Health Today.

I'm not sure what is on the agenda today except an appointment with a new foot doctor. I am hoping insurance will pay for special inserts. Then probably a movie, Hope Springs. Tomorrow I am cooking dinner from scratch. Second time this year. Hope nobody dies.

Speaking of dying today's blog is all about health. I am really excited about the new test they have to determine if those chest pains are really a heart attack:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/heart-attack-test/story?id=16995356

If I don't go to a movie today I am going to stay home and drink hot chocolate.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/0814/hot-cocoa-may-boost-seniors-brain-power.aspx?xid=aol_eh-news_5_20120813_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl28%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D192364

The following isn't really about health but is in the health field and it is damn scary:

http://news.yahoo.com/ap-impact-med-techs-arrest-shows-flaws-system-170436079.html

Comment Away.

PS

No news question today but the answer to yesterday is the Elaine Weinstein's husband was kidnapped by Al-Qaeda and she is seeking his release.

Mysteries

Last day at Mom's and I am at the end of a fast in a couple of hours. My lab tests are today. I hope I don't flunk them.

Today we are about mysteries.

Can't have a mystery without spies can you?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/13/hexagon-spy-satellite-declassified_n_1772408.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D191749

Sometimes there is a missing person:

http://news.yahoo.com/man-believed-killed-attempt-escape-east-germany-alive-193958737.html

There also has to be a why in a mystery as in why in the world is Bristol Palin on the All Star version of Dancing With The Stars? She can't dance. The last time she was on she stayed as dancers much better than her were sent packing. Now she is back? Almost enough to make me not watch this season. And no it doesn't have anything to do with her politics it has to do with her not being able to dance. I would have rather seen John O'Hurley, Jerry Rice, Giselle Fernandez, Stacey Keebler or anyone that can dance. As to the final contestant I am rooting for Sabrina because she is the best dancer of the three.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-dancing-with-the-stars-20120813,0,3957204.story

Comment Away

PS

News question of the day. Who is and what request did she make this week? Who is Elaine Weinstein. A hint she is from Maryland.

The answer to yesterday's question is that Alda Collins is a 110 year old World War One widow that finally got her widow's benefits from the Army.

Spirits, Rhinos, And Skys.

Heading out to Mom's in a few minutes. Be back tomorrow night at about eight. Sometimes I wonder if spirits aren't invading my life.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/08/haunted-highway-spirit-locks-in-chamber-video_n_1754466.html?utm_hp_ref=tv-replay&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D191351

Sometimes there is so much noise in her neck of the woods it sounds like seven Rhinos running:

http://news.yahoo.com/7-rare-rhinos-photographed-western-indonesia-101856447.html?_esi=1

And if there isn't anything good on TV now that the Olympics are over we just watch the sky:

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/perseid-meteor-shower-dazzles-skywatchers-slideshow/?_esi=1

Comment Away.

PS

Today's news question is who is Alda Collins?

Answer to the previous news questions of the day:

Shannon Eastin was the first woman to referee an NFL football game.

Claire Sherman is a twelve year-old Oregon girl from Raleigh Hills that is already doing cancer research and was playing in the Softball Little League World Series at Alphenrose Dairy in Raleigh Hills, Oregon.

Greta Friedman & George Mendonsa are the couple in the following photo, taken by Alfred Eisenstaed on VJ Day sixty-seven years ago.

What To Do

What to do in an elevator:

http://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/08/10/13186142-dont-stand-so-close-to-me-and-other-elevator-donts?lite&__utma=14933801.1568316937.1342977773.1344291850.1344720159.5&__utmb=14933801.3.10.1344720159&__utmc=14933801&__utmx=-&__utmz=14933801.1342977773.1.1.utmcsr=(direct)|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&__utmv=14933801.|8=Earned%20By=msnbc%7Ccover=1^12=Landing%20Content=Mixed=1^13=Landing%20Hostname=www.nbcnews.com=1^30=Visit%20Type%20to%20Content=Earned%20to%20Mixed=1&__utmk=184268710

What to do in an emergency:

http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2012/08/portland_emergency_response_ex.html

What to do if you are lonely?

http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/major-depression/depression-feeling-lonely.aspx?xid=aol_eh-emo_8_20120806_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D190977

Speaking of kissing someone let's move on to the news question for the day. Who are Greta Friedman & George Mendonsa and what do the have to do with today? Why did CBS reunite them?

Comment Away

Lost Camera And Found Fossils.

The other day it was a town for sale in Utah now we have one a little north of there:

http://news.yahoo.com/sale-historic-montana-town-where-custer-fell-155439854.html

Most everyone remembers my famous wallet story so I love lost and found stories. Lose a camera lately?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/08/missing-camera-found-mich_n_1756598.html

A lot of people think us men from Oregon are from outer space maybe even mars:

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/08/john_day_fossil_beds_could_hel.html

Comment Away

Sunday Update

Today I do lunch for Mom and dinner for Mom & the caregiver. They are having breakfast for dinner. Then it is two me days in a row where I plan on working my but off on client stuff and write a chapter or two. Wednesday from 11 in the morning until Thursday at 7:30 are at Mom's. Thursday is also a lab appointment to see how I am progressing. Friday is seeing a new foot doctor to get some special inserts for my shoes. Saturday is at Moms for the day but not for the night.

Last week was a blur again. Friday I did go to The Bourne Legacy. It was a decent movie, the fourth in the series based on the Robert Ludlam characters. The Bourne Ultimatum was the last before The Legacy and was by far the best in the series. The Legacy was as good as the Ultimatum after about a thirty minute confusing and slow start. Still work the time. Tuesday from noon until Thursday at 8 PM was at Mom's. Saturday was an errand and attacking the to do list day.

I haven't talked to Mark the one that lost his wife yet but I did talk to the CPA Mark and he is doing great. His mom is having her ups and down but was up enough for Mark and His wife to take her to the coast. And my lovely cousin Lavelle emailed me and was happy with her care package and my letter.

The blog is now yours. Let me know what is going on with you. I live to know what is going on in your lives!

The news question of the day is why was twelve year-old Claire Sherman featured in an article in The Oregonian last week? Email the answer at williamjdahn@aol.com

Closing Ceremony.

"If the opening ceremonies are the wedding then we're the reception." David Arnold, music director of the closing ceremonies which are on tomorrow.

I've enjoyed the Olympics and have been very proud of the Americans. From today's paper the United States leads the medal standing with ninety-four to China's eighty-one and forty-one gold medals to China's thirty-seven. Apparently there are some out there that aren't so proud of us.

John Canzano is a sports columnist of The Oregonian whose assignment the last couple of weeks has been to attend the Olympics. He is a good writer and responsive to e-mails. He had an interesting column a couple days ago

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2012/08/canzano_nobody_but_america_cou.html

I really don't care what the rest of the Olympic world thinks of us, I'm going for the gold. The goal of life is to be the best you can be and Americans shouldn't be hammered for doing just that. What is your opinion?

The next article comes to us from DR. It is a little long but well worth the read. One of my favorite annual TV events is when CNN honors the everyday heroes. Heroes like the nun in the following story:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/09/us/cnnheroes-fitzgerald-hour-children/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_world

Since the above article was a little long we are only doing two articles and replacing the third article with a question of the day. I may do a question of the day where I mention someone in the news and you tell my why they are in the news. I'm not sure how many days a week I will do it or if I will do it at all. But for today can you tell my why Shannon Eastin is in the news? E-mail answers to williamjdahn@aol.com

Comment Away.

Discoveries

Looking forward to today and taking in a good movie! Today we are doing discoveries.

Before today's post I wanted to congratulate my friend Ted Runstein. The lawyer friend that is helping on my mom's case (which he got her out of) and the one that when I asked for help said "anything for you." Yesterday the Oregonian had an insert called "Super Lawyers" where they listed the top lawyers in Portland. It is quite an honor for a lawyer to be mentioned in it. Ted was listed in the practice area "Personal Injury: Plaintiff's Lawyer: General". In my book Teddy Tops should be listed in all catergories!

I also knew a few others that were mentioned. Dagmar who used to work for my brother was listed as a top Immigration lawyer. My friend Larry (I went to his wedding and he used to work for Ted) was named as a top tax lawyer. There were several others with ties to me but those are the ones with the closest ties that would accept my phone call if I called.


All the articles come to you today from The Huffington Post.

First up is a Captain, my Captain:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/01/captain-morgans-treasure_n_1728340.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl17%7 Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D187336

Now is a place that is pretty cool:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/02/antarctica-was-once-a-rai_n_1733597.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D188147

To close we take a time trip back to ancient times.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/31/colossal-ancient-human-sc_n_1723139.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D187161

Comment Away.

Hot Enough For You?

Last day at Mom's will get home a little before eight tonight. Then tomorrw is a me day! A good Friday.

I've said before that one of my favorite writes is USA Today cloumnis Craig Wilson. Love this piece by him about the weather:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/finalword/story/2012-08-07/final-word-craig-wilson-hot/56862076/1

I think the guy's underwear in the following story was hot enough.

http://news.yahoo.com/man-sets-fire-home-microwaving-socks-undies-200423450.html

Funny first, dumb second, charming third. I love the guy in the following article and would love to meet him. Be fun to sit down and talk to him:

http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2012/08/portlander_john_sell_100_to_gi.html

Comment Away

The Unusual

Today we are doing unusual stories.

I didn't know if I should laugh or cry at the following article:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/08/03/bill-mcmachen-michigan-buys-hundreds-foreclosed-properties/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D188448

Did they do the right thing by offering all their properties for back taxes?

Speaking of right or wrong the following article is a head shaker:

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/oregon-man-sentenced-30-days-jail-collecting-rainwater-his-property/

He was on his own property for goodness sake! The rainwater is his.

Still celebrating the unusual but in this case it is a darn good story:

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/ny-police-save-baby-1490408.html

Good for he cops!

Comment Away.

Men Are From Mars.

I am heading over to Mom's after lunch &will be there until Thursday night at 7:30.

Men are from Mars and so is today's post.

What do we really know about mars?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/03/mars-facts-five-things_n_1736842.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D188540

Who is the star of the Mars landing?

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/mohawk-guy-becomes-star-nasa-mars-landing-173507110.html?_esi=1

How about a slide show?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/06/nasa-news-mars-curiosity-rover-beams-image_n_1746623.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D188820

Comment Away

A Smelly Post

Today we are all about perfume. Let's start with the article that reminded me of two of the treasures in Portland, Oregon:

http://news.yahoo.com/nose-crime-1-2m-french-perfume-nabbed-183534884--finance.html

It reminded of The Perfume House and its owner Chris Tsefalas. I was introduced to both several years ago when one on my clients took me on a walk through The Hawthorne District near where she lived. It turns out that Jade was Chris's brother. I learned more about perfume in the afternoon at The Perfume House than anyone could in a lifetime.

http://www.theperfumehouse.com/

Make sure you click on "heritage". You will discover that Mr. Tsfalas is a "nose", one of two hundred in the world. And is considered one of the twenty six best "noses" in the world. What is a nose? How do you become a nose?

"Perfumers, creators of fragrance, who are known as "Noses", are held in the highest esteem in the perfume industry and theirs is the final say as to whether or not a fragrance is acceptable. The primary requisite for becoming a Nose is a keen olfactory sense. It is not enough for the perfumer to be able to distinguish blindfolded between the fragrance of a rose and a tulip, but his sense of smell must be so acute that he can detect in a mixture of 100 or more ingredients the precise amount of the various substances that have contributed to the formula.

In order to become a perfumer one must be able to recognize various raw materials but must have the capacity and artistry to blend them harmoniously. One must be able to tell, for instance, whether a certain lot of labdanum is from Greece or Corsica; whether the oil of ylang-ylang comes from Madagascar or Manila; tell the difference between oils of the same species of plant cultivated in different countries, and which type will achieve a particular result. Lavender oil, for example, can have a top note that is floral, balsamic, sharp, sweet, green or nut-like. The Nose has his counterpart in the wine industry where the skilled expert can tell in an instant the region, type of grape, and vintage of the wine he is sampling. To get to be one of the top 26 noses in the world the prospective candidate must be able to recant all of the elements that comprises the essential elements within a fragrance before sprayed droplets of that perfume reach the floor."

Closing with an article about romance and scents that quotes Mr. Tsefalas.

http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2009/02/the_best_scents_for_those_who.html

If you want to order something from them I am sure they ship, if anyone visits Portland I will serve as your guide there. If you go alone, order off of the Internet, or contact them by phone tell them that Jade's former accountant, Bill, sent you there.

Now that you know more about perfume than you ever wanted to know comment away.

Updates From Portland to LA to Texas.

Some updates. I had three friends named Mark that within in the last three years found out they had prostate cancer. Mark who also lost his wife. Mark the one that bought my practice. Mark the landscaper.

I haven't heard from the first two but I am going to call both tomorrow. I did hear from Mark the landscaper and his prostate cancer came back after being dormant for a while. He is also having trouble with some decisions he may have to make involving his Mom. She is aging fast and losing her mobility. She lives in the house next door to him. Her memory is dwindling and she has trouble getting around. He wants to get her help but she is fighting him tooth and nail, doesn't want help at the house (to expensive but she has plenty of money) doesn't want to move into assisted living (I am not ready for that when in reality she is) and so on. Mark the landscaper sure could use some prayers, good thoughts, and positive vibes.

I got an update from Kaye. Here is her email:

"We have had our appointment with Tarzan’s chemo oncologist. What they see in his last MRI is about what they expected to see. The cavity where the tumor was is getting smaller and there’s a gray area around that, much like the very first MRI showed in November. Just in case it’s more tumor growth is why they start the chemo treatment again. Instead of 150 mg of temador, he’ll be taking 300 mg, but only for 5 days a month instead of everyday – on for 5, off for 21. Then he sees the doc during that last week before he starts the 5 days of temador again for blood work. He will do this for 8 – 9 months. Then I guess another MRI to see how that area is doing. She’s also going to put him on 25mg of Zoloft. He has “blue days” where he just can’t get motivated to do anything or even get out of the house. We (doc & I) think this will improve once I’m retired because Tarzan does better when WE do things on the weekends. He just seems kinda lost when I’m not here. So, that’s our update. For our first retirement trip, we’re planning a trip to Louisiana to visit his daughter’s family as their 3rd son turns 1 on 9/15. Depending on how that all works out, we may swing by Hot Springs to visit a cousin of mine where we took Mother & Dads ashes last year. Hope all are doing well… and thanks again for all the prayers and support. I can’t tell you how much those mean to me.
And a special thanks to you, Bill. What a special friend you are.

Always,

Kaye"


I was really appreciative of the last sentence in Kaye's email because I've been feeling like a selfish doofus lately. Remember my cousin Lavelle? She is the one that originally had two active cancers and now has three. This is her picture taken when she was in her sixties. Beautiful woman. We have a close connection because her and I were the only two in a long line of relatives. My mom heard from her the other day. She is hanging in there but there was a part in there about me not contacting her for a while and she wondered what was up with me. I've really been a bad cousin, it is just that with Mom, work, two houses to take care of, my own health issues, doctors appointments for me, for mom, caregiver's vacations and illnesses, and so may excuses I just didn't make the time to contact her. Friday I sat down and wrote a nice letter and made up a care package including some great smelling soap and some Moonstruck chocolate. I am really going to make a better effort at being a good cousin and friends. Starts tomorrow with me calling the Marks.




Good thoughts, positive prayers and vibes sent cousin Lavelle's way would be appreciated. You could send a few my way that I make my goal weight by my next doctor's appointment and that I become both a better cousin and relative.

My update. Next week two nights (Tuesday & Wednesday) and three days (Tuesday through Thursday) at Mom's. Today is watching the Olympics, the Dodgers, and fixing lunch for Mom and dinner for the Mom and the caregiver. Monday is the car washed, clothes to the drive cleaner, my corporate tax return, some emails about the annual football party, and a few phone calls (the two Marks, the foot doctor, a client and Ted about Mom's lawsuit.) Friday is a me day and The Bourne Legacy. I still have enough chips on the movie gift card that a client gave me to make it a free event.

Last week: Sunday was at Mom's. Monday lawn mowing and watering, football stuff, reading, and being a normal dude. Tuesday was a terrible movie, THE WATCH, watching the Olympics, and having coffee with a Facbook friend that recently moved here from Minnesota. Wednesday and Thursday were at Mom's. Friday and Saturday were me days which included watering and mowing, grocery shopping, office equipment shopping (new mouse, new landline phone purchased and a new cell phone and new laptop are on the horizon), and to do list navigating.

That is it for me. Now let's hear it from you. I want to know about your lives. The blog is now yours. Post anything you damn will please.

Onward and Upward.

Two me days in a row! Miracles do happen. I plan on working on my to do lest. the on with sixty-two items on it. A good week's work. Powerball is up to one hundred and eighty-one million dollars so I do plan on working on one of my jobs, future lottery winner. As to the weather, triple digits today and tomorrow. I'm fine with it because we have really had the best weather in the country this year and this is the first time in over two years we have had triple digit temperature.

Onward and Upward. The first story is from DR. It really is kind of funny and typical of a lot of customer service reps:

A musciain named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. United apparently damaged his treasured Taylor guitar, worth $3500, duing a flight. Dave spent over nine months trying to get United to pay for the damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom guitar. During the final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for You Tube exposing their lack of cooperation. The manager responded
"Good luck with that, pal."

He posted a retaliatory video on You Tube. The video has received over six million hits. United Airlines contacted the musician and attempted a settlement in exchange for pulling the video. His respons was, "Good luck with that, pal."

Taylor Guitars sent the mucician two new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video. They had a sharp increase in orders after the video was posted.

Here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=5YGc4zOqozo

Before getting to up in the air and critical of United Airlines read the following:

http://www.denverpost.com/theatershooting/ci_21166572/theater-shooting-united-airlines-assists-victims-families

Good for United Airlines. And what makes it even better is they kept their generosity quiet. The only reason this came to light was a Facebook post.

Before closing let's read about some code breakers:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/02/massachusetts-cash-winfall-lottery_n_1729416.html?1343918110&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D187672

Comment Away

Did You Know?

Friday a me day. Watching the Olympics. Some shopping. Rest. Writing a chapter or two.

Did you know what a fire rainbow is? I didn't until seeing the following picture:

http://weather.aol.com/2012/08/01/amazing-fire-rainbow-over-south-florida/#page=1?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl31%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D187368

Did you know that you can move to Utah and buy a town for the same price as a lot of homes in California sell for?

http://news.yahoo.com/wild-west-town-sale-utah-3-9-million-191758823.html

Did you know women only lectures are going strong?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/30/marina-abramovic-women-only-lecture_n_1720020.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl24%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D186334

Comment Away.

Dumb Criminal, A Legacy, & A Smart Criminal

I was once on a jury at a counterfeit trial. Well I was an alternate. I would have caught the mistake on the following bill, would have you?

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/07/31/counterfeiter-watermark-lincoln-head-arizona-dumb-criminal/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D186644

From the dumb criminal to a man that wanted to leave a legacy and couldn't afford it:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/man-last-wish-big-tips-inspires-big-donations-195754349.html?_esi=1

From the helpful friends to an amazing background that leads to unexpected success:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/10/james-kosta-3g-studios_n_1662994.html?utm_hp_ref=small-business-success-stories&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl31%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D186436

Comment Away.

Aisle 13 - Men's Aisle.

You know what I am kind of offended by the following. Are us men really that dumb? I don't need no freaking men's aisle. I am, frankly, the best shopper in the family. Better than the women in my family. Mom prefers me to shop for her rather than my sister. I'm also an elite shopper at Safeway.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/man-aisle-163405559.html

Are single women now going to start hanging out in the men's aisle hoping to meet a caveman?

I wonder if they have Mayonnaise in the men's aisle. I don't eat Mayo for two reasons, it isn't good for me and I don't like it. Still I might have to buy it:

http://www.stylelist.com/2012/07/27/how-to-remove-water-marks-on-wood_n_1709587.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D186117

Now an update of sorts on the empty seats at the London Olympics. I think Mr. Canzano captures the moment:

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2012/07/canzano_a_british_commando_a_f.html

Comment Away.

Unexplaind Hot Dogs and Churches.

Today I am off to have coffee with a Facebook friend that moved here recently from Minnesota. We had coffee once before and she seems really nice. Don't get you hopes up because she is married and we are just expanding our social circles.

Today are head shakers.

Want to sell hot dogs?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/27/nathan-duszynski-hot-dog-stand_n_1711025.html?1343430855&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D185280

Where have all the independent thinkers gone? Someone should have made an exception for good old Nathan.

Speaking of head shakers, we are going to out of space for the next one.

http://www.mandatory.com/2012/07/30/10-unexplained-space-mysteries/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl27%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D185931

It is kind of an interesting article but I am not going lose sleep over it!

The next head shaker is about a church that needs to move into the twentieth century

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/30/us/mississippi-black-couple-wedding/index.html

Can you believe a church would behave like that in this day and age?

Comment Away.

From Bad To Good

I don't usually talk about politics on the blog but the following article is just to upsetting to ignore:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/28/idaho-billboard-compares-obama-to-aurora-shooting-suspect_n_1713895.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D185460

It is this kind of hate that is what is wrong with American politics. Until the regular members of either party start standing up to the lunatic fringe in the party that would produce something like this billboard the country is going to be in bad shape.

From the bad to the good:

http://www.cambio.com/2012/07/23/real-teen-idol-paul-hymans-inventions-could-save-hundreds-of-l/

My kind of teen idol.

Let's good with more good:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/kelli-gilzow-sprq-studio_n_1519051.html?utm_hp_ref=small-business-success-stories&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl21%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D185574

Comment Away.

Olympic Check-In

Happy Sunday. A check-in then we are all about the Olympics.

Today fixing lunch at Mom's, tonight taking her out to dinner, and spending the night as the caregiver is off to the Oregon Coast. Tomorrow making a bunch of calls scheduling some medical issues such as a colonsocpy and getting a new foot doctor. Also sending a letter in regards to Mom's lawsuit which could be off the books as soon as Tuesday. Tuesday coffee with a friend and then a movie. It is five buck Tuesday which makes it a great day to hide out at the theaters. Wednesday night and Thursday until eight at Mom's. Friday and Saturday are me days which will include lawn mowing and car washing.

Last year again was a blur. I mean last week but it seemed like a year. Sunday was at Mom's. Monday was watering lawns, cleaning house, and fighting my to do list. Tuesday from lunch through Thursday at 7:30 was at Mom's. That included taking Mom to lunch one day and all of us going out for dinner for my sister's birthday Thursday night. By the while at Mom's my mom said to me, "I would never have dreamed you would be as good of cook as you are." Thanks, Mary, that sausage soufflet is still making an impact with the troops. Friday was going down to the IRS and picking up some forms. I went down their last week but unknown to me the IRS moved. The federal building is undergoing major repairs and is closed until 2014. Meanwhile the IRS moved to One Main Plaza I have to tell you I was surprised how lax the security was. There was absolutely no checkpoint to get into the garage. There was no security check-in until I got to the 13TH floor where the IRS resides. Saturday was lunch at Mom's, fixing dinner for the troops, and play couch potato.

On to the Olympics. What to do with empty seats. I think the Brits have the right idea:

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/29/13015987-military-drafted-in-to-fill-empty-seats-at-london-olympics?lite

Have your ever crashed a party?

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/29/13017607-olympic-crasher-marched-with-indian-team-at-opening-ceremony?lite

Is this a movie in the making:

http://news.yahoo.com/humans-rans-species-olympics-study-223724581--oly.html

Give my your update and then comment away.

Elderly Going Blind, Hot Cash, Olympics

What makes a blog isn't what I post it is what you post. Sometimes what you post will have an impact for long after you make your comments. I have a search feature on my blog. It really doesn't tell me much. Less than have the time it will tell me the city and state the commenter is from but that is often useless as the city and state will be that of the Internet company and not the commenter. But the one feature I like is the feature that tells me what search words brought someone to the blog. Here are some search words that were used to find my blog yesterday:

"The Dahn Report"

"article on cancer as the most feared disease."

"2012 report of relationship to abuser in elder abuse"

"looking to help someone who is loosingn her sight /"

"elderly going blind"

I used the exact words. Didn't change any of the spelling. The last two are common search words to my blog lately. Some form of searching for how to help a friend or elderly relative that is losing their eye sight. In the last month that combination of search words has been the most frequent of any on the blog. When they use those search words it takes them to this entry on the blog:

http://thedahnreport.blogspot.com/2008/10/elderly-parent-going-blind-friend-needs.html

Pay close attention to the comments because there is some very useful advise in them. Your words in 2008 are still helping people.

Just a couple of articles today. You have heard of cold cash but have you heard of hot money?

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/man-hides-cash-over-cash-gets-baked-accident-122700396.html?_esi=1

Now on to the Olympics. The opening ceremonies were last night and I really kind of liked them. They were pretty offbeat. It was kind of like the Brits saying we know who we are, we are going to celebrate who we are, so live with it. Before the opening ceremonies there was a column in the USA Today by one of my favorite authors, Craig Wilson, about the Olympic. I can tell you this, if shopping were an Olympic sport I would come home with at least a bronze medal for the best shopper. Do you win the best shopper or the worst shopper?

http://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/finalword/story/2012-07-24/final-word/56467818/1

Comment Away.

Good Friday

Today we are celebrating only the good.

Let's start with the good folks that visit or post here or have visited or posted here:

http://thedahnreport.blogspot.com/2008/08/ssa-swing-vote-and-who-are-you.html#comments

Pay attention to the comments. Makes we wonder where some of those folks are now. If you are new to the blog or if your who you are has changed feel free to post here and give tell us about yourselves or your changes.

Sometimes out of tragedies comes good stories. That is the case with the next two stories.

First up is a nine year old girl left a legacy that is hard to top:

http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2018761660_apusdeadgirlswish.html

I've never really like Christian Bale, AKA Batman in the Dark Knight triology. I thought his acting skills were overrated. I certainly lost at lot of respect for him when he forgot his wife's name in an Oscar acceptance award speech a couple of years ago. But now he has won me over:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/24/christian-bale-aurora-victims-shooting-dark-knight_n_1699662.html?utm_hp_ref=denver&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl22%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D183701

I understand from news reports it wasn't a quick visit. He visited at least nine of those injured in the theater shooting, signed autographs, allowed his picture to be taken with the patients, and he and his wife visited the memorial that has arisen outside the theater.

Comment Away

Phobias

I'm not that hot on flying although I am slowly getting to the place where I want to try it again as it will open up some doors. I'm not all that fond of heights but I am thinking what I can do to conquer that fear. Snakes scare the beejeebies out of me but I'm not even going to try to get over that fear. Are you afraid of anything on the following list?

http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit/articles/20-weird-phobias

There are a couple I might admit too if I were held to the fire.

Are you afraid of going to a mall and running into a bear?

http://news.yahoo.com/2nd-bear-seen-pa-mall-where-another-got-121148290.html

Are you afraid of panhandlers? What about panhandling? Boy I don't know sure would be a lot easier than doing tax returns and almost as much money.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/shane-warren-speegle-says_n_1694577.html?1343054732&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D182896

Comment Away.

An Important Day

Second day at Mom's. My sister's birthday. An important day. Trying to decide what to feed my sister on her important day. Maybe finger food?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/20/finger-food-recipes_n_1687038.html?1342756629&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl23%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D182135

I am hoping sister has a happy and healthy day, year, and life. There are always new diseases to watch out for. And old ones.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/leprosy-facts-ancient-disease_n_1625893.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D182676

And if she or any family gets sick it certainly would be useful to know where the best hospitals are:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/17/best-hospitals-us-news_n_1679601.html?1342545913&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D180373

Comment Away.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER JACKIE!!

Good Dad, Bad Dad? Good News, Bad News.

Heading out a little after noon to Mom's and will return Thursday night. On today's post there will be two articles about the same girl.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/18/dad-refuses-make-a-wish_n_1684037.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D181137

Do you think the dad made the right call? At the end of today's post under "PS" there is an update. I kind of admire the dad for making a tough decision but had it been my daughter she would have been off to Disneyland with Make A Wish.

Good news on the cancer front:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/0718/certain-heart-meds-may-give-chemo-a-boost.aspx?xid=aol_eh-cardio_3_20120716_&aolcat=ESR&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D181006

Bad news for a young assault victim:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/21/savannah-dietrich-faces-charges_n_1692374.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D182453

I'm sorry I am on the girls side. Those arseholes should be outed. The girl doesn't deserve jail she deserves a medal.

Comment Away.

http://news.yahoo.com/flood-donations-help-ohio-cancer-patient-4-trip-203017912.html?_esi=1

Gorillas In The Mist

Happy Monday. I am off to the Federal Building in downtown Portland. Well it actually isn't the Federal Building. They closed the Federal Building until 2013 to remodel it. All government agencies, including the IRS, that were in the Federal Building are now in the building at First and Main.

Let's start the day off with an amazing article that Pat provided for me:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/07/120719-young-gorillas-juvenile-traps-snares-rwanda-science-fossey/

Got any new words you want to share:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/16/new-dictionary-words-collins_n_1677657.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl24%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D180413

Last week I observed a remodeling project at the home of my friend Dave. I wonder if he read the following article:

http://www.stylelist.com/2012/07/16/home-remodeling-projects_n_1672729.html?utm_hp_ref=stylelist-home&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl35%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D179839

Comment Away.

Updates

I heard from Kaye. They haven't received the results of Tarzen's last MRI. They have been playing phone tag. She is hoping the old adage "no news is good news" is true. Also in her e-mail she announced after thirty-eight years of working for the government she is officially retiring August 31, 2012.

Remember the dog story where a dog was found and the young girl that found the dog wouldn't give it back to its original owner? Here is an update.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/07/portland_man_wont_be_reunited.html

An update on the Colorado Theater Shooting. A list of the victims, from six years old to fifty-one years old.

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/21/12858258-colorado-shooting-victims-idd-6-year-old-girl-sailor-among-fatalities?lite

After the shooting my life seems so insignificant. But life does go on so here is my update and the week ahead. The week ahead first.

Today is lunch and dinner at Mom's. One of the women in an e-mail group that I am in gave me a sausage souffle recipe. I made that for Mom and the caregiver for dinner tonight. It will either kill them or fill them. Monday is a work day, I may even spend some time writing on my book. Tuesday morning is an errand day. Tuesday afternoon from two 0'clock to Thursday night at 7:30 is at Mom's. Wednesday is my Sister's birthday so I am sure there will be some celebrating. Friday and Saturday are me days.

Last week was kind of a flash. Monday was my doctor appointment checkup. Tuesday was breakfast with my old friend from elementary school Dave. After breakfast we went over to his house to look at a remodeling that he is undertaking. I am still learning a lot about him. Like I didn't know he still teaches. He is teaching one class at Marylhurst University. He teaches every other year. Here is a link to the college home page:

http://www.marylhurst.edu/

I also learned that on New Year's Day in 2010 his house burnt completely down. His lives in an older neighborhood and the electric box was faulty. It started the fire. His wife was home at the time but she couldn't put the fire out herself and fled the house. A neighbor had already called 911. They basically lost everything. Dave said they were pretty lucky because insurance paid for everything and with the top notch remodeling their are going to end up with a beautiful house.

Wednesday was at Mom's. We did one of her favorite outings when I took her to the Dollar Tree. Thursday was at Mom's. I took her to the foot doctor. While there they did the semi-annual surgery they have to do on my feet. Friday was a movie. Saturday was housecleaning and pickup.

The blog is now yours. Catch me up on your lives. Vent. Share good news. Mention those that need prayers and good vibes. Tell me what is on the agenda. Post anything you damn well please.

Another Tragedy

http://www.stripes.com/mobile/news/gunman-kills-12-wounds-59-in-colorado-theater-rampage-1.183482

Twelve dead. Fifty-nine injured.

I went to THE DARK KNIGHT RISING yesterday. It may have been a good movie. It may have been a terrible movie. I don't know. I just couldn't concentrate on the movie. My mind was in Aurora, Colorado. It never stopped being on the tragic shooting in the Century Theater there.

They say James Holmes bought a ticket to THE DARK KNIGHT RISING, went into the theater like everyone else, opened an exit door, went to his car, got his arsenal of weapons, came back through the exit door and started firing.

I sat down at the bottom of the theater near the exit doors. I always do. Mostly because I go alone ninety percent of the time and that is a good place for a single to sit. This time I paid more attention to those doors. I got there early. I looked at those door, closed my eyes, and imagined being in Colorado. I saw the hate in the eyes of the shooter, I heard the confusion, I heard the screams, I saw the fear in the eyes of the victims, I felt the pain shots piercing a body, I felt the pain of everlasting grief for the family of the victims.

Then I wondered. I wondered what gets a human being to the place that he is so troubled that he goes to the theater armed with an arsenal of weapons and starts firing. I wondered if I were in that theater when Holmes started firing if I would have thought like many did, that it was part of the movie, a promotion. I wondered if I would have ducked under my seat or been a hero:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/20/stories-of-heroism-during_n_1690688.html



I wondered what the wait would be like for families not knowing if their loved ones were killed or injured. Can you just imagine the heartbreak knowing your son and/or daughter went to the movie, you know there went to THE DARK KNIGHT RISING, you are home watching TV and there is breaking news about a shooting at a theater where you know they are at? What a helpless feeling. You would try to call them on their cell phone but most likely the call wouldn't go through because all circuits would be busy. Would you drive to the theater? Would you cry because of the fear? No human being should ever have to go through that feeling. Not in the past. Not now. Not in the future.

I also wondered where our relatives are safe. At the theater? At McDonalds? At school? At work? At an army fort? On an airplane? In an office tower? In a Mall? In their own home? At a Post Office?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spree_killer#List_of_spree_killers

My heart goes out to the victims and their families of the theater shootings in Aurora, Colorado. My hope is that we will find a way to prevent spree killings in the future.

Comment Away.

Women In The News

Back from Mom's and looking forward to a day of relaxing, writing, and running errands. Today we are celebrating women:

The good woman:

http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2012/07/legacy_emanuel_nurse_reflects.html

The bad woman:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/09/samantha-lewthwaite-white-widow-recruiting-terrorists_n_1659323.html?1341852795&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D176883

The smarter gender?

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/07/16/women-beat-men-on-iq-tests-for-first-time/

Comment Away.

Good Thursday

Today is good Thursday.

The good Nanny:

http://newsone.com/2025285/cindy-gaston-nanny-saves-four-year-old-boy-from-runaway-jeep/?omcamp=aolhomepage&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl29%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D179662

The good blind dude:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/16/tom-guzzi-fights-robbers-kitchen-pot_n_1676159.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl29%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D179662

The good Mayor

http://www.pawnation.com/2012/07/16/cat-makes-a-purrfect-mayor-for-alaskan-town/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D179728

Comment Away.

Food For The Day

After some serious discussions the last two days we are returning to fluff. French fries! Did you know July 12, 2012 was national French Day? Neither did I and I know what French fries I like best. A local outfit called Helvatia Tavern. As for chains I kind of like Carl's Jr.'s sweet potato fries. Do you agree with teh following article?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/12/national-french-fry-day-healthy_n_1669717.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl25%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D178728

Do you ever dip your fries in spinach dip? Want to know what the best is?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/12/best-worst-spinach-dip-chain-restaurants_n_1663190.html?utm_hp_ref=food&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl27%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D178855

Of course if you go out to dinner you are going to have to take you wallet along. Do you know what to in your wallet? Check out the following article to see if you are doing right by your wallet:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/07/12/8-things-to-never-keep-in-your-wallet/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D178479

Comment Away

The Second Most Feared Disease - Part II

This is the second in a series about Alzheimer's and Dementia. Let's start with some good news:

http://news.yahoo.com/scientists-anti-alzheimers-gene-mutation-151901443.html

I am really hopeful that if or by the time I am diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's they will have found a cure for it. I just wish they could find how to cure the disease now for the millions that are suffering from it.

Next up is mostly good news with a frightening statement or two:

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2012/07/results_from_two_promising_alz.html

Damn the drug companies. They better not stop their research. Let's just all take a moment to pray and send good thoughts that the results of the studies mentioned in the article are positive. Positive enough to keep the research going. There was an article in today's paper that the National Alzheimer's Association goal is to find a cure by the year 2025. That is more likely to happen if the drug companies stay in the ball game.

I'm closing with some caregiver tips. Like cancer Alzheimer's and Dementia are family diseases. It isn't only the patient that suffers, it is the family, the friends, and the one who suffers the most the main caregiver. The health of all of the ones surrounding the patient often suffers. The following article is the most comprehensive helpful guide I can find. It has tips for everything including how to communicate with someone suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer's.

http://www.helpguide.org/elder/alzheimers_disease_dementias_caring_caregivers.htm

A lot of relatives are reluctant to admit they can no longer care for a patient and are reluctant to place their relative in an assisted living or memory care facility when the best choice is to bring the professionals in. I love this quote from the above article:

"If the best choice is to move the Alzheimer’s patient to a facility, it doesn’t mean you will no longer be involved in their care. Quite the opposite, you are making sure your loved one gets the care he or she needs. You can still visit regularly and stay involved in the person’s care. Even if you are not yet ready to make that step, doing some initial legwork might save a lot of heartache in the case of a crisis where you have to move quickly. The first step is finding the right place for your loved one. "

To anyone reading this feel free to share yesterday's and today's post with anyone. If you want to share any article posted in the two days please do. We can fight this disease. Yes we can. It starts with us.

Comment Away.

The Second Most Feared Disease

When I started the blog, I started it as place where all of us caregivers could have a place to come and vent. I also wanted to provide information about the aging process and the different issues the elderly deal with. The next two days on the blog I am going back to the second goal. Providing information. Then Wednesday we will go back to the fun things.

The most feared disease is cancer. The second most feared disease is Alzheimer's. That is among all age groups. However, for those over fifty the most feared disease is Alzheimer's.

It is very hard to admit that you have or had a relative with Dementia or Alzheimer's. My dad had Dementia. To say it was difficult would be an understatement. Dad always remembered who I was and always remembered his family he just couldn't live in the here and now. He was back in the time when his family owned a dairy. He was back in the time when he owned a roofing company. He had a stroke and couldn't walk. He would forget he couldn't walk and fall. Sometimes when we had company he would rally and the company would get the impression there was nothing wrong with him. I can hear them talking, "there is nothing wrong with him." Then as soon as the company left he would go back to calculating the costs of roofs and start falling again. I think in the three years he had dementia we ended up in the emergency room over forty times. My heart just goes out to anyone that has a family member dealing with memory issues.

Let's start by answering the question, what is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia:

http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/06/whats-difference-between-alzheimers-and.html

I was stuck my the fact that they can't accurately diagnose Alzheimer's until after death. According to the article the doctors use the term "probable Alzheimer's" for those that they think have AD.

What is it like when you have a relative with dementia or Alzheimer's? You just can't describe it because it is different for everyone. No two cases are the same. However, the following article gives an idea of the struggles and yes some of the joys:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-lawrence-m-schall/a-weekend-at-eddies_b_1656352.html?utm_hp_ref=fifty&ir=Fifty&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D179083

I am closing today's post with a good article from the USA Today about how important early diagnosis is.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-07-07/alzheimers-diagnosis/56157142/1

Pay attention to the ten warning signs in the box to the left. If you see those signs in yourself or anyone get ye or their arses to the doctor. We saw signs in dad for years before a stroke brought on his dementia full bore. We should have had him tested earlier but we didn't because we didn't want to embarrass him. Learn from our mistakes.

Tomorrow we will share with you new advancements in fighting Alzheimer's and Dementia. We will also give some care giving tips and options.

Comment Away.

Update Sunday

Kaye checked in with another update and it is posted on the blog as a separate entry called "Kaye Update - Part II" As to me looking forward it looks like not to bad of week. Today is at Mom's. Tomorrow is my doctor's appointment and maybe a movie. Tuesday is breakfast with my friend Dave and a trip to the IRS to pickup some forms so I can finish my individual and corporate returns. Wednesday and Thursday are at Mom's. Friday is a me day. Saturday day is at Mom's.

Last week. Sunday at Mom's. Monday was cleaning up around the house and doing some errands. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were at Mom's. Friday and Saturday were veggie days. I did some errands but mostly just rested and vegged out.

Before I begging you to do updates I thought I would share with you an article sent to my DR:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/05/us/cnnheroes-hudson-seniors/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_world

I really like the idea and don't see why it couldn't expand to other states. Maybe I will look into it and see what is entailed in starting something similar here.

The blog is now yours. This is where you tell me what has gone on in your life, what is going to go on in your life, and post anything you damn well please!

Comment Away.

Kaye Update Part II

Please tell the Blog Group thanks for their good wishes. He had is MRI today, so we'll be waiting to hear from his oncologist on what that shows her and what we do next.

One of the ladies asked where "Tarzan" came from . Well, it dates back when we first starting the "getting to know you" emails. He made a comment and I commented back something about Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. He emailed back "Oh NO!! I'm a Martian, TOOOO!?"

So I emailed back, ... "No, let's just say I'm Jane, you Tarzan.". It stuck :)

This past week has been another difficult week. We were called the evening of the 1st that Tarzan's mother wasn't doing well. We were planning on spending some of last week in Corpus visiting his mother as her wedding anniversary was July 4th. We arrived in Corpus around 10am on 7/2 and went straight to his Mom's apartment (she lives in an independent living facility). She was aware enough to say hi to us both, and later than afternoon I could hear her say "I love you, David" when he went in to be by her bedside. She slowly went downhill from there. She passed away around 1:20 am on 7/4/12. We all knew she was waiting for her anniversary day. Tarzan's dad passed away in 1988, so he has been gone from some time now.

I know this was difficult on both Tarzan and his sister... and it was hard to watch them go through what my siblings and I went through about 2.5 years ago. But like Tarzan's sister told callers; it's good for her... sad for us. The memorial service was this past Saturday at the church she attended for over 50 years. We got home yesterday afternoon and we are both exhausted. While in Corpus, we stayed with his sister & brother in law. Nice folks, but I don't think they have a comfortable piece of furniture anywhere in their home, with the exception of their own bed. We spent 8 nights on a futon. Not a good thing for anyone over the age of 12! I guess because of the holiday, all hotels/motels were booked (unless we wanted to spend $200 or up for a room.) Yesterday, I contacted my boss and asked for today off, which he granted. Tarzan and I both slept 12 hours before waking up this morning.

We've had a lazy day with the exception of the MRI appointment and doing laundry. I guess tomorrow I'll be "normal" again.

Thanks again for letting me share. Glad to read your birthday was.... eventful!


Love,
Kaye

Signs

Another day where I am pushing the serious stuff back a couple of days and going with the light stuff. Today we are going with signs. Funny signs. People holding signs on the side of the rode. Just signs.

First up is the good dude:

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/local_news/water_cooler/doug-eaton-gives-away-money-on-65th-birthday

You all remember my birthday of a few years ago when we did the kindness thing? Remember how good we all felt about and how many people benefited? I can understand Doug Eaton's joy at what he did.
Now the questionable dudette:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/13/chrissy-lance-panhandling-breast-implants_n_1671417.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D178796

I can understand how inflation might turn some people into panhandlers, just not that kind of inflation.

Have you ever been taken back about the name of some streets?

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/funny-street-signs/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D178966

Comment Away

Light Friday

Not only is it Friday, it is Friday the 13TH. Today I was originally going to a post on the second most feared disease but the combination of the 13TH and Friday made me change my mind to a light post. The second most feared disease can wait until tomorrow.

Let's start with a cliche or two:

http://news.yahoo.com/the-‘carefully’-cliché--why-journalists-should-stop-using-their-new-favorite-word.html

We've discussed this before but I am on a mission to get rid of "If you will" (I want to shout out when I am in the audience "I won't), "You know" (I don't but I am sure you will tell me), To be honest with you (OK so everything up to now has been a lie), "Matter of Fact" (it isn't fact it is your opinion), Irregardless (don't get me started ), and so on. What would you add to the list?

Now on to a new kind of pole dance:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/11/camry-impaled-by-tipi-polls_n_1666617.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D17800

That woman was darn lucky.

I've always wanted to have animal magnetism. But I think before I reach that point I should be able to choose between a dog fight and surfing goats for the last article. I can't so you get a bonus article today.

http://news.yahoo.com/surfing-goats-ride-waves-orange-county-034716034.html

The goat and I have something in common. Were both all wet.

Closing with a local story:

http://news.yahoo.com/stray-dog-dispute-heads-portland-courtroom-002107442.html?_esi=1

Dog goes to the original owner, the twenty year-old is being a Twinkie. Although to add something to the mix, it was in this morning's paper that the girl has asthma and has trained the dog to get her, her inhaler. Also according to the paper they have found an incident of where a dog was trained to be a service dog for asthma patient.

Who would you give the dog to?

Don't let any black cats cross you path, don't walk under any ladders, do spill milk, and for good luck today comment away.

Would You Want To Know?

Last day at Mom's today. Just doing miscellaneous article today. Just a note before the articles the rumor mill is saying that the powers that be are happy with my niece. Cross your fingers!

Every wonder what Hindu temples looked like? I have,

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/09/hindu-temples-world-heritage-site_n_1647183.html?utm_hp_ref=religion&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl9%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D176963

Gosh the temples are beautiful. Everyone likes a good reunion story:

http://www.pawnation.com/2012/07/09/missing-blind-cat-back-with-family-after-2-years/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl26%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D176840

I am glad the little buddy was reunited with her owners. Now let's turn serious for a moment. Would you like to know?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/10/health/genetic-test-changes-game-in-cancer-prognosis.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1341932848-6mcn1/07zLRjBlpAKZIDSA

I'm not sure if I would want to know. On one hand it would be nice to know to I could plan, on the other hand I like not knowing how long I have on earth because it makes me work harder.

Comment Away

Voting Scams, Scams, & A few miles.

I hope my niece did well in her on air audition yesterday and continues to do well the rest of the week. It would be great if she could get hired.

Last night's at Mom's and there today. Keeping it light. No escape from the world moments last night.

First off is an article I find very disturbing, especially in an election year.

http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_21033180/voter-id-laws-designed-stop-fraud-are-blocking

Now let's move on to scams to watch out for:

http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/09/12634554-obama-paying-utility-bills-scam-victims-nationwide-think-so?lite

I have a pedometer that I use to track my steps. I walk a lot. I also drive a lot but my Taurus has some m ile left in it:

http://www.chron.com/news/article/NY-man-nears-3-millionth-mile-in-beloved-66-Volvo-3692250.php

Comment Away.

Photos, Money, Blood

I'm up and ready to go this morning five o'clock shadow and all:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/06/atom-shadow-photo-image-australia_n_1652440.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl21%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D176314

I plan on doing a little work today and I hope I get paid well for it. One day of work can generate a few bucks:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/06/william-johnson-ceo-for-a-day_n_1654733.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D176713

If things go awry today with some of my clients and blood is spilled I now know how to hide the evidence.

http://www.stylelist.com/chris-barnes/repurposing-ideas-new-uses-for-peroxide_b_1647151.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl18%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D176026

Off to Mom's for a couple of nights and three days.

Comment Away

Heartburn Whiskey.

Before today's post wanted to say good-bye Ernest Borgnine. First Andy Griffith. Now Ernest Borgnine. Two gentelmen. Two talented actors. The world was a better place with them in it.

Looking forward to a fairly busy day. Lunch with friend Naomi, then off to the IRS to pickup some forms.

Once in a while I get heartburn after lunch and it kind of scares me. Now thanks to the following article I won't be scared anymore:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/gerd/understanding/is-it-gerd-or-a-heart-attack.aspx?xid=aol_eh-qht_7_20120701_&aolcat=AHD&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D176451

I might need a map so that I know where I am going and don't have to ask for directions:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/03/rare-early-america-map-martin-waldseemueller_n_1645863.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D175460

Although I am a non-drinker I might be enticed to have a sip once in a great while.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/06/bryan-fite-whiskey-bottles-attic_n_1653864.html?1341587486&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D176311

Comment Away

PS

Pat and any Los Angeles following my niece, Lisa Pineiro, will be hosting Good Day LA on Channel 11 from 7 AM to 10 AM tomorrow through Friday the 13TH.

Update Sunday

Been a good week, not as busy as usual but still somewhat busy. Monday was the movie People Like US. Tuesday was working on my to do list and cleaning. Wednesday and Thursday were at Mom's. We had some great meals at home and some nice trips out. Played some Scrabble. Relaxed a bit. Did some shopping at the dollars. Dollar Tree. Dollar Book Store. Friday was a me day. Yesterday was taking Mom out to lunch, well her taking me out since she paid, and fixing dinner for Mom.

On the agenda for this week. Today is lunch with Mom and then fixing dinner for Mom and the caregiver. Tomorrow my birthday continues with friend Naomi meeting my for lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. Tuesday and Wednesday Nights and Thursday day until seven at night are at Mom's. Friday and Saturday are me days.

OK, give me your updates. Tell me about your life last week and your life to be next week. Also tell me your favorite color. (Mine is red)

http://www.lifescript.com/soul/self/growth/color_your_personality.aspx?utm_source=aol&utm_medium=syn&utm_campaign=soul&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D176246

And tell me if you are going to be talking to yourself today.

http://news.yahoo.com/maine-filmmaker-chats-younger-version-self-215328578--finance.html

Comment Away.

Scary Things

Mom and I had a really nice fourth. But there was one moment during the day when it was really frightening for me. We had just finished playing Scrabble and just mentally disappeared and was really confused for a couple of minutes. I did all the testing to make sure it wasn't a stroke but it was a very frightening moment. There was nothing that apparently caused it. We were having fun. No stress. We were relaxed. Then she couldn't remember what she was doing, where she was at, and confused a pain pill with her insulin. It seemed like it last forever but in reality it only last a couple of minutes. Still it was a scary two minutes and what is even more frightening is it seems to be happy more often now. Speaking of frightening things:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/07/02/19-structurally-deficient-bridges-that-americans-drive-over-ever/#photo-1?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl24%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D175476

When I think on the bridge to the future I don't want to be on one of these bridges!

Nothing more frightening than a car accident, especially a hit and run.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/29/beatriz-jimenez-hit-and-run_n_1635106.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D174526

Thank God there was someone that had the stones to do something

If you depend on your computer or use your computer for fun then this upcoming Monday is kind of frightening:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/06/2885124/malware-monday-looms-but-can-be.html

Comment Away.

Dead Money

Maybe there is a movie in the plans today. I still have a lot of cash left on a movie gift card that was given to me by an appreciative client. Today is unusual and somewhat interesting stories.

First up, did you know that the Social Security Administration erroneously declares forty people a day dead?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/02/kline-fisher-budd-dead-mother-social-security_n_1643924.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl21%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D175139

I'm not sure what to do with the eighty year old man, they certainly aren't going to put someone that age in jail and he certainly isn't going to be able to repay that amount before he dies. Would you take his home away?

If I knew of someone collecting a dead person's social security I'd probably turn them in and become a whistleblower:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/07/02/whistleblowers-win-in-foreclosure-settlement/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D175032

After today I am going to look forward to a long weekend:

http://news.yahoo.com/wait-earth-adds-leap-second-saturday-night-152916037--finance.html;_ylt=AmlkclbdYHnu2q7jkz6uNkys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTQ3ZWw4NzJnBG1pdANTZWN0aW9uTGlzdCBGUCBTY2llbmNlBHBrZwMzZGM5OTJhMi0wMTJiLTM0M2YtOTNmNC1jYmU4ZDJmNDEzM2IEcG9zAzMEc2VjA01lZGlhU2VjdGlvbkxpc3QEdmVyA2ZlMWM5ZTMxLWMyMGMtMTFlMS1iYjBmLWM1NWY3NTAwMTYzYQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Comment Away

Car Talk

I am at Mom's today until about seven thirty tonight. Tomorrow is another me day, third one this week. I am considering going out to eat tomorrow:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/28/best-worst-french-fries-chain-restaurants_n_1624306.html?utm_hp_ref=food&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D174421

I may spend some looking for a car tomorrow. Very early stages of ;looking. I am not sure what gadgets I want the care to come with:

http://autos.aol.com/gallery/car-tech-we-hate/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D17511

I might also buy a lottery ticket or two:

http://news.yahoo.com/ri-man-hits-180k-jackpot-1-day-son-132633431.html

Comment Away.

Happy Fourth

Happy Fourth of July my least favorite holiday. It is also known as idiots come out of the woodwork day. If we could just celebrate the holiday for what it is, the country's independence day then fine. But it has morphed into a reason to be stupid day. How many houses will burn down, how many fingers will be lost, how many people will end up in the hospital, and yes how many people will die to careless handling of fireworks?

According to the National Fire Protection Agency

In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.

In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries; 57% of 2010 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 37% were to the head. The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population. On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

Enjoy the holiday. Have a nice barbecue. Enjoy a great hot dog. Enjoy family and friends. Celebrate the indepedence of the United States with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. Celbrate the real meaning of the 4TH

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

But damn it use your brains and be careful out there!

I'm off to Mom's for the day and night and to enjoy a holiday and as you probably guessed, without fireworks.

Comment Away

Kicking Back

Another day when nothing is planned. Heaven. I may have a hot dog for lunch:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/26/best-hot-dogs_n_1625642.html?1340719930&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl32%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D173411

And I will probably look at some pictures:

http://www.gadling.com/2012/06/25/stunning-aerial-shots-of-cities-from-around-the-world/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D174617

I am sure some TV watching is in the plans:

http://news.yahoo.com/turn-tv-smart-one-awesome-gadget-122957329.html

Comment Away.

Cleaning

Kicking back today. Since I read an article that men that clean are happier I think I'll start with cleaning my house if I am not happy when I am done with my house I may just starting walking through the neighborhood and knock on doors seeing if someone else needs their house cleaned.

http://www.aol.com/video/men-who-clean-are-happier-than-those-who-dont/517406931/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl14%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D174169

Pat I apologize if you can't see this video.

If I am happy I may want to travel and if I travel I probably don't want to get sick.

http://www.gadling.com/2012/06/24/top-places-around-the-world-you-do-not-want-to-get-sick/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl18%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D173593

If I get sick in one of the places and the treatment goes awry I made need a lawyer:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/29/lawyerbot-lawyer-robots-predictive-coding_n_1637360.html?utm_hp_ref=technology&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D174663

Comment Away.

Updates

Looking forward to this week as for the first time in a long time not a lot on the agenda except a to do list with forty-six items on it.

Last week was kind of a blur. Monday night the caregiver had a belated birthday party for me and we watched JOYFUL NOISE. I like the movie a lot. Tuesday was lunch with childhood friend Dave and he told me a story that I will share with you at the end of my updates. Wednesday my good relatives Don & Belva drove all the way up from Albany, Oregon and bought me lunch for my birthday. They are such a fun a positive couple that time goes really fast when Mom and I are with them. Thursday was the Blazer Draft Party. I really enjoyed it. Cheap Eats and a lot of people with a common interest. The Trailblazers had the number six and number eleven pick in the first round. I think they blew the sixth pick. They took a point guard from Weber State, Damian Lilliard when they should picked forward Harrison Barnes. Time will tell who is right, me or the experts. Friday was a me day and I enjoyed the movie, People Like Us. Saturday was taking mom to lunch and fixing dinner for her and the caregiver.

Tomorrow lunch and dinner at Mom's. Monday and Tuesday just working on the to do list other than a couple of phone calls checking on her there is no mom time scheduled. Wednesday is my day and night at Mom's. Thursday is a day at Mom's. Friday is a me day. Saturday is a Mom day. No events scheduled next week. And on the seventh week he rested.

The story about Dave is one how little things can impact your life. We were living in Bellflower, California and my sister was living in Woodland Hills. Dave was visiting us in Bellflower. His last day there he wanted to go up and see my sister who used to baby sit him. They were going to meet at a New Age Book Store, then he was going on to San Francisco. Because he was leaving after seeing my sister I didn't go with him and he took the bus. At the bus stop he met a Moonie. Dave was going to Montana U and majoring in Sociology. He was wondering to what to write his master thesis on. When he met the Moonie he made the decision to write the thesis on religious cults. He first joined the Moonies. He then joined the UFO group, the one where they all committed suicide (after he left the group). Then is was several other cults. He wrote his thesis and it was published in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY. Due the publication of his article he was given a grant to go to Ireland and study under at the time the leading religious cult expert. While in Ireland he met his wife. See where that chance meeting led?

Now it is your turn comment away then update away.