Perks & Food.

am getting my game face and converting to right frame of mine to spend the next three nights at Mom's. I love Mom but sometimes she can be a tad difficult to be around. Of course I am never difficult to be around.

There are some perks to being there. Which made me thinks of the different kind of perks that employers offer:

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/04/27/outrageous-and-truly-wonderful-perks-that-employers-offer-in-201/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl29%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D155892

And food is always on the agenda. Sometimes we eat out. Sometimes we cook and sometimes I got get stuff and bring it home. Once in a while it is Kentucky Fried Chicken but I don't think I will do that this time, four a couple of reasons. First, I have gift cards from Red Robin and Subway and mom has gift cards from Sheri's. Second, read on:

http://news.yahoo.com/kfc-ordered-pay-8-3-million-australian-girl-062710563.html

Though desert isn't high on the agenda for either Mom and I we might dabble in a snack once in a while:

http://news.yahoo.com/vt-house-resolution-thanks-m-ms-130956389.html;_ylt=AoOWztpAtQh0ek8VMeYrYSWs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQzZmQzMzY0BG1pdANPZGQgRnJvbnQgUGFnZQRwa2cDYTRmMWU4NGYtOTY5OC0zYTNlLTkzNjctMTE3N2U2MDZhOTliBHBvcwM0BHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0VGVtcAR2ZXIDYzdhNTcxMDAtOTFmYy0xMWUxLWJiZWYtMTVhYmY3M2Y4YjZj;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

Comment Away

Updates Around The Blog.

Some updates from around the blog.

In case you missed the message that Snug posted on the blog a while back here it is:

"thank you, everyone, for all your kindness in my time of need. Les came home today. They wanted to discharge him as he is medically OK, just unstable on his feet, but his leg strength will come back in time. "

It has been a long battle and whe are happy the news is good. I'm still praying for Snug and her family that life gets easier.

As good as Snug's update is, is as bad as Kaye's update is. Her boy friend had briain surgery and here is some of a recent e-mail she sent me:

"News on Dave isn't what we were hoping for. He was diagnosed with a grade IV glioma. That's the worst of the worst. It's an aggressive brain tumor that originates in the brain. It seems to happen mostly with men age 60 and over. The surgery was successful, however the grade IV glioma always leaves microscopic cells behind. These are what starts to grow again. If Dave was to chose not to do anything, average life expectancy would be 8 - 9 months. After meeting with a chemo and radiation oncologist, they both told him that since his overall health is good, he should tolerate the treatments well and life expectancy is more like 2 - 4 years.
Dave started radiation therapy last week and will start chemo next week. The radiation will be for 6 weeks, every Monday thru Friday. The chemo is a pill he will take M - F one week a month. He does have some residuals from the surgery: mostly, he can't read. So he's going to speech and language therapy sessions once a week. He has like a blind spot on the right side of both eyes, so when he tries to read and as he glances from left to right, the letters just blur out or disappear. This is starting to get a little better, but if it's still an issue in a few weeks, we are to see a binocular specialist. "

All my good vibes, good thoughts, and prayers go out to Kaye and Dave and their families.

The follow two pictures are of my niece (my sister's daughter) and her son.

My niece is the one that is the morning news anchor at the CBS affliate in Dallas, Texas. She got word that they probably weren't going to renew her contract when it comes up in October. There is still a chace they may renew it but the waring is there. So some prayers and good thoughts her direction would be appreciated.



Spencer played in the SMU spring football game yesterday. He is second string Defensive End as a red shirt freshman. He was a walk on which means he doesn't have a scholarship. If he stays second string or movies to first string any time during the 2012 football season they would put him on scholarship. He played really well yesterday. However, good thoughts that he continues to play well, avoids injury, and lands a scholarship would be appreciated.

I'm sending good vibes and good thoughts Pat's way that her shoulder improves and that her overall health improves. Prayers got DR's way for a safe and rewarding trip to Arizona. And of course Dona's also gets our warm fuzzies for her and The Shankster. The Satellite Sisters announced on one of their shows a few weeks ago, that their dad is suffering from demaential Prayers, good thoughts, and good vibes go out their way also.

As to me I am surviving. My heart issues seem to be improving but they still want me to do the darn tests. The last couple of days I cooked some dynamite lunches and dinners for Mom & the caregiver. I will do that again today. The tomorrow starts three nights at Mom's. I will try very hard to do a blog entry each day but it may be hit and miss on the blog.

The blog is now yours. Update me on your life. Post anything you damn well please. Comment Away.

Pondering

I got up this morning, poured myself a cup of freshly brewed coffee, sat down in my easy chair and started pondering. A simple exercise that at times can be dangerous, at other times can be peaceful, at other times rewarding, it can be problem solving time, or maybe it can just be a time to wonder about the world and just what are the most colorful mountains in the world:

http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/exploring-the-most-colorful-mountains-in-the-world-in-purmamarca/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D156102

From wondering about mountains to wondering what I missed when I fell asleep before the sunset last night:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/oyster/9-incredible-sunsets-arou_b_1447085.html?ref=travel&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D156102

Just as I got done pondering sunsets a cute little kitty appeared and peeked in my patio door. Made me wonder if all animals are that cute:

http://www.pawnation.com/2012/04/24/the-worlds-weirdest-looking-creatures/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D155211

I hope you are pondering about today. Comment Away and then

Friday

Friday, the second one since the job finished. Certainly a different day depending on whether or not you are working. Today's agenda includes doing some work for a client, lunch and dinner for Mom, picking up around the house, picking up Mom's drugs, and watching the NFL draft. A little stress, a little work, a little fun. Not a bad day. The day started off in a good fashion when I read the following article:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/04/portland_teens_charity_aims_to.html

Because it feels kind of weird lately getting up in the morning and not having a place to go to I enjoyed the following article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-oldale/world-facts_b_1452902.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D155751

Without going to work I can sleep in, I enjoyed the following tips:

http://heidiklum.aol.com/category/fitness-and-nutrition/12-steps-to-better-sleep?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D154593

Comment Away,

Questions

Is mind control a good thing?

http://news.yahoo.com/swiss-scientists-demonstrate-mind-controlled-robot-152051365--finance.html

Is the US the number one destination for immigrants?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/24/number-of-us-undocumented-immigrants-from-mexico-drops_n_1448343.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D154825

Are war games necessary?

http://news.yahoo.com/philippine-u-stage-war-games-south-china-sea-051451975.html

Comment Away.

The Unusual

Sister leaves this morning for Texas and I take over with Mom. Ten days, I can do anything. Since Mom is the unusual 96 year old in her honor we will do unusual stories:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/24/snail-mail-postcard-arrives-to-wrong-house-half-century-later/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl24%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D15459

Next up a long trip for a soccer ball:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/23/misaki-murakami-football-tsunami_n_1445212.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl21%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D154281

Ending the day with an unusual connection:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/24/dull-scotland-boring-oregon_n_1449651.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D154821

Comment Away

Luck

I had a nice day yesterday. Paying bills, banking, shopping and the movie "The Lucky One." Not a bad movie. It is a movie that a movie that my brother would call a groin movie. Have his wife kick him the groin, that way he saves two hours and ten bucks and still gets a good cry in. It was a touching story of a soldier that finds a photograph of a woman, then after the war searches out the woman for thanking her for saving his life. Nicolas Sparks. Should have known.

Sometime it is lucky to get into the doctor early, here is an article that will help you make you won luck where doctors are concerned:

http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/22/11288544-7-ways-to-get-your-doctor-to-see-you-now?lite

Speaking of luck:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/23/virginia-fike-from-berryv_n_1445803.html?1335201444&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D154305

And ending with a company that wants some lucky asteroids:

http://news.yahoo.com/company-aims-strike-rich-mining-asteroids-070241222--finance.html

Comment Away.

I'm Sorry.

On the agenda today is a good lawn mowing, paying bills, a pickup around the house, and maybe a movie.

Today I am sharing a story that was in yesterday's Oregonian that I found kind of touching:

http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2012/04/a_teacher_a_student_and_a_39-y.html

Do you have someone you would like to find and apologize to? I have several. Teachers and fellow students. Maybe at some point I will try to find them.

It is going to be in the eighties today so eating some ice cream might be on the agenda:

http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/22/11339445-brain-freeze-why-ice-cream-makes-some-scream?lite

Closing with things you need to know about today:

http://news.yahoo.com/10-things-know-today-april-23-2012-083000259.html

Comment Away

A Hundred Buck Attitude

Let's start the day off with ten things you should know today:

http://news.yahoo.com/10-things-know-today-april-22-2012-093000400.html;_ylt=AqO.nUipVxGkK.wUcXAkZECs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQzbWMybXZkBG1pdANPcGluaW9uIEZyb250IFBhZ2UEcGtnAzQ1MjJmMGVjLTRlOWEtM2NjYi1iZjhlLTgxMmNhMjIxOWIxYQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDTWVkaWFTZWN0aW9uTGlzdAR2ZXIDZjNkMjE3MDAtOGM4MC0xMWUxLTlmZGYtNTNhZmI4NjVlYmY3;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

The cruise was great. The weather was questionable in the morning but just as we were standing in line to board the cruise the clouds went away and the sun came out and stayed the rest of the day. The food was absolutely delicious. I had the chicken pomodore. Every was given a Caesar salad before the main course. Everything was on the firm including drinks. It was an absolutely perfect way to end tax season. And look what was given to the employees during the cruise:



(click on picture to enlarge it)

My last week was as follows. Monday I finished up at work about 2 then went and did some errands for Mom. I also went to downtown Portland to check where the parking was for the cruise and where we boarded. Tuesday was the movie The Hunger Games. To damn long. Wednesday was putting the finishing touches on my tax return. I put it on the back burner when I found out I owed a ton. Thursday was Mom day. Mom & I went to the heart doctor. Then we stopped for lunch. The while I did two loads of laundry at her house we played three games of Scrabble. I fixed a nice dinner for us. Made coffee for Mom and the caregiver for the next morning. I had to stop at the pharmacy on the way home. I got home about 9. Long day. Friday was personal errand day. Haircut. Car Wash. Grocery shopping. Dry cleaners. Gas up..

On the agenda this week is today is paying bills, lunch at Mom's, and a little pickup around the house. Tomorrow probably a movie. Tuesday the troops are going out to celebrate the end of tax season. Wednesday my sister and her husband leave for Texas so Mom duty begins. Wednesday night and all day Thursday at Mom's. Friday and Saturday is making sure meals are provided for Mom and the caregiver. I don't want to brag but they like my meals better than sister's.

That is it for the day. What was on your agenda last week? What is on your agenda for next week? Need prayers and good vibes for yourself, your relatives, or your friends? Something bothering you and you need to vent? Fire away. The blog is yours today so post anything you damn well please. I love hearing about your lives.

Sailing Away

I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, positive vibes, and good thoughts. With everyone behind me I think I am a slam dunk to nail those heart tests.

I'm really looking forward to the cruise today. The weather is cooperating with it being sunny and inthe mid seventies. Be a great way to spend three or four hours!

Starting the day off with a bit of a warning:

http://news.yahoo.com/hundreds-thousands-may-lose-internet-july-181324701--finance.html

Speaking of warnings, could a company have screwed up things more than the one in the following article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/20/aviva-mistaken-firing_n_1441790.html?1334961594&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D153930

I am closing with tips on how to choose a restaurant:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/food-wine/picking-restaurants_b_1224703.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D15299

Comment Away.

PS


When I told my doctor I couldn't afford an operation, he offered to touch-up my X-rays. Henny Youngman

It's My Turn

It is now my turn to ask for prayers, good vibes, and good thoughts. Mom & I had our annual heart doctor appointment. Mom is fine. However, they detected an abnormality in my heart. I have two upcoming tests. An echocardiogram on 5-3 and a nuclear stress test on 5-7. If I said I wasn't scared I would be lying. So I'm pleading for your prayers and good thoughts.

I am tackling a tough subject today, bullying. I cannot recommend the movie BULLY enough. It should be required viewing for every teacher, every school administrator, and every student from the age of six on up.

http://thebullyproject.com/

Here is someone that took a stand:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/gerry-orz-day-of-silence-anti-bullying_n_1412501.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D150592

And here is a school that is clueless:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/19/colorado-boy-says-was-suspended-for-standing-up-to-bully-who-was-attacking-him/

Comment Away.

Thursday

Since tax season is over I kind of was monkeying around yesterday:

http://news.yahoo.com/see-dan-read-baboons-learn-spot-real-words-180435856.html

I thought about maybe doing some traveling now:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hans-proppe/route-66_b_1424113.html?ref=travel&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D152592

And maybe now I will have time to help someone out:

http://www.aol.com/video/6-year-old-sets-up-lemonade-stand-to-save-sick-dad/517337636/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl20%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D153019

Comment Away.

The Disturbing

Enjoyed the day yesterday sort of a combination of a day off and doing chores. I did go to The Hunger Games. Not a bad movie just to long. Plus it was kind of unrealistic because the troops didn't rebel. Today a little more rest and a little more work on my own taxes. Taxes are always disturbing so we are doing disturbing stores today.

Up first if more for Moms and parents to worry about:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/16/choking-game-study_n_1428607.html?1334593558&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D152382

How stupid is this game? Why kids would want to play this game is beyond me.

Next up is another disturbing story:

http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-alleged-sacramento-rape-victim-jailed-for-not-testifying-20120405,0,6675749.story

Another story said she was released but it has be the dumbest move of all time to lock her up in the first place.

Now on to a dumb move by a law enforcement officer

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/los-angeles-sheriff-captain-allegedly-took-inmate-golfing-125319084--abc-news-topstories.html;_ylt=AqCTDs45thIMNWZyF.cfjECs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtZTZwZnNqBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDMzhmNzkzNTQtZjg1MS0zNGFmLTg4OGQtYzFjNTBmYzQ1OTk2BHBvcwMxMARzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgNiODBkNmQ4MC04MGIxLTExZTEtYjI1Zi02NzVkN2I3YzA2MmU-;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

Comment Away.

Recovery

My first day off since February 1 and Mom, bless her heart, wanted me to come into see her today. But I am taking a me day. I finished at two-thirty yesterday afternoon. It was to late to go to a movie. So I ran Mom errands and checked out the boarding and parking situation for a cruise I am going on Saturday. The firm picked The Portland Spirit Lunch cruise for their end of the tax season party. It boards at 11:30 AM and the cruise is from 12 to 2. Food and drinks are on the firm:

http://www.portlandspirit.com/cruises.php

Not going to a movie yesterday turned out to be a good thing thanks to my cousin/sister Dixie who sent me some nice gift cards. Red Robin, Wendy's, & Regal Cinemas. Three of my favorites. Waiting to go to a movie now means it is free!!

One thing that was a gigantic mixed emotion incident happened a couple of weeks ago. I am the executor of Mark's estate. He sent me his will and his letter of instruction. He gave me five percent of his estate. Which is a good chunk of change. Although I am overwhelmed that he would mention me and tell me that is was what his wife wanted I hope I never see a penny of it. That would mean he outlived me.

At work, the word is official a 23.5% increase over last year in my output. It is amazing how much I can do when there isn't someone bugging me several times a day like last year. I ended up doing as much alone as S (the doofus) and I did together last year. Overall the firm did more work this year than last with two less people. Best staff since I've been there.

On the agenda today is a car wash, a haircut, a little work on my own tax return (I filed an extension) and a movie.

Now on to today's post and a couple of articles. I will be drinking a lot of coffee today so the first article interest me a bit:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/05/best-instant-coffee_n_1405887.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D149937

And I will start connecting with friends that I have ignored for the past few months:

http://www.aol.com/video/neighbors-celebrate-50-years-together/517328522/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D150714

Comment Away.

Good Monday

Off to my last day of work for a while maybe I will finish by noon and go to a movie. Since I am in a good mood lets do good stories today:

Children stories are often charming:

http://www.aol.com/video/childrens-letters-to-god-adapted-into-viral-chain-letter/517328952/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D150741

Celebrities you probably haven't heard of doing good things are often charming:

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2012-04-13/trent-richardson-taking-leukemia-survivor-to-prom-alabama-football?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D152152

And what about truck drivers stepping up to the plate:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/michael-hawthorne-truck-driver_n_1413190.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl18%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D150555

Comment Away.

Sunday, Sunday.

I honestly didn't realize how tired I was until I got up this morning. Maybe now that it is almost over my body is speaking to me. I haven't really had a day off since February 7. Tuesday will be the first and I am going to try to sleep in! I didn't meet my goal of doing one hundred returns at the firm but I came damn close. I think I would have made the goal if they would have given me a few more returns. I will say that in the four years that I have been there this is the best staff that they have had. We did more work than last year, with less stress, and fewer people. I do think next tax season will be harder because of Amy going to the Army. I hope my lottery winnings come in before then.

I received a couple of updates from Snug. Here is the first one:

"The good is that he moved to the rehab facility today, and all's well. It's a matter of time for him to get back on his feet and I'll have to be patient. The bad is that my dad started acting up. Phoned me and demanded that I place him in a home because "nobody looks after him" (he knows very well Les is in hospital). The ugly is that he pulled out his NG tube so mum had to take him to hospital to get one inserted. Do old men regress into small children when wives/daughters are already maxed out? I'm actually tempted to put him into a few weeks' respite care, if only to give my mum a break. "

Sound familiar? Seems like we had a blog post a while back that when our parents reach a certain age they change for giving folks to selfish ones and the only thing they really care about is if their needs are met. This to shall pass.

Then better news followed today:

"Sometimes, it makes me frightened what I'll be like when I'm old. After all, my dad is half my gene pool! As it is now, with Les's medical issues, I'm taking a hard look at middle age, and it aint pretty. But we did have a good weekend. The rehab facility gave him "home leave" because there's no physio on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, and he proved to them that he could go to the loo on his on, and could walk a few steps to transfer between wheelchair and seat, wheelchair and loo, that sort of thing. So he went home on Saturday afternoon, and he doesn't have to be back at the facility until Sunday evening. He was very happy to be home, and the dogs were very happy to see him. Queeni (she's daddy's girl) hasn't left his side."

Love the loyal dog. And getting old isn't for sissys.

Keep Adi in your prayers.

Now the blog is yours. Post whatever you damn well please. Share anything you want to. Vent. Update us. Just post something so I know you are alive!

PS

"Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job." Franklin P. Jones

Crunch Time

I am trying to get enough work done so that I can finish by Monday. Then there is lunch and dinner for Mom. Not enough time for a blog post today. I will return tomorrow.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! Except Mary, I just hope she survives it!

Bill

Paraskevidekatriaphobia

Which means the fear of Friday The Thirteenth. Should we be extra careful today?

http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2012/01/13/bad-luck-stories-friday-13th/

I have just the potion for you to make sure you make it through the day:

http://www.nowpublic.com/strange/friday-13th-superstitions-and-bad-luck-prevention-2879864.html

So are you going to join me in putting your clothes on backwards?

I am closing with some good luck:

http://www.allgov.com/Unusual_News/ViewNews/8_Good_Things_That_Happened_on_Friday_the_13th_110513

Some of the articles were a little old but each had information in them. I hope you enjoyed the history of the dreaded Friday the 13TH.

Comment Away.

Celebrate

The weekend is almost here so let's celebrate.

First we are going to celebrate some teens:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/07/michigan-teenagers-cody-d_n_1408605.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D150018

Next we are going to celebrate some of the older set:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-alexandre-kalache/how-the-baby-boomers-are-_b_1403431.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D150070

In closing we are going to celebrate squirrels:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/why-we-love-and-hate-squirrels/2012/04/07/gIQAhNAa2S_gallery.html

Comment Away

Traveling

Wednesday is for looking forward to the end of the week and maybe traveling plans you might have.

How about visiting the new hot spot:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/04/04/the-hunger-games-town-on-sale-for-1-4-million/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl25%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D149543

Or the beautiful spot where out family spent many summer vacations:

http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/05/video-scenes-from-greater-yellowstone/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D149799

What is better than a trip to the future?

http://www.aarp.org/technology/innovations/info-06-2011/meet-celia-the-video-robot-video-inside-estreet.html?cmp=RDRCT-ROBO_MAR06_012

Comment Away.

It's Shaking

Since Tuesday is such a boring day I decided to try to shake things up a bit:

http://news.yahoo.com/study-ties-oil-gas-production-midwest-quakes-223216720.html

If the ground moving doesn't shake things up how doctors not moving:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/04/doctor-office-wait-times_n_1400957.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D149286

Still not shook up? Maybe this will prank will shake you up a bit:

http://www.mandatory.com/2012/04/03/another-reason-why-college-is-awesome-lecture-pranks#page=1%3Ficid

Comment Away.

Easter Hangover

I hope you all had a nice Easter. Here is an article that is kind of a hangover from the holiday:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/what-happens-when-you-die_n_1376602.html?ref=science&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D148272

I'm not sure I agree with the article but it was an interesting attempt.

I do know what happens to people if they try to scam you into believing that they will help you with all your tax problems:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2012/04/04/taxmasters-hit-with-15m-judgement/

They got what they deserved!

And I do know where you can for help for any of life's problems:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/05/21-hilarious-how-to-books-photos_n_1403122.html?ref=comedy&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D149931

Off to what I think is the beginning of my last week of work!

Comment Away.

Easter

"Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there." ~Clarence W. Hall

"Passover and Easter are the only Jewish and Christian holidays that move in sync, like the ice skating pairs we saw during the winter Olympics." Marvin Olasky

To me Easter is day of reflection. A day of celebration with the family. A day of renewal. A day of a new Dahn (pun intended).

For those that celebrate either holiday may your holiday be rewarding and wonderful.

For those that don't celebrate religious holidays, the following article is for you:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/06/god-prefers-kind-atheists-over-hateful-christians_n_1408519.html

Signs like the one in the above article is the reason I am proud to say I am a Methodist. It warms my heart that the positive comments about the sign out number the negative comments by thirty or forty to one.

Her is an update from Snug, AKA as Adi:

"Just a quick update: it's been ups and downs, really. He has been on the mend, and can now wheel himself about the ward in a wheelchair, though he has little strength in his legs to stand -- the meningitis caused a stroke-like issue with his legs. If all things go well, he is expected to move to a step-down rehab facility next week, for six weeks, where they will help him get back on his legs, or adjust to life using whatever aid is needed, be it a walking stick or a wheelchair. But the down is that although he was doing well, today he developed a fever which rapidly escalated into a high fever. So it's really still a day at a time. "

And a follow-up to my response:

"I'm taking it a day at a time, or it will become overwhelming. It is indeed daunting though, to think that it will be another 6 weeks before Les comes home. But I'm also told that 6 weeks is not really that long in terms of rehab time. Today has been a good day, no fever and he's seemingly back to normal. So I count the good days and not try to get weighed down by anything else. Your prayers and support have helped immensely, along with Dona's, and all the wonderful people at your blog."

Speaking of updates and Dona. Where in the hell has Dona been? Sure would like an update from her.

And I would like updates from all of you. Tell me what is going on in your lives. What went on. What is going on next week. How you are celebrating today's holiday. Updates on your friends that were in peril. Requests for prayers and good thoughts. Vent. Shout Joys. Post anything you damn well please.

My Kind

Although I have a lot on my plate and a to do list the size of the Incredible Hulk I am getting caught up and the job may end the middle of next week. It is kind of mixed emotions. I will miss the people. They are all very nice. This is the best and the most efficient group they have had in the four years that I have been there. No turkeys. The end of the tax season party is April 21. We are going on The Portland Spirit. That is a cruise on the Willamette River in downtown Portland. Lunch and drinks are included. I asked Nancy to come along and she will be joining us. There will be another party later in the summer. A going away party for one of my favorite people that has worked there, Amy. She is the one that once said, "it will be a very sad day when you don't work here." Well, it will be a sad day when Amy leaves for the Army. Her husband is disabled and can't work. She has two years of college and can't afford more. She just had a baby last August. She made a decision that was best for her family, it takes a strong woman to make a decision like that. The service will pay for her last two years of college. She will make enough to send money home. Her husband and her two children will move in with his parents and the in-laws will take care of the children. Damn she will be missed if I go back next year. Amy is my kind of people.

My kind of mob:

http://www.marketplace.org/topics/business/cash-mobs-try-boost-small-businesses

The idea is spreading and just recently showed up in Washington State.

My kind of friend is one that sends me charming links, like the following one that DR sent:

http://www.maniacworld.com/stay-calm-dad.html

I want that little girl in charge of something, anything, she is just to darn precious.

My kind of article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/05/jerry-pope-message-in-a-bottle-connecticut-england_n_1405590.html?1333639212&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-

Amazing.

Comment Away.

Today's Health

All About Health.

Health articles today.

That dreaded diet pop:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/29/diet-soda-health_n_1389469.html?ref=healthy-living&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D14799

Finding your inner self:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kingsley-dennis-phd/inner-life_b_1379348.html?ref=healthy-living&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D14799

One ignored side effect of a stroke:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/stroke/0330/depression-often-follows-stroke-but-treatment-lacking.aspx?xid=aol_eh-emo_5_20120402_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D14808

Comment Away.

Warnings

Warnings.

Beware of the IRS:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/03/29/tax-audit-red-flags-11-things-that-may-get-irs-to-pick-you/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D147867

Don't be scared but listen to the damn warnings:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/new-tornado-warnings-to-try-scare-tactics/1222942

Beware of being exposed:

http://news.yahoo.com/lost-data-may-exposed-800-000-people-calif-081514187.html

Comment Away.

Finds

Finds. Amazing finds:

http://news.yahoo.com/workers-restoring-russian-mansion-treasure-164540529.html;_ylt=Ap_QvjpFP3KgRusC23Dl1D.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTN2YzVnZXFjBG1pdANPZGQgRnJvbnQgUGFnZQRwa2cDZDlhNGZhOWEtYmFiNy0zNzEyLTk0OTItNTYwZmE0M2VkYTE4BHBvcwMzBHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgM1NjM3YWNhMS03YWE0LTExZTEtYmZiNi03NWMxMjA1ODUzMzQ-;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

From Russia back to the U.S.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/california-student-treasure-lake-trash-school_n_1392237.html?1333143780&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D148208

On to retirement homes:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/29/retirement-homes-for-89000-and-up_n_1385464.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D148081

Comment Away.

Necessary? Unnecessary?

Today we are playing necessary vs. unnecessary. I give you an article and you tell me if what they are trying to do in the article is unnecessary or necessary.

First up, the cell phone:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/us/police-tracking-of-cellphones-raises-privacy-fears.html?_r=1&ref=ericlichtblau

Next up a potential new California law:

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012/03/27/california-bill-would-punish-student-teacher-dating/

Finally, a little laughter:

http://news.yahoo.com/laughter-clubs-catch-stressed-hong-kong-041602266.htm

While some of the schemes in the above articles may be unnecessary your comments are necessary to make the blog more interesting so, Comment Away.

Going Bald, Going Cold, & Going Old.

It's Monday! Just a little over two weeks I get a day off! In the meantime I am considering going bald:

http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/30/10938746-barbie-goes-bald-thanks-to-facebook-campaign

I have been referred a few times during my life as a warm person. I am going against that trend and going cold today:

http://www.stylelist.com/stacey-platt-and-sarah-hayon/spring-cleaning-organize-freezer_b_1386885.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D147728

And after watching the following video I am thinking about going old:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/03/30/86-year-old-german-gymnast-johanna-quaas_n_1390656.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D148081

Comment Away

You've Been Pranked.

Let's start the day off with an appropriate for the day article:

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/03/30/april-fools-day-pranks-at-work/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl9%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D148189

I have pulled off a few pranks in my life. Small ones. Short sheeting. Icy Hot in shorts and jock straps. And so on. Probably the best prank ever thought of in my lifetime was the mastermind of a really good friend and myself. We had the good sense to call of the prank at the last minute. R & I worked at a company where Bob W. was our supervisor. He was a racist bigot magnified. It was winter time R was a professional baseball player just keeping busy until the season started up again. Neither one of us were bigots and it was quite annoying to listen to the B.S. Bob W. was spewing. R knew an African-American teammate that was taking acting classes. We decided to hire the acting class dude to come in to work one day and go to Bob's office and ask Bob if he could marry his daughter. We chickened out at the last minute because we didn't want to go to jail if he died of a heart attack. Any pranks in your past, done or undone?

Time for an update. My boss told me something on Friday that really kind of shocked me. I've worked fifty-nine more hours this year than I did last year at this time. When you add to it that I've also done a lot more with Mom this tax season than last it becomes pretty amazing that I'm not that tired. I am a year older and doing more work than for many years so I should be exhausted. I'm not really.

Last week of course it was five days of work. Three work projects at home. Dinner Thursday night at Mom's. Last Sunday and yesterday at Mom's. The next week is going to be six days at work (it is crunch time so Saturday is added to the schedule.) Thursday night is at Mom's. Saturday in between work is at Mom's to prepare Saturday and Sunday dinners. Other than that there really isn't much to do.

OK, I spilled my guts. Now spill yours. Catch me up on what is going on with you, your friends, and relatives. Let me know who needs prayers and/or good thoughts. Vent if you so desire. Shout the good stuff at the top of your longs if you so desire. Post anything you damn well please.

I am closing with a damn cute video that DR. sent:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video?id=7622622

Comment Away

Sock It To Me.

Some updates before today's entry.

The results of Mark's tests were negative and he doesn't have a tumor on his thyroid. They did see a small spot on his lung but the doctors weren't concerned about it. He is going in for more tests in a couple of months. Still keep him in your prayers and good thoughts.

Got a really nice E-mail from Adi, AKA, Snugpug. She is another one to keep in your prayers and good thoughts re her husband. Here is part of her E-mail:

"Well, things are looking up in that the infection is being contained, now that He is halfway through the course of antibiotics. But the doctors still don't know what caused it. Is that so important?

They're now rehabbing the problem with his legs. He's got feeling but minimal strength. At the most, he'll be going home in a wheelchair.

The curve ball is that the abdominal scan has shown that his kidney cyst has grown, and there are two new cysts in the liver. This is a source of concern because of the cirrhosis. However, he is too weak now to go through a biopsy. So there are still many problems that need to be tackled further along.

And as he is the househusband, he is also secondary caregiver to my parents. All that has of course ground to a halt. I need to think of a Plan B for them now.

So, one thing at a time.

And I'm so grateful for all the good thoughts that are holding us up. "

On to today's post:

Sock it to me:

http://www.stylelist.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-socks_b_1382405.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D147399

In honor of most of the followers of the blog being women we are honoring woman today. Powerful women:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/21/year-of-the-woman-women-politics-elle-magazine_n_1370922.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D146372

Look into your eyes. You may see some unusual things:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/high-cholesterol/things-you-didnt-know-about-cholesterol.aspx?xid=aol_eh-chol_3_20120326_&aolcat=ESR&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D147434

Comment Away.

Sunrise, Sunset

Well it is the sunset of the working week but the sunrise of the weekend:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cheapflights/top-10-sunrises-around-th_b_1364367.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D145810

Do you have any skeletons in your closet? Are you hoping to create a few skeletons in your closet this weekend?

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/03/rocks_fossils_and_artifacts_st.html

Need something to worry about this weekend?

http://defense.aol.com/2012/03/21/they-re-here-cyber-experts-warn-senate-that-adversary-is-alread/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D146336

Comment Away and then go have great weekend.

Exciting Wednesday

Yesterday was boring, today we are going to try to do exciting. Nothing more exciting than swimming with sharks:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/glen-folkard-australian-shark-attack_n_1377357.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D146341

Finding unexpected cash is pretty exciting, no?

http://news.yahoo.com/cash-spills-highway-212327131.html;_ylt=Ag.0gmGEoVrEjvJxEVHWdA.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTN2ZjloZHFkBG1pdANPZGQgRnJvbnQgUGFnZQRwa2cDNWE0YmMzM2MtMzI0MS0zZmFhLTkyNDAtNGZmOTg3OWU3YWRkBHBvcwM0BHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgNiMmUxY2JjMC03NWI4LTExZTEtYWJmYy1iZDkzOTg3MjllNGQ-;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

Suing a school district because of their stupid decisions, can be exciting, right?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/24/texas-mom-plans-to-sue-school-district-after-says-daughter-with-cerebral-palsy/?test=latestnews

Comment Away.

PS

Next Blog Post is Friday.

Boring Tuesday.

Tuesday is always the nothing day of the week. Monday it is back to work. Wednesday is Hump Day. Thursday is Over The Hump Day. Friday is the start to the weekend. But what is Tuesday? Nothing. A boring day. So going with the flow today we are doing boring articles. Well, maybe to some but they were interesting to me.

Dumb criminals, boring?

http://news.yahoo.com/conn-man-accidentally-dials-911-while-stealing-153852326.html

Weather, boring?

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/25/10853227-march-has-meant-6000-weather-records-broken

Firing your dad stories, boring?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/mitchell-kaneff-arkay-packaging_n_1372561.html?ref=small-business&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D146336

Comment Away.

Star Gazing

Today we are going to update you are what the stars are doing.

First up is just a little respect:

http://news.yahoo.com/aretha-franklin-celebrates-70th-talks-music-041910113.html

I know you are all just dying to know what James Cameron, the director of Avatar & The Titanic, is up to:

http://news.yahoo.com/camerons-sub-makes-successful-unmanned-test-dive-102000758.html;_ylt=AlGvNqoB8vOsATaKl8sjNCSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ3OTNka2s1BG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBTY2llbmNlBHBrZwM4MWRjMGQ2ZS1iZjdkLTNmMGEtODFiYy00N2ZlNTZjNTRkNDQEcG9zAzIEc2VjA01lZGlhU2VjdGlvbkxpc3QEdmVyAzc2MzVlOWQxLTc2MGUtMTFlMS1iZmVmLWVlNWM2ODMxMjEwNw--;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

That is actually somewhat interesting.

In one of the mysteries of all time women just seem to love Johnny Depp. What is he doing now?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-doran/johnny-depp-somali-pirates_b_1366167.html?ref=celebrity&ir=Celebrity

Comment Away.

Your Update, My Go Boom In The Night.

I updated you yesterday on what was going on in my life. Turn about is fair play. Today you update me on your life, at least I hope you do.

I am really ready for tax season to be over. I'm exhausted. With me doing five days a week at The Firm and weekends at Mom's I haven't had a day of since mom got sick on February 1. I need a me day. I barely have time for showers right now. I do my laundry at Mom's when I am there so I am clean dude, just a tired one.

I might squeeze a little cleaning into today so I enjoyed the following article:

http://www.stylelist.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-baking-soda_b_1367262.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl25%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D145329

Do you know who invented chess? Tents? Now you will:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/muslim-inventions-_n_1370156.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D146326

I plan on having a quiet day so I hope the people around me and the occult will cooperate.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/21/clintonville-wi-booms-remain-unexplained_n_1369522.html?ref=green&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D145517

The blog is now yours. Catch me up. Comment Away. Vent. Give an inspiring speech. Post whatever you damn well please.

The Dog & The Chicken

I have a busy day planned but thought I would post a couple of updates before heading off into the wild blue yonder.

I had dinner with Mark last night and it was both good and bad. He is still having a really hard time getting over the death of his wife. The one year anniversary of her death will be next Friday. The prostate cancer is stable and his PSA levels are normal. He has a CATSCAN scheduled for Monday because they think there may be a tumor on his thyroid. So prayers and good thoughts are still needed. To show you what a kind of man Mark is with all that is going on with him he still brought my Mom flowers. I dropped them off to her on the way home from dinner. She was so pleased. Today we are all three going to lunch and then going back to Mom's to work on Mark's estate.

I also received a nice update mail from Adi, also known as Snugpug. Her husband (and her) still need out support. Please keep her husband, her, and her family in your daily thoughts and prayers:

"it's a series of ups and downs. He was showing signs of progress, and the hospital wanted to move him to another hospital that has a neuroscience centre. However late last night after the move, he had difficulty in breathing, and was moved to the ICU and intubated. He is still sedated and intubated today, oxygen levels are good, pulse normal, bp mostly ok but dips now and then. They are starting to reduce 100% oxygen. The breathing difficulty was likely caused by a bloated abdomen pressing into the diaphragm. They are draining the fluid, and assured me it's not like the varices last time, there's no sign of bleeding. Probably his system not functioning very well because of all the other stresses. It's a secondary problem to the meningitis, which is responding to antibiotics but will take time. They also said TB was one of the bacteria found, but it is not like he has TB. The other hospital found some signs of stroke in their MRI, and although they ruled it out after no sign of blood clots in an ultrasound, this neuro centre wants another MRI tomorrow to reexamine that. They will also check his heart, because there's infection in the blood, may get into the heart and therefore account for those stroke-like things in that first MRI."

Snug we all hope life gets easier for you and your husband. Sometimes I think it is harder on the supporter then it is on the patient because it is such a helpless feeling. My heart just goes out to you.

A couple of fun stories to end today's post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/dog-saves-girl-sex-offender-attack-florida_n_1376566.html?ref=weird-news&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D146258

Good dog. Next up the blog is going to the birds:

http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2012/03/chicken_clicker_classes_offer.html

Off to chase chickens. Comment Away.

A Snowy Commute.

I think I will be late to work this morning. A couple of inches of snow on the ground. The way the fools drive here it is best to stay home until the snow melts.

This will be the last post until Saturday at the earliest and Sunday at the latest. Tonight is at Mom's, tomorrow and Saturday my friend Mark (the one that lost his wife) is visiting to go over his taxes and estate. He really deserves more of my attention than the blog. I know all of you understand.

On to the post, starting with a question. Is the following real or a hoax:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/21/jarno-smeets-flying-dutchman-video_n_1370275.html?ref=science&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D145579

On to good health news:

http://news.yahoo.com/doctors-clue-quest-predict-heart-attack-193921529.html

Time for me to quit talking and start preparing for an ugly commute.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-magid/will-texting-make-the-pho_b_1367721.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D145468

Comment Away.

Parenting

Good parent number 1:

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/03/mother-saves-daughter-from-shark-attack-in-florida/

Good parent number 2:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/12/jeremy-blair-turned-in-by-dad-burglary-newscast_n_1340243.html?1331595480&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142923

What parents should be concerned about:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/101/healthy-mouth-healthy-body.aspx?xid=aol_eh-dental_1_20120312_&aolcat=APU&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D144281

Comment Away.


PS

The next blog entry will be Friday.

Health Day.

Before today's post we need prayers for Adi, who posts here as Snugpug. Her husband is in the hospital with a serious illness he is improving but prayers and good vibes would be appreciated.

Today we are doing health. First up is a new challenge for teenagers that my be harming their health:

http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/17/10721541-the-cinnamon-challenge-fun-or-foolish

Boy I don't know, cinnamon is good in short supply so I would avoid this challenge at all costs and would hope my nieces and nephews do the same.

A surprising link to Type-2 Diabetes:

http://news.yahoo.com/white-rice-seen-type-2-diabetes-says-study-233837784.html;_ylt=AtWPWzf3PJ8glrmqYP2T3ams0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ2azFkZHNrBG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBIZWFsdGgEcGtnAzhlNjYzZDkwLWI0MTQtMzI2YS04ZDdhLWJiNTAwM2YxNzY5NQRwb3MDMwRzZWMDTWVkaWFTZWN0aW9uTGlzdAR2ZXIDOWUxZGU2OTAtNmVmOC0xMWUxLWI3ZGYtMDgzYTRjYmI5ZTk4;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

I remember going to a dietician with Mom's diabetes and the rule was stay away from anything white. White bread, for example. This study kind of confirms what was expected several years ago.

Next up is a warning for women:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/is-your-purse-making-you-sick.aspx?xid=aol_eh-women_1_20120312_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D144281

I don't have a purse so I will leave the comments to you.

Comment Away.

Firestorms

Today we are doing firestorms.

Here is the resignation letter that caused an Internet firestorm of epic proportions:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2115156/Greg-Smith-resignation-letter-New-York-Times-Why-I-quit-Goldman-Sachs.html

Here is an article that should cause a firestorm:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/14/angel-raich_n_1342586.html

After reading the above articles and thinking about the contents I have to sleep on it for a while:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alicia-hutchison/naps-happen-14-impressive_b_1321922.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D144134

Comment Away.

Doing The Right Thing

Happy Sunday. A day of work for me. Cousin D & Friend Al get their taxes done.

A brief update.

Yesterday and today at Mom's. Last week Thursday night at Mom's but not overnight just there until the caregiver got there. Friday a very nice dinner with my friend Nancie. Next week nothing on the agenda but work and more work.

Had an interesting experience at work last week. We have a client that had two farms this year and inherited a third. All of the farms are in another state besides Oregon. That state has an income tax. Because of the additional farm this year the income was higher than previous years. My boss, M, thought we needed to file an Illinois return not only for this year but for the three previous years. Her take was we will probably lose the client but we have to do the right thing. I started looking into and adding a second state return to his return ended up saving the dude thirteen grand. The deal is one of the farm's was in his wife's name. None of us really knew that until this year when I did my digging. These farms were profitable and subject to self-employment tax. When you separated out the farms and put one of them in his wife's name all the self-employment tax went away. The reason? Three-fold. All of the profit was in her farm. She had already paid the maximum in social security tax on her W-2 form. And she didn't do anything active to produce the farm income. She was here, the farm was in another state. You are only dinged for self-employment tax if you do anything active. So I transferred her farm to form 4835, which is a farm rental schedule. The client is extremely happy. He couldn't believe it, he kept saying you mean I save three thousand, and it took me about ten minutes to convince him he saved thirteen grand. And whatever tax they paid to the other state came back to him on the Oregon return as a credit for taxes paid to another state. Oregon has a kicker in the law that doesn't allow a taxpayer to pay tax to two states on the same income. Of course the boss is extremely happy also, told the story all over the office. Used it as an example of how we should always do the right thing. And of course I am happy. We went from probably losing a client to having a client for life. I give credit to my boss. I like her honesty. She gives me credit, which of course I like.

That's it for today. I would love to hear the update on your life. How all of you and your friends are doing health wise and life wise. Would love to hear about events attended or coming up. And I would to love to hear your stories of when you did the right thing and instead of coming back to haunt you, it turned out amazingly well.

You can also post anything you damn well please. The blog is now yours.

Going Green

I am green today and not with envy. Ever wonder why we wear green on Saint Patrick's Day?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/15/st-patricks-day_n_1348003.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D143908

It was a good thing that the person in the following article didn't have the luck of the Irish because an honest person found the gold:

http://news.yahoo.com/thai-taxi-driver-returns-450-000-gold-owner-140546934.html

Did I use the phrase "Luck of The Irish" correctly? Some say yes, because the phrase means bad luck. Others say it means good luck.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-luck-of-the-irish.htm

So I hope today is lucky for you but for the time being I will refrain from wishing you Luck Of The Irish but I will wish you HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

Comment Away.

Castles In The Air

I like Fridays. End of the work week. After work I have a dinner date with Nancie. Then I can sleep in. Fridays are like castles in the air:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/justluxe/castles-around-the-world_b_1335791.html?ref=travel&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142886

Before the weekend starts I have to deal with a few tax returns and people trying to deduct some weird things:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/03/09/more-crazy-tax-deductions-what-worked-what-didnt/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142904

A while back we talked mantyhouse. Today it is pantihose.

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/03/13/extending-the-life-of-your-hosiery-savings-experiment/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D143567

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

Breaking Away

After tax season I may take a break and go on a mini-vacation. I haven't used my suitcases for a long time. I might check them before the end of tax season:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/5-suitcase_n_1332492.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142313

I like people that try to bring a little light into others' lives:

http://news.yahoo.com/flash-light-across-phoenix-skies-mystery-235359289.html

Except for lunch hour I don't really take morning or afternoon breaks at work. Not fifteen minute ones but little ones, yes. Are breaks a good idea:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57393540-10391704/not-taking-work-breaks-can-be-hazardous-to-health-study-reports/?tag=re1.channel

Comment Away.

Basic Black

Watch out for Facebook if you have more than one wife:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/09/facebook-bigamy-allan-l-oneill_n_1335089.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D142268

During my seasonal job fashion is important to me. I guess fashion has been important for a very long time.

http://news.yahoo.com/birdlike-dinos-wore-basic-black-glossy-touch-201121628.html;_ylt=AvVX9fwM1rqwr0HQpVxExiWs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ3dHRnZW05BG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBTY2llbmNlBHBrZwM1ODgxMjJlOC0yNTQzLTMyNDgtOTNiZi1jMDQwZGRmNzkwNGQEcG9zAzQEc2VjA01lZGlhU2VjdGlvbkxpc3QEdmVyAzFhNzMyODc1LTY5NmEtMTFlMS1iZmZiLTkxYTdmOTc0Y2E1NA--;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

I am breathing easier lately. How about you?

http://www.everydayhealth.com/asthma/0308/its-not-easy-breathing-green.aspx?xid=aol_eh-asthma_6_20120305_&aolcat=AGW&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142228

Comment Away.

PS

Next post is Thursday. No post tomorrow

The World Lives On

I guess since the world isn't going to end anytime soon I should go to work today:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/03/harold-camping-apologizes-for-failed-rapture-prediction.html

After work I am going to be barking while I am looking at art:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/paintings-of-dogs-fetch-high-prices_n_1324151.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D141630

Yesterday I went to open houses:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/03/09/open-houses-of-the-week-march-9-11/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142173

I am heading to Ohio, Dallas and Cleveland.

Comment Away.

An Update

Happy Sunday. I hope you remembered to move your clocks forward one hour. If not do so now.

An update from Kaye. Her boyfriend had brain surgery last week, This is pretty good news:

"Dave's surgery's went as planned and he is doing very well. They discharged him yesterday and he is home. He's a little weak, but otherwise very good. Still has some difficulty reading, but that improves a little each day. He can spell out a word, just can't always pronounce it. His memory is intact and his conversational skills are great. He finally slept the whole nite last night.... he never got more than 30 minutes of uninterrupted sleep at the hospital. His incision was longer than I expected, but no bruising! Doctor's are amazing in what they can do now. "


My update.

Did three nights last week at Mom's besides working because the caregiver was ill. I did find out that when I stay there a night when I have to go to work the next day it really makes the mornings difficult and rushed.

I am doing well at work. The male boss was surprised when I told him how many returns I had already done. In a month? That was his response. Truth is I have done more than I told him because I have four or five returns pretty much done but waiting for one item.

Didn't really have time to do anything for me last week except yesterday when I went to a movie, This Means War. It was OK, I had a free ticket and that made it better.

Next Week:

No overnights at Mom's. Thursday night there and Saturday day there. Piece of cake. At work, a lot of freaking work. That is it for next week.

The blog is now yours. Update me on your life. Tell me if you have friends or relatives that need prayers and/or good vibes. Got anything exciting

Boxers Or Briefs?

Boxers or briefs? Today it is briefs. Legal briefs and a brief post. Off to Mom's in an hour or two to do her errands and take her to lunch. The caregiver is back so I didn't have to stay there last night or tonight. It really is a relief. The caregiver even took care of dinner for tonight so it will be an easy Saturday. Well maybe not easy but it will be helpful to knock off items on my to do list.

First up, good parents or bad parents:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/03/despite_abuse_from_critics_par.html

Next up, good result or bad result:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/09/jose-antonio-cua-toc-undocumented-immigrant-lottery-ticket_n_1334564.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl9%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D142235

Finally, the right outcome or the wrong outcome?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/stephanie-lazarus-verdict_n_1333085.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D142235

Comment Away.

Inflatable Friday

Ah, it is Friday! Friday is a day that has different meanings when you are working then when you are not. When you are not working it is just like any other day of the week. But when you are working it is the end of the week and the start of the weekend. It means I can sleep in. At least it means that tonight but not so much tomorrow night when we have to do the stupid semi-annual frustration of messing with our clocks. Clocks around the houses and body clocks. Spring forward, fall back. Officially it is 2:00 AM Sunday morning when you move your clocks an hour forward. I plan on doing that Saturday night before I go to bed. I am so excited about losing an hour because it will give me less time to do the twenty-six items on my to do list. I need to complete tax returns for a first cousin and a second cousin so they know I haven't forgotten. I think I might ad a twenty-seventh item to my to do list. Find the idiot that came up with the idea of daylight savings time and make him watch one hundred hours of The Brady Bunch reruns.

Speaking of overkill:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/yajira-quezada-handcuffed_n_1324635.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D141132

I am glad we all survived the following:

http://news.yahoo.com/solar-storm-shakes-earth-magnetic-field-103655035.html

As a single man I always say I have high standards in the women I would like to date. They have to be between 30 & 99 and not inflatable. I might change that to include inflatable at some point. Maybe I will start with someone like the woman in the following article:

http://news.yahoo.com/she-sings-she-dances-shes-not-real-083031846.html;_ylt=AvEwJvH_LgaGkJXPXOF7HIGs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTN2dDkxMnBlBG1pdANPZGQgRnJvbnQgUGFnZQRwa2cDZmYwODQ0ODUtMzMwNi0zZTI4LTg2ZmYtY2YzZWQyNGY4NDkwBHBvcwMzBHNlYwNNZWRpYVNlY3Rpb25MaXN0BHZlcgM1YzM4NzAwNS02OWMyLTExZTEtYjdmYi03MzE2NDE1M2I4MzQ-;_ylg=X3oDMTFrM25vcXFyBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnMEdGVzdAM-;_ylv=3

Comment Away.

Not In This Lifetime

Not in this lifetime:

http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/03/08/introducing-mantyhose-yes-mantyhose/

I like the CSI shows on TV, do you? How about adding another one to the lineup:

http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20061687,00.html

Closing with a good story.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonatwar/2012/03/kennie_namba_who_lived_in_an_i.html

Comment Away.

The Touching, The Lucky, & The Scary.

Wednesday is the half way point of the week and it is a day I look forward to. Forward to ending. Because that means only two days until the pressure to perform is off. I am also looking forward to a week from this Friday when I connect with Nancie again. In January she started a two year college program in massage. She feels, and I think correctly, that will be a nice addition to her reflexology business. She has been really busy with her work schedule and classes three or four days a week. I really admire her efforts to better herself. I am looking forward to catching up with her to see how it is going.

Let's start the day off with a touching story:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/02/us/braydon-nichols-ireport-update/index.html?hpt=hp_bn1

Let's continue the post with a lucky story"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/04/ryan-kitching-teenage-winning-lottery-tickert-clean-room_n_1319413.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D140417

And let's end today's post with a scary story.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/02/tech/mobile/mobile-car-hacking/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6

Comment Away.

A Hero

I wasn't going to do a post today but this story is just to good not to share:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/03/a_drowning_man_a_selfless_act.html

Off to work. Comment Away and then go out and enjoy the day!

It's Monday!

Home from Mom's and getting ready to go to work but thought I would post a short entry for today. Before a couple of links just thought I would say that after my two days there Mom she is the best she has been since the start of the year. I kept it light and low pressure. We went out a couple of times (she normally only gets out if I take her) and everywhere we went the waitresses treated her like a star.

First up today is movie recommendations:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leonard-maltin/offhollywood-the-five-bes_7_b_1314733.html?ref=arts&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D140224

Now the good C.E.O.:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/02/markus-notch-persson-gives-3-million_n_1317396.html?ref=good-news&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D140359

Now before heading of to work, I think the blog is going to the birds. Big Bird.

http://news.yahoo.com/scientists-reconstruct-long-extinct-giant-penguin-123625967.html

Comment Away.

PS


Next Blog Entry is Wednesday

Happy Updates

Happy Sunday. Most of mine will be spent at Mom's. Sometimes that makes me happy, sometimes it doesn't. Are you happy? I'm happy damn it!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nancy-colier/happiness_b_1300996.html?ref=healthy-living&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D139586

Since this is update day, let's update you on the animal hall of fame:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/03/njvmas-animal-hall-of-fam_n_1318393.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D140314

Here is an update from a story we had within the last couple of weeks:

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/01/4304434/apnewsbreak-son-wont-evict-98.html

Now on to my update. Last week - A lot of freaking work. Next week - A lot of freaking work.

OK, it is your turn update me on what is going on in your lives. Would love to hear from all of you! Post anything you damn well please!

The Bucket List

The caregiver is sick so my life gets even busier the next few days. Besides work, my own job, etc, I now have two additional days and nights at Mom's. I am upset with the caregiver. She refuses to get a flu shot so she gets sick every year. We would pay for the flu shot for her but I guess she would rather lose a week of work every year. I don't know what the blog schedule will be next week except there won't be an entry on Monday. No time in the morning when I am at Mom's and then have to come home to get ready for work.

Let's today start with a story about science:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46560515/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

There is show on TV called Undercover Boss. I like the show a lot. Maybe there should be a new show on TV called Undercover Grandmother:

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/undercover-82-year-grandma-catches-medicare-fraud-tape/story?id=15818462

The score was the Miami Heat 107 The Portland Trailblazers 93. While the Trailblazers were on the short end of the score they didn't lose that night they won. Get the tissues out and read about a teen that will inspire you to forget about your problems and live your life to the fullest:

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2012/03/canzano_trail_blazers_help_a_f.html

What is on your bucket list?

I am sure I am going to miss a few and I am free to add things to my bucket list later but right now I will go with the following:

Save a life. I have saved a few lives during my lifetime but that was because I was good at reacting in an emergency crisis not because I risked life and limb to save someone. I want to do something heroic before I die.

Finish a book and have it published. I have published two books before but they were about football, I want to write one about life.

Give a sermon at church.

Do a standup comedy routine.

Go to the Oscars..

Go to the Super Bowl.

Conquer my fear of heights.

Learn to swim.

Live one day without pain.

Win the lottery and give it away to people that need it.

See the Grand Canyon.

Meet Sandra Bullock

Meet all five of the Satellite Sisters (three to go)

Travel to Billings, Montana and see the hospital I was born in. It is still there, I checked.

Ask a stranger for a date. Everyone once in a great while I get smiles from women when I am grocery shopping. How hard would it be to ask them to have a cup of coffee? Very hard for me. But just one time.

See a Dodger game again.

Meet a president. Preferably a Democrat but a Republican would count for the bucket list.

Spend a week in a Children's hospital helping out.

That is mine for now. I am going to be adding things everyday like young Natalie does. And today on the list it to pray that miracles happen and Natalie is cured.

Comment Away. Your bucket list interests me to no end. Please share it.

Death & Taxes

Nothing to controversial today, just death with dignity and taxes. But let's start the day with good news:

http://www.newsday.com/news/health/study-old-flu-drug-speeds-brain-injury-recovery-1.3569230

Now the IRS horror story:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/02/28/tax-audit-horror-stories-irs/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D139268

It is kind of sad but the woman could have solved her problem early on by doing something that takes less that five minutes. Send the IRS an address form. Or she could have included form 8822 (change of address) when she filed her tax return. This is a lesson for all of you, if you change your address (even if you move across the street) file form 8822 with the next tax return you file. It could save you a ton of misery in the future.

From taxes to death with dignity. Oregon has a death with dignity law that allows you to legally commit suicide if you have a terminal disease. I think if it was discovered that I was dying, rather than let my family watch me decline or watch myself decline I might seriously consider using the death with dignity law, You?

The following article deals with death with dignity. It is a story of an advisor now facing the toughest decision a soul can make:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/02/the_final_consult_doctor_who_p.html

Comment Away

All Over The Map

Today we all over the map.

First stop. Men's products that women can use:

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2012/01/24/6-mens-grooming-products-that-women-can-use-too/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D138076

Next stop. Good health news:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/vision/0224/researchers-spot-genes-behind-macular-degeneration.aspx?xid=aol_eh-news_12_20120220_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D138317

Final stop on The Blog Train.

A heartland controversy:

http://news.yahoo.com/minnesotas-controversial-deadly-force-bill-advances-214918215.html

Comment Away