skater's music" was authored by an Olympic Skater born in 1977. She won the Olympic gold medal for women's figure skating at the 1994 games in Lillehammer, Norway, after an accident the day of her long program that required three stitches. She narrowly beat Nancy Kerrigan, who had been injured earlier by an attack by someone hired by the boyfriend of rival Tonya Harding. Who Authored today's Quote?

Pictures, Fake Houses, & Dumb Criminals

2011-11-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

How was your Sunday? I really enjoyed dinner with my cousins, Don, Belva, & Christine. Today I am taking my niece to the airport. She is flying to the east to spend Thanksgiving with her sister who is in the military. Then it is back home to take Mom and the caregiver out for dinner.

Let's start the day with some beautiful places:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/17/time-books-lists-100-great-places_n_1100126.html?ref=travel&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk1%7C113943

You really don't have to view the entire 100 but just a few will give you an idea of what Time was going for.

We talked about a fake Paris a few days ago, What about fake White Houses?

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/white-house-replicas-for-sale.html

How can we not end today's post with another dumb criminal story?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/17/teller-cant-read-bank-robbers-note_n_1100203.html?ref=weird-news&ir=Weird%20News&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk3%7C11418

Comment Away.

Monday's Quote

"A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive. Having been alive, it won't be so hard in the end to lie down and rest" was authored by entertainer who combined singing with ad libs, was in 1975 a special ambassador to the United Nations. She's perhaps most famous for her version of Hello, Dolly! She was born in 1918 and died in 1990. If you can go to the beach and find what is hidden in oysters and then sing the song "Bill ______ won't you please come home" you can tell me authored today's quote.

A Week Of Losses

2011-11-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

This past week has been one of losses. My cousin Jack that I mentioned before on the blog is in hospice and not expected to make it beyond the next couple of days. My friend Judy that was part of a women's group that I am part of and have known for over twenty years passed away. And Oscar, the four year old son my England Internet friend, Anthony, was taken by brain cancer. My heart just goes out to the families of Jack, Judy, and Oscar.

On to next week. Today I will be at Mom's to fix her lunch and then Mom and I are going to meet some wonderful cousins (Don & Belva) and their beautiful daughter Christine at Claim Jumper for dinner. Looking forward to it. Monday I am taking Mom and Susan, the caregiver, for dinner. Tuesday night is at Mom's. Wednesday Mom & I are going to lunch at Rod and Marion's. They are friends of Mom that had to move to assisted living two weeks ago. Their facility has their Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday for lunch and we have been invited to be a part of it. Wednesday night is at Mom's. Thursday I am cooking for ten and maybe spending the night at Mom's. Friday I am avoiding the stores!

What does your coming week look like? What went on with you last week?

Today just a couple of articles to share.

Sunday for the last few weeks has been a day to look at houses:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/11/18/open-houses-of-the-week-golden-opportunities-for-retirees/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec1_lnk2%7C113915

I like all of the houses, can probably afford one or two but the idea of moving keeps me staying put. It is just to damn much work.

While flying around from open house to open house we may need to stop for gas:

http://news.yahoo.com/airline-passengers-asked-extra-cash-fuel-115831926.html;_ylt=AjW8R3CFDV_sLjl1Lfzgw7ftiBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTNqNGdubWp2BGNjb2RlA2N0LmMEcGtnA2JhODE1MTYyLTliODMtMzA0Mi05ZjdiLTdiZGI1ZGU4ZDhiOARwb3MDNARzZWMDbW9zdF9wb3B1bGFyBHZlcgM2MjIwY2ZjZS0xMTNiLTExZTEtYjFiMy1mZmJlNjAyYjAyMDc-;_ylg=X3oDMTIwdWJsZnJ1BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lfG9kZG5ld3MEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

Comment Away. Update me on your life. Post anything you damn well please.

Hop To It!

2011-11-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

Lady Astor was the author of yesterday's quote. I've got to hop to it and get the blog entry done and posted before spending the day at Mom's. Then back by five to watch the Oregon-USC football game. It just seems the first article should be all about hopping:

http://news.yahoo.com/extinct-frog-hops-back-northern-israel-141854716.html

I've been so busy since sister left that I not only have forgotten everyone's name, I've forgotten my own. That I was so happy to discover the following article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gretchen-rubin/remembering-names-tricks_b_1097518.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec3_lnk1%7C114150

Once in a while Mom will say something that will just knock the air out of me. You think is a light material? Not the lightest according to my research:

http://news.yahoo.com/worlds-lightest-solid-takes-inspiration-eiffel-tower-134809070.html

Comment Away. Then go have a great Saturday!

Discoveries.

2011-11-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

With sister on her way to Dallas, Texas (they are driving) my days get a little busier. Over to Mom's to fix her lunch and then back this evening to cook dinner for the troops. Before starting my day away from home I am posting my blog entry today and it will be all about discoveries.

What you wouldn't want to discover in your chimney:

http://news.yahoo.com/police-teen-burglar-got-stuck-chimney-154744631.html;_ylt=AqtRvx.FV_fKp7_7IYBGvIrtiBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTNyZmExa2Q5BG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBPZGRVU1NGBHBrZwM2Y2E5NDRjYS0zYjVkLTNlNWYtYjY0Ni1mM2MwMjhmNzQyZGIEcG9zAzEyBHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyAzg2ZjkyYzAwLTEwNmEtMTFlMS05OWJlLTFjZWU1ZTAwNWNmZg--;_ylg=X3oDMTIwdWJsZnJ1BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lfG9kZG5ld3MEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

The intelligence level of some of future criminals never ceases to amaze me.

Now on to a discovery that interested me:

http://news.yahoo.com/surprising-sunken-islands-discovered-near-australia-155612029.html

I wonder if we can learning anything important by discovering new islands.

On to the discovery of hidden meanings:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/14/childrens-board-games_n_1093764.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C113855

I will now play board games with a new interest and through a new lookout eye.

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Joan Wash Anglund authored yesterday's quote. "Women have got to make the world safe for men since men have made it so darned unsafe for women" was authored by a woman born in Virginia who married an English heir as her second husband. When her husband was elevated to the House of Lords she ran for his seat in Parliament, and became, in 1919, the first woman seated in the British Parliament. She supported women's rights and, during World War II, worked to keep up the morale of the British people and American troops stationed in the Plymouth area near her home. Who Authored today's quote?

A Little History

2011-11-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

A little review of history today. First two articles are about historical events

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/15/lost-john-f-kennedy-assassination-tapes-on-sale/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C112748

I am not surprised by anything in the above article, you?

Have you been Paris? Maybe not.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upshot/during-world-war-france-built-fake-paris-fool-213735364.html;_ylt=AnFyo.iTVfwA8gUPHKn5GwntiBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTNqamtnOWk2BGNjb2RlA2N0LmMEcGtnA2NhN2YwYjg4LWMwMWEtMzliOC1iNTcwLWFkMmZkMTlmZmE0MQRwb3MDNARzZWMDbW9zdF9wb3B1bGFyBHZlcgNjMmM3ZDdiOC0wY2M4LTExZTEtYTBjMS03OGU3ZDE1ZDRjZjQ

Would you like to share your password with me? Here are some you should probably avoid using:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/15/internet-insecurity-the-25-worst-passwords-of-2011/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl23%7Csec3_lnk1%7C112724

Comment Away

QUOTE

Isabelle Allende authored yesterday's quote. "A bird does not sing because he has an answer. He sings because he has a song" was authored by a writer and illustrator of children's book who is best known for her round-faced, featureless characters and her inspirational messages, inspired largely from her own children, Joy and Todd. Her characters grace figurines, hand-made plaques, notecards, cross stitch patterns and ornaments. Her publishing success began with her first book, A Friend is Someone Who Likes You in 1958. During her lifetime she has written and illustrated over 75 children's books, selling over 40 million copies world wide. Perhaps you recognize her from a quarterly piece in Good Housekeeping or other titles like In A Pumpkin Shell (1960) or The Brave Cowboy (1959)? Regardless of how you know her because she has become a part of American culture and her words touch the hearts of children across generations. "Praise, like sunlight," she writes, "helps all things grow." Who authored today's quote?

Do You Believe?

2011-11-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

Do you believe in Big Foot? Do believe in being able to be Big Foot?

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/11/05/bigfoot-takes-case-to-nh-supreme-court/

Do you believe that sometimes it is to late for your wish to come true?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/11/10-year-old-arkansas-womans-wish-comes-true/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk2%7C112748

Do you believe Jane Austin died of natural causes? Suicide? Murder?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/15/jane-austen-poisoned_n_1095461.html?ref=books&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl24%7Csec1_lnk2%7C112834

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Louisa May Alcott authored yesterdays quote. "For women the best aphrodisiacs are words. The G-spot is in the ears. He who looks for it below there is wasting his time " was authored by a, a novelist and journalist who left Chile with her husband and children when her uncle, a Chilean President, was overthrown in a coup. After a time in Venezuela, she came to live and write in the United States. She was born in 1942. Have you visited THE CITY OF BEASTS? If so you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Don't Fire The Cutie

2011-11-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

My last day of freedom for two weeks. I am seriously thinking the movie J. Edgar is calling me. Let's start a don't fire campaign:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/cat-number-10-downing-street-embroiled-mouse-related-211550777.html

I mean none of us are perfect, I think it would pretty catty to fire the little dude.

From mice to dancing:

http://news.yahoo.com/us-marine-corporal-had-ball-timberlake-144454551.html

Good for Justin Timberlake to take time out from an acting career to keep his promise and to share the evening with the troops.

On to another service man story:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/14/utah-man-receives-war-med_0_n_1092723.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C112403

About damn time.

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Diane Ackerman authored yesterday's quote. "I believe that it is as much a right and duty for women to do something with their lives as for men and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us" was authored by woman author that was part of the Transcendentalist circle in Concord, Massachusetts, she was guided as a writer by her father and teacher, Henry David Thoreau, and friends Ralph Waldo Emerson and Theodore Parker. She began writing for a living to help support her family. She also briefly served as a nurse during the Civil War. She was born in 1832 and died in 1888. Women lovely come in all shapes and sizes but if you know LITTLE WOMEN you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Brain Freeze & Hitchhiking

2011-11-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

Monday, Monday. Getting a lot of rest in because Thursday begins twelve days of increased Mom care. First up to day is how to increase you brain power:

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/boost-brain-meditation-141000869.html

I am seriously considering mediation!

Nordstrom's gets my thumbs up for holding off putting Christmas stuff out until the day after Thanksgiving, They want to celebrate one holiday at a time and I am completely with them. Apparently I am not the only upset about the rush to Christmas:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/14/thanksgiving-target-anthony-hardwick-protests_n_1092769.html?1321296539&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C112429

Have your ever hitchhiked? I don't think if I was as old as the hitchhiker in the next story I would hitchhike:

http://news.yahoo.com/ancient-mite-caught-hitching-ride-spider-114807419.html

Comment Away.

QUOTES

I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well. Was authored by an American poet and prose writer, whose works on science and natural history reflect a wonder of the natural world who was born in 1948 and describes herself as a sensuist. Have you heard of A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES?

Late To Bed, Early to Rise, Makes This Dude Tired.

2011-11-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

I am really late today. Late night last night watching the Oregon-Stanford game and then it took a while to wind down before going to bed. Oregon upset Stanford 53-30, they were three point underdogs to the Stanford Cardinals. This should move Oregon up to third in the nation in the human polls and 4th in the BCS (Bowl College System) and put them in reach of playing in the championship game this year. It will take some unlikely things to happen but it is possible!

Didn't get to bed until after eleven and then had to be up this morning to get ready for the breakfast with the boys. Ted, Bill, Leland, and moi. Finished that about one and then over to Mom's to do some shopping for her. That required trips to Walgrens and The Grocery Outlet. Just got home a few minutes ago.

I've pretty much kept you up to date on my life all week so will just ask for your updates. Will share some articles with you.

Even if you aren't religious the ten commandments are pretty good way to lead you life. But are they real? Did they exist? What about the ark?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/an-unbelievable-ark-of-th_n_1085987.html?ref=travel&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%7C111631

If you were a landlord what kind of tenants would you like?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/riverside-county-california-prisons_n_1085983.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk3%7C111454

That is all today. The blog is all yours. Update me. Comment Away. Post anything you damn well please!

Cute Videos,Free Beer, & Photos

2011-11-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

The author of yesterday's quote was Faith Baldwin. Nothing cutter than animals. Nothing cuter than babies. What about animals and babies together:

http://animalvideos.yahoo.com/?vid=27198325

Tonight at 5 Pacific Standard time the Oregon Ducks play the Stanford Cardinals in what should be one hell of a football game. If I were still a drinker I might like some free beer:

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/uk-cops-arrest-19-offering-them-free-beer-130116995.html

Dumb criminals. Got to love them.

Got any old photos lying around? Want to sell them? Don't say no so fast or at least until you checkout the following article:

http://news.yahoo.com/record-photo-sold-auction-set-nyc-182745446.html

Comment Away

11-11-11

2011-11-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

What are you doing today to celebrate 11-11-11? Getting married? Going to a casino? Having a baby? Going to the movie 11-11-11? Here is an article that attempts to explain the significance of 11-11-11:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45195313/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/whats-so-special-about/

First time is has happened in one hundred years, I certainly didn't know that.

November 11, 2011 is also Veterans day. Let's honor them with stories of their bravery:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/11/medal-of-honor-portraits-heroes_n_1087918.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C111729

Have you ever met a medal of honor winner? I don't think I have, I am certain I would remember it if I did.

The final article is to honor a segment of military men so often forgotten by us and definitely forgotten by the government:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonatwar/2011/11/the_overlooked_veterans_of_the.html

Comment Away

QUOTE

Lucille Ball authored yesterday's quote. "Character builds slowly, but it can be torn down with incredible swiftness" was authored by a very successful U.S. author of romance and fiction, publishing some 100 novels often concentrating on women juggling career and family. The New York Times said that her books had "never a pretense at literary significance" and were popular because they "enabled lonely working people, young and old, to identify with her glamorous and wealthy characters." She was born in 1893 and died in 1978. Have you ever met MAVIS OF GREEN HILL? If so you can tell me who authored today's quote.

History Travels To The Future

2011-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Some interesting history:

http://news.yahoo.com/cave-painters-were-realists-dna-study-finds-200120657.html;_ylt=AlL2B.pClDgpFiNCobnNVOqs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ3NnBuaG5zBG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBTY2llbmNlBHBrZwMwMDM4NDcwMi0zMmQ0LTNjODctOGU3MS05ZjA3YTNlZWYzMWUEcG9zAzQEc2VjA01lZGlhU2VjdGlvbkxpc3QEdmVyAzhmZWZhMzYwLTA5ODYtMTFlMS1iYWU5LTMxYTIzNDRmZGUzNw--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

I'm not sure what we can learn from knowing this little bit of history. But maybe some things are just interesting and we don't have to read anymore into it.

The heck with history Oregon is traveling to the future:

http://news.yahoo.com/oregon-puts-ipad-voting-map-101945577.html

This kind of bothers me. There is that hacking thing. And what if one person has more than one Ipad?

If you are traveling from the past to the future you might need a place to stay:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/wanderlust/top-5-odd-hotels-002632759.html

Any of the hotels are OK by me.

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Tallulah Bankhead authored yesterday's quote. Born in 1911 and died in 1989. "One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself" was authored by a famous lady who began her career in musical comedy, became a success in radio comedy, starred in several movie comedies, and achieved her greatest popular success with TV. She was married to one of her television costars from 1940 to 1960. She was nominated for an Emmy Award thirteen times, and won four times. In 1977 she was among the first recipients of the Women in Film Crystal Award. She was the recipient of the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1979, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors in 1986 and the Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 1989. Who authored today's quote.

Celebrating Dad.

2011-11-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

This is the date my dad died. I am taking Mom out to lunch to discuss dad stories and husband stories. Then tonight and tomorrow I'm at Mom's. Back to my home on Friday. Sister and her husband are leaving a week from tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving with their daughter in Dallas, Texas. That means about ten days of expanded mom duties for me. In the meantime my sister is doing an extra night next week. From Friday to next Wednesday I am a free man. I do think on one of those days I will get mom out. I really am the only one that gets mom out, nobody else wants to deal with the wheelchair. If I don't make room to take mom out once in awhile on my days off it will be a long as a week before mom sees the light of day. It was the same with my dad too. I'm not complaining because often special things happen when mom and I are out. Special things happened when I took my dad out also. One of my fondest memories was once when I took my dad out for lunch, just he and I. We were talking and dad, a dementia sufferer, turned to me and said "I like being with you, you are the only one that treats me like I am here." It touched my heart to the core for so many reasons. The waitress overheard the conversation and we ended up with a free lunch. She hugged both dad and I. That memory is mine, missing from the lives that found it to difficult to take dad out.

Dad was an honest man so lets celebrate him with an article about another honest man:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/11/08/vacant-house-yields-late-owners-stash-of-cash/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%7C111065

Character is what you do when nobody is watching. This man had character.

Dad worked in my office for a few years. He would deliver information to clients and pickup information from clients. He absolutely loved it and the clients loved him. I actually had a few clients tell me one of the man reasons they came to me was because Mom and Dad worked in my office. Dad was proud of me and loved the tax advise I gave clients. The next article is to advise readers of some tax moves you can make the next couple of months:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/photos/last-minute-tax-tips/4571407/

Dad and I had many of things in common. One of which was disliking immensely going to the doctor even if we were sick. Apparently we weren't alone:

http://news.yahoo.com/sick-u-more-likely-skip-care-elsewhere-152312814.html;_ylt=AkR86xBRZHAKCSVQ3BpVz8.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQyaW84YW9oBG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBVUwRwa2cDNGQzY2QwYTUtNjE3NC0zMTgyLWIzYzAtMGRlYTRkZjY0OTk5BHBvcwMzBHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgMyNjE1OWZhMC0wYWU3LTExZTEtYjA1Ni1mYjM1MmEyYzZkNWI-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Clara Barton authored yesterday's quote. "Nobody can be exactly like me. Even I have trouble doing it" was authored by the daughter of an Alabama Congressman and a mother who died of complications from giving birth to her. She became an actress early and famous for her flamboyant personality and deep voice. Her acting career spanned stage, film, radio, and television, and she's remembered for her carefully nurtured wild reputation. She was born in 1902 and died in 1968. Have you been on the MAIN STREET TO BROADWAY and do you know the TARNISHED LADY? If you can tell me who authored today's quote.

One For The Little Guy

2011-11-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

One for the little guy:

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/11/opponents_force_imperial_oil_t.html

Good for those folks for standing up to the oil companies.

One for the older folks.

http://news.yahoo.com/age-gap-rises-economic-well-being-050133729.html;_ylt=AthdpKgW_ZKbMlV._JREWI.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNsN2Roc2hvBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDMTY3MDQ0YTEtMWQ3ZS0zODM1LWE5MmMtNzdhYTgzNTZmZjU4BHBvcwMzBHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyAzQ2MTJmZTcyLTA5NDAtMTFlMS1iYjVhLTc4ZTdkMTVlYTE0OA--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

I have mixed emotions about this. I am glad those in or close to retirement have funds but if you take the hope away from the youth you take the hope away from the nation.

Let's end the day with some stunning pictures:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/08/new-7-wonders-vote-for-the-new-7-wonders-of-nature_n_1079795.html?ref=travel&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%7C110750

I love the Brazil falls. That gets my vote. What gets your vote?

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Antoinette Brown Blackwell authored yesterday's quote. "I may sometimes be willing to teach for nothing, but if paid at all, I shall never do a man's work for less than a man's pay" was authored by a woman who had been a schoolteacher and the first woman to be a clerk at the US Patent Office, served in the Civil War nursing soldiers and distributing supplies for the sick and wounded. She spent four years tracking down missing soldiers at the end of the war. She established the first permanent American Red Cross society and headed the organization until 1904. She was born in 1821 and died in 1912. Have you been to 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, Maryland? If you go there now you can tell me who authored today's quote.

SAD Numbers Make Birds Sing.

2011-11-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Some of The Dahn Report followers do suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. It may in full bloom right now because of the time change. I was surprised to find that is one of the five times of the year that is bad for SAD:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/04/seasonal-affective-disord_n_1074702.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec3_lnk3%7C110085

Autumn surprised me too. Did you find any surprises?

Does your phone talk to you? Do you know what it spells?

http://news.yahoo.com/let-digits-talking-does-phone-number-spell-210644978.html;_ylt=AoMhRZaj01gDMxRa_ZeYmw6s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtcjdqdjk3BG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDYjRkMmI2ZjMtZjcxOS0zNzU4LWIzMDctZjE4Yjc3ZjcwMWQ2BHBvcwMxNwRzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgNlOTExZjE5MC0wOTRiLTExZTEtYmRiZC03ZjVmNWE4Mjc1N2Y-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Mine spells jodmajdwgm. I think that is Russian for good dude.

Monday is a good day for some music:

http://news.yahoo.com/warbling-wrens-dont-just-tweet-sing-duets-180118228.html

Comment Away.

QUOTE

"If woman's sole responsibility is of the domestic type, one class will be crushed by it, and the other throw it off as a badge of poverty. The poor man's motto, "Women's work is never done," leads inevitably to its antithesis -- ladies' work is never begun" was authored by the first woman in America ordained by a congregation that was part of a regular or major denomination. She was also a lecturer and writer for women's rights, abolition, and temperance -- and mother of five daughters. She was born in 1825 and died in 1921. If you know THE PHYSICAL BASIS OF IMMORTALITY then you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Lazy Sunday

2011-11-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

Just got back from my breakfast out with the guys. Found out that my friend Ted is having heart surgery on the twenty-eighth of this month so good thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

I am lazy today so feel like doing much on the blog so if you want to bail me your updates would be very much appreciated.

Just a couple of articles today. If you by a lottery ticket do you know where it is so you won't lose a two hundred and forty-five million winner?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/06/connecticut-man-claims-he-lost-winning-254-million-lottery-ticket_n_1078619.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%7C110348

Do you believe him or is trying to scam the lottery officials?

Doesn't look like there is a gas shortage. Well at least some types of gases:

http://news.yahoo.com/biggest-jump-ever-seen-global-warming-gases-183955211.html;_ylt=AuizuoZkBHLXZeyVgWjtxu6s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ3YWNpN212BG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBTY2llbmNlBHBrZwNlNTYxMzQwZS1kOGRlLTMwNjgtYmE4Mi05ZThkMGJmZmFmNzAEcG9zAzMEc2VjA01lZGlhU2VjdGlvbkxpc3QEdmVyA2UyMzM3NTA0LTA2ZWItMTFlMS1hZDkyLTc4ZTdkMTVkM2MxYw--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Comment and Update Away

Spring Forward, Fall Back

2011-11-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was the author of yesterday's quote.

Not much on the agenda today. I plan on going to the Body & Mind Expo at the Convention center this morning. Something different. On the way back I am getting Mom and taking her to get an anniversary gift and card for my sister and husband's anniversary tomorrow. Then this afternoon I am going to introduce my computer to my income tax program website so I can download some updates. The two have been arguing lately and I want them to make peace. Then this evening I am going to watch The Oregon Ducks take on Mary's Washington Huskies. Oregon has been doing good the last few years. Washington has been down but has been on the rise lately with some damn good coaching. Oregon is 7-1 and Washington is 6-2. This is the last game in Husky stadium due to some renovations. Going to be a great game!

And the game comes on the night that you have to set your clocks back an hour. Spring forward fall back. Don't forget!

The first article was brought to my attention by DR. Here is the link she provided:

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/cancer/story/2011-11-03/Prolonged-sitting-linked-to-breast-cancer-colon-cancer/51051928/1

I also thought DR's following comment was very interesting:

"One of the things it made me think about was the "lack" of certain cancers, when we were kids and during our parents' times. Maybe that was lack of diagnostics, but it seems to me that the key cancers were leukemia and maybe lung cancer. And I think about how our parents and grandparents worked, whether they were on the farm or in town. While it might not have been exercise as we think of it today - fitness centers - they and us kids got a lot of exercise, from kids playing outside to kids and parents helping in gardens, doing yard work, cleaning house (including windows!) and that sort of thing. There were no televisions or computers or video games or the like to just sit and watch or sit and play with. We were Active!"

Makes me pause a little. Also this week there was another cancer related article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2056267/Two-glasses-wine-day-increase-breast-cancer-risk-50-cent.html

That is really surprising because how many articles have their been about wine being healthy for the heart? Confusing at best.

Let's end on a fun note. Well not that fun because it ends on a story about a wedding that ended. It only took seventy-two days for reality star Kim Kardashian to end her wedding to a basketball player. Still we should mourn the end of the wedding because by Hollywood Standards that is a long marriage:

http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/9-celebrity-marriages-that-were-shorter-lived-than-kim-kardashians.html?pageID=1

Comment Away.

Rant Then Articles

2011-11-04T09:59:00.003-07:00

I had a decent three days at Mom's. She did pretty well while I was there and she always seems to be better after I have been there for a few days. Tuesday we fixed dinner in. Wednesday we went out for a nice dinner. Thursday I took Mom to the doctor to get her lab tests. Her lab tests were at 8:45 and her appointment with the doctor was at 9:00. Then in the evening we went to dinner with sis and her husband. In between there were ten games of scrabble (I won six), a couple of visits from friends of Mom's (they needed assistance because of the financial reports they had to fill out to move into assisted living) and a visit from representative of a media research firm. Pretty busy.

Today I am having a lunch meeting that I am not really looking forward to. Remember the guy from last year that I ended up training and how hard it was to train him? The firm didn't ask him back this year. The reason they gave him is they were going to give more work to the two interns from last year that did so well. The real reason is that he treated the secretarial pool like crap. I really want to distance myself from him because he is so clueless. Here is an excerpt from his email this morning:

"looking forward to our lunch today at ruby tuesday at 12:00

couple of questions i want to discuss

1-is there anyone who provides volunteer tax services that is not super liberal (like AARP who i hate)
2-what do you think about doing tax classes to maintain my liscense--if so, who would you go to"

What bugs me to no end is that any idiot that spends two minutes with me knows I am Liberal and how insulting that statement about "super liberal" would be. And anyone that knows me, knows how much I hate labeling of person or a group. Besides it is extremely debatable that AARP is "super liberal" How soon they forget how many Democrats terminated their membership when AARP supported the Iraq war. Even if it was a "super liberal" organization if I wanted to volunteer then damn it leave the political bias and bullshit behind and volunteer. You might even help a Republican or two. I have no doubt that they seek out free help with their taxes from AARP as well as Democrats. As to his license status all he has to do his call the board that licenses him and get a list of classes.

I am really relieved that he isn't going to be back to the firm this tax season. A friend of mine that knows the female boss at the firm said they really want to make me happy and that they thought he took up to much of my time (I didn't say a word to the bosses). They have moved me into a bigger office. They are just going to leave me alone to work on my stats. That is important because my compensation is partially bonus based and they want to make sure I end up with more money. The less time doofus training the more time building up commission.

OK, rant over. On to the a couple of articles for the day. First, how stupid can people be:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/03/oregon-veteran-faces-evic_n_1074465.html?ref=impact&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%7C109846

Second how great can people be:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/03/molly-katchpole-recent-co_n_1074481.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%7C109885

Third how big can we dream:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/11/03/open-houses-of-the-week-hobnob-with-the-one-percent/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec1_lnk2%7C109893

Comment Away. If I am not in jail for murder I will respond to the comments after the lunch appointment.

QUOTE

Amelia Bloomer (born Amelia Jenks) authored yesterday's quote. "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 a true groundbreaker, a featured woman on one of the Who Am I of the days. Featured because she was the first woman doctor in the United States. She was born in 1821 and died in 1910. With just this little bit of information you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Goose Bumps

2011-11-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

The following story just makes me shake my head in anger:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/31/foreclosure-crisis-bank-of-america-hurricane-ike_n_1068080.html?ref=business&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%7C109016

Did the above story give you goose bumps:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/what-makes-hair-stand-on-end-when-youre-scared.aspx?xid=aol_eh-emo_5_20111031_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%7C108815

If the first story didn't give men reading the blog goose bumps the follow X Rated story will. It is a shocking story so read at your own risk.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44982651/ns/health-mens_health/

I suppose the good part of the above story is we no longer will being seeing those commercials for Cialis.

Comment Away

QUOTE

Erma Bombeck authored yesterday quote. "The costume of women should be suited to her wants and necessities. It should conduce at once to her health, comfort, and usefulness; and, while it should not fail also to conduce to her personal adornment, it should make that end of secondary importance. " Was authored by a young woman born in 1818 and died in 1894. She was a temperance reformer who became interested in women's rights, and started the publication the Lily. In the Lily, she advocated for dress reform, and wore one of the new costumes herself: a bodice, short skirt, and trousers. Her name became associated with that costume. This is also a name you should remember from one of the Who Am I of the day a long time ago. If you know The Lily: A Ladies' Journal, devoted to Temperance and Literature then you can tell me who authored today's quote.

I Spy

2011-11-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Spy stories today. Or mostly spy like stories.

First up what do you think of when you think of a Russian Spy?

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/fbi-russians-breed-spy-14855413

Did you ever wonder how errant spies are punished?

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/cia-punishment-work-nypd/story?id=14810046

Here's looking at you kid:

http://autos.aol.com/article/beware-cities-hunting-you-down-for-reagan-era-parking-tickets/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl18%7Csec1_lnk2%7C10731

Comment Away

QUOTE

Anne Bradstreet was the author of yesterday's quote. "Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart" was authored by one of Bill's all time favorites. An author and a humorist she was born in in 1927 and has been missed by many after dying in 1996. Did you know what she knew, that GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER OVER THE SEPTIC TANK? Do you even ask yourself, IF LIFE IS A BOWL OF CHERRIES WHAT AM I DOING IN THE PITS? Who authored today's quote.

Health Today

2011-11-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Let's do health news today. Mostly good news.

First up those is one of those stories because is bad news that there is shortages but it is also good news because somebody is doing something about it:

http://news.yahoo.com/effort-reduce-drug-shortages-small-step-203331492.html

I kind of think the drug companies should have worked to prevent a shortage of living saving drugs on their own without being forced to. Now I am all for anything that makes the drug companies do the honest and correct thing.

I really like the following article. Since I am getting there anything to help the elderly is fine by me:

http://news.yahoo.com/toyota-shows-machines-help-sick-elderly-move-033258898.html

Sometimes I feel like I am under so much pressure that I just get a headache. What is the first thing you do when you get a headache? Reach for that over the counter medication? Maybe there should be a little hesitation before you do that:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine/11-biggest-headache-triggers.aspx?xid=aol_eh-hache_1_20111031_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%7C108987

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Rita Mae Brown authored yesterday's quote. "Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish" was authored by the first published poet in America. Her father and husband each served as governor of Massachusetts colony. She had eight children, and many famous Americans were her descendants, including William Ellery Channing, Wendell Phillips, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. She was born 1612 and died 1672. If you know this lady sent A LETTER TO HER HUSBAND, ABSENT UPON PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT then you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Sing Songs, Read Inspiring Stories, & Buy A Zombie

2011-10-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

I feel like singing because Mom is better, I'm rested, and it is Halloween!

http://www.theboot.com/2011/10/25/scary-songs/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%7C108063

Are you frightfully satisfied by the music? Now on the inspiring women. Young women:

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/10/ellen_pattersons_journey_high.html

How much money do think Halloween means to the economy? Look how good Zombies are to the economy:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45079546/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

Comment Away,

"If the world were a logical place, men would ride side saddle" was authored by a writer who was a gay activist and feminist in the 1960s born in 1944 who founded Lavender Menace when she was fired by the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1969. She was the author of RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE and other novels including mystery series.

Sundays Are For?

2011-10-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Sundays are for beautiful pictures:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/mount-rainier-shadow-sunrise_n_1062613.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%7C108280

Sunday's are for young heroes:

http://urbandale.patch.com/articles/urbandale-mom-calls-4-year-old-who-saved-her-life-extraordinary?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk1%7C108403

Sunday's are for family reunions:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/28/son-michael-hubbard-meets_n_1064094.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk2%7C10840

Sundays are for updates:

I pretty much gave you an update on life all week. A short one today. Mom is doing really well this morning so I can breath easy. Today I am kind of relaxing. It is really amazing how exhausting those spells were for me. I just recovered from a visit from Mark and then Mom kind of declined. I am recharging batteries today and just reading and TV surfing.

If you would like to post an update I am all ears. This is your blog day so post whatever you want.

Otherwise comment away.

Halloween

2011-10-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

I want to ask for prayers and good vibes for Dona and her husband, Frank, also known as The Shankster. His brother passed away on Thursday. I know they would appreciate you keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.

Halloween is Monday. It is the kind of holiday I like some and don't like some. The part I like is handing out candy to the trick or treaters. I hand out the full sized bars because I just love the "wow" reactions of the young ones. The part I don't like is when Halloween is here that means one of my two least favorite days of the years isn't far behind. You know the day? Spring forward, fall back. Next Saturday night is the atrocious night when you turn your clocks back one hour. Aren't you excited?

Speaking of Candy the Oregonian had a candy off. A bracket of all the famous candies play against each other. Want to know what candy won?

http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2011/10/candy_bowl_i_reeses_peanut_but.html

Here is how the bracket began:

http://media.oregonlive.com/living_impact/other/CandyBracket.pdf

What is Halloween with out haunted houses?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39745803/ns/business-real_estate/t/top-haunted-homes-us/

And just so you feel safe for Halloween here is how to Zombie Proof your house:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/10/25/halloween-home-improvement-zombie-proof-your-house/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk1%7C108375

Comment Away.

PS

Gro Harlem Brundtland authored yesterday's quote.

Off The Shelf

2011-10-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Mom is doing better and hasn't had one of the spells for a day but she really isn't back to normal so we are keeping her under constant watch. Yesterday the incident I referred to was she was sitting in the middle of her bedroom in her wheelchair not having a clue where she was. It was in the morning so I thought she might have taken to much pain medication during the night. The only way to figure that out is to keep her under watch for a few days. No more incidents and sister and I can breath a little easier.

Just miscellaneous off the shelf stuff. Articles I've been holding for a while.

First let's look in the mirror:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/24/elaborate-mirror-fountain_n_1028949.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec3_lnk1%7C107451

Next up let's learn the target of thieves. Nope not people, the new things they are after:

http://autos.aol.com/photos/truck-tailgate-theft/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%7C106713

Now a little help with back pain:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/24/yoga-stretching-back-pain_n_1029014.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec3_lnk3%7C106915

Comment Away.

QUOTE.

Mary Cassett authored yesterday's quote. "We are working towards a shared vision of the future for health among all the world's people. A vision future in which we develop new ways of working together at global and national level. A vision which has poor people and poor communities at its centre. And a vision which focuses action on the causes and consequences of the health conditions that create and perpetuate poverty" was authored /a woman born into 1939. First becoming Minister of the Environment in 1974-1979, and a Member of Parliament beginning in 1977, She was Prime Minister of Norway from January 1981 to September 1981, and led the Labor Party in opposition until 1986-1989, when after a brief 1989-1990 Conservative Party ascendency, she returned to head the government, building a coalition with the Center Party. She was succeeded after her resignation in 1996 by Thorsten Jagland, also of the Labor Party, in October 1996. In 1993 She formed and chaired the World Commission on Environmental Development, and received a 2004 Blue Planet Prize for her promotion of sustainable development. In 1998 she was elected as director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO). Her husband is an academic and researcher, has held political office as a member of the Conservative Party in Norway. Who authored today's quote.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2011-10-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

Scary experience with Mom yesterday. She didn't know where she was. It is so damn hard to watch her decline. I am going to beat her a Scrabble today maybe that will get her mind going. On to today's entry.

The Good:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/wayne-sabaj-man-who-found_n_1030592.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%7C107553

The Bad:

http://news.yahoo.com/income-top-1-percent-far-outgrew-others-report-015302336.html;_ylt=AhsZYyfUaXkAx5KC.l45yvis0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQyMnNzbjllBG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBVUwRwa2cDODIwY2QwYmMtYWE5Ni0zNjdjLTg0ZjAtMDYzZTRkZjdlOWExBHBvcwM1BHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgM3NzIwMTRiMC1mZmNiLTExZTAtYjYyZi00MThiY2NlODdkZmU-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

The Ugly:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/teresa-huizar/child-abuse-america_b_1025890.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec3_lnk2%7C10677

QUOTE

Carrie Chapman Catt authored yesterday's quote. "I think that if you shake the tree, you ought to be around when the fruit falls to pick it up" was authored by The first American Impressionist artist who was born in Pittsburgh and lived in France. She was influenced especially by Degas. Under her influence, many Americans collected Impressionist art. She was born in 1844 and died in 1926. Do you know of the YOUNG WOMEN IN GREEN, OUTDOORS IN THE SON? If you do you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Trips

2011-10-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today is all about trips. First let's look at some beautiful fall colors by taking a trip around the U.S:

http://quest.mapquest.com/2011/10/03/autumn-leaves-fall-foliage-leafquest_n_992136.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%7C107434

The colors are really stunning here in Oregon, how are they where you live?
Now let's take a trip to the past:

http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/20/photo-gallery-abandoned-americana/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec1_lnk2%7C107351

There actually is a drive-in theater eight miles from where I live. When we were kids every Saturday night we would go out for a burger, shake, and fries then go home to get in our pajamas and then get in are old woody station wagon and head out with a pretty big bag of popcorn to the drive-in theater.

Now let's shoot into outer space:

http://news.yahoo.com/telescopes-solve-2-000-old-stellar-mystery-190139540.html

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Judy Chicago authored yesterday's quote. "There are two kinds of restrictions upon human liberty -- the restraint of law and that of custom. No written law has ever been more binding than unwritten custom supported by public opinion" was authored by a leader in the women's suffrage movement in its last years (leading the more "conservative" faction), was also the founder of the League of Women Voters after suffrage was won, and a founder of the Women's Peace Party during World War I. She was born in 1859 and died in 1947. In 1933 in response to Adolf Hitler's rise to power in which he used the Jewish race as a scapegoat for Germany's worst problems, she organized the Protest Committee of Non-Jewish Women Against the Persecution of Jews in Germany. This group gathered 9,000 signatures of non-Jewish American women and attached these to a letter of protest sent to Hitler in August 1933. The letter decried acts of violence and restrictive laws against German Jews. She pressured the U.S. government to ease immigration laws so that Jews could more easily take refuge in America. For her efforts, She became the first woman to receive the American Hebrew Medal. Who authored today's quote?

Laugh, Smile, & Learn

2011-10-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

Let's laugh:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/18/fast-food-fails_n_1011621.html#s409402&title=Oh_Oh_No

I liked the start your morning with sausage one the best. And you?

Let's smile:

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/doing-good/story/2011-10-22/Millions-volunteer-on-Make-A-Difference-Day/50869750/1

I wish I would have known last Saturday was make a difference day or I would have done something.

Let's learn:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-post-senning/emily-post-etiquette-for-men_b_1022807.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%7C106980

I do all but two, do you want to guess the two?

Comment Away.

QUOTE

Pema Chodron authored yesterday's quote. "I believe in art that is connected to real human feeling, that extends itself beyond the limits of the art world to embrace all people who are striving for alternatives in an increasingly dehumanized world. I am trying to make art that relates to the deepest and most mythic concerns of human kind and I believe that, at this moment of history, feminism is humanism" was authored by a woman born in 1939 who achieved prominence with "The Dinner Party" which celebrated women's achievements and lesser-known women of history. She was an early promoter of feminist art. Her "The Birth Project" focused on images of birth, a theme that she found missing in art's history. Have your ever looked THROUGH THE FLOWER: MY STRUGGLE AS A WOMAN ARTIST? Look now and you can answer the question, who authored today's quote.

Pictures, Stings, & Glass

2011-10-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Nothing planned today for the first time in eight days. So I am just going to clear off my desk. Schedule my education. Order next year's tax program. Get my rewards from Walgren's. Vote by mail. Pay bills. Write a defense of a ticket I received from a red light camera. Do an online AAA rewards for Mom. Work on the books of a client. Watch last night's episodes of The Good Wife and The Amazing Race. Pick up my drugs. Grocery shop. A normal day.

The Statue of Liberty is going to start having a different kind of day, moving on beyond the normal:

http://news.yahoo.com/torch-cams-masses-views-lady-liberty-161638239.html;_ylt=AhzzgS2KU0p1WLXc8Typ.Sis0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtN2ZlM2ljBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDODUwODA0NjUtMzFmNC0zYmU2LTgyMDctNzUyZWYxM2IwNGVmBHBvcwMxNgRzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgNhMjRiMzdkMC1mZTQyLTExZTAtOTYzYS1jZTdjZGQ0YzU1ODc-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

I am waiting anxiously to see the pictures.

I'm hoping I don't have the kind of day of the woman in the following article had:

http://news.yahoo.com/ap-exclusive-nasa-sting-terrifies-woman-74-080213944.html

I have a film given to me when I worked on the landing on the moon. I didn't know that was government property. I'm glad I know now because I was seriously thinking of selling it.

Speaking of valuable things do you have any Steuben Glass? I don't even know what it is so I think I'm fine.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45015844/ns/business-us_business/

Comment Away.

QUOTE

"A further sign of health is that we don't become undone by fear and trembling, but we take it as a message that it's time to stop struggling and look directly at what's threatening us. " was authored by a Tibetan Buddhist teacher born by a different name than she was known by. She studied Buddhism in the French Alps and London, where she was ordained. She worked with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche from 1974 until 1987. She was ordained in the Chinese lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong. Since 1984 she served as the director of Gampo Abbey in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She has taught lectured widely and has written several books on meditation practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. She was born "around 1936". What do you think of THE WISDOM OF NO ESCAPE AND THE PATH OF LOVING KINDNESS? Answer that and you can tell me who authored today's quote.

Going To Hell

2011-10-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

This is what was going on in Seattle Saturday:

http://news.yahoo.com/roller-girls-bikers-win-seattle-viaduct-contest-233028762.html

I've been told to go to Hell more than once in my life, now I have a map:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/21/visiting-the-gates-of-hell_n_1018170.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%7C106322

What are the odds?

http://news.yahoo.com/indiana-identical-twins-birth-same-day-195959446.html

I've updated you all week on my life so I am not doing one today. If any of you would like to do an update I'd not only love to read it, I'd appreciate it. I haven't heard from Dona and when I checked her blog the last entry was July 31,

The blog is now yours, comment away and post anything you damn well please.

Robots, Dishwashers, & Questions

2011-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Not much going on today. Just got back from the car doctor. They didn't have the needed parts when I was there last week so had to saunter on back their this morning. Now I am waiting for the Oregon-Colorado football game. That leaves a window to post an entry..

Let's start out with a good news type of article:

http://gma.yahoo.com/robots-help-children-autism-185948231.html

Did you ever read an article and have the reaction, "crap I've been doing that wrong for years"? I've been putting knifes in the dishwasher for years.:

http://www.stylelist.com/stacey-platt-and-sarah-hayon/what-not-to-put-in-a-dishwasher_b_1023726.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec3_lnk1%7C106304

Speaking of doing things wrong, I often ask people how their health is. Oops:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/keli-goff/the-5-questions-we-all-as_b_1016948.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk2%7C105470

Comment Away.