My son and I were talking about it Sunday evening. About how much technology has changed. In my life time, I’m 63, and in the era of music storage we have gone from 78 rpm to 45 rpm to 33 1/3 long play records. Then came reel to reel, eight trac and cassette tapes. From there we went to CD and currently mp3 storage. My sister-in-law’s husband, who has worked in the laser development field, believes that the width of the transmission band on recording devices will be one atom wide (vs. the ¾ inch wide video transmission of several years ago). Where will it go from there? Who knows?
It seems that not only is technology changing but the rate of change is changing. It seems to be growing in an exponential rate. We can see it in our own lifetimes as we must purchase the latest and greatest piece of audio (or video) transmission electronics. High definition TV is only one of the latest; other formats will follow in rapid succession. It makes life interesting, complicated, fast paced and expensive.
K.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
"What time is it?" "Hey see that sun dial over there."
Did you feel it? It was hardly noticeable. It happened on Saturday, December. 22, 2007, at 1:08 A.M. Eastern Standard Time. It was the Winter solstice when we have the shortest day and the longest night (in the northern hemisphere). Depending upon the calendar shift, it can occur between December 20 and 23. The reverse happens between June 20 to 23 when the days start getting shorter.
To me, the winter solstice signals the beginning of a longer daylight cycle, the time more sunshine appears on my portion of the earth and starts to warm me up. It doesn't mean that we will instantly get warmer weather because there is something called a delay factor. February and March can still give us some nasty, cold, snowy days. But it's the beginning.
The part that interests me is how did the ancients know this? Remember Stonehenge, it was some sort of solar calculator that a primative group of people fingered out. How they determined that, I'll never know. Was it just pure dumb luck? Were they influenced by extra-terrestials? The Devel? Who knows. The point is they knew and I never could have figured that out. Maybe these are the guys that started Cambridge University.
K.
To me, the winter solstice signals the beginning of a longer daylight cycle, the time more sunshine appears on my portion of the earth and starts to warm me up. It doesn't mean that we will instantly get warmer weather because there is something called a delay factor. February and March can still give us some nasty, cold, snowy days. But it's the beginning.
The part that interests me is how did the ancients know this? Remember Stonehenge, it was some sort of solar calculator that a primative group of people fingered out. How they determined that, I'll never know. Was it just pure dumb luck? Were they influenced by extra-terrestials? The Devel? Who knows. The point is they knew and I never could have figured that out. Maybe these are the guys that started Cambridge University.
K.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me...
Well, the packages were all brought to the Christmas tree, carefully wrapped and loving placed there. They were selected for their relevance to their intended recipient, whether it was Mom or Dad, Uncle Dan or Aunt Sue. Each was meticulously chosen as if we were trying to make the best impression on that person for our very first meeting. The bows and ribbons are straight, the paper creaseless, and the anticipation overwhelming. And then the magic moment arrives. We eagerly wait for the gush of emotion as our intended profusely thanks us for our kindness and thoughtfulness.
But it never happens. If our gift opener is a very young child, the moment of expression lasts only as long until the next gift is presented and is torn open. The packaging: boxes, bows and paper lie scatter about as if a refuse heap. All our labor in wrapping and the selection process proves futile. It's the wrong color, size, type, "I have one just like it," etc. Perhaps teachers and people who specialize in social graces could instruct us how to lie with conviction. "Oh my God, how did you know it's just what I was looking for?" "This is just what I wanted, it's perfect." This last saying must be used very carefully if you're getting more than one gift at a family gathering, "This is the best gift I've even received."
We must realize that as the gift giver, the intended receiver has the ability to make or break this occasion. The giver in turn, has the ability to encourage its reception with the words "I spent all afternoon looking for this, especially for you, I do hope you like it." The guilt trip. Ah, the Christmas season, no wonder it comes only once a year.
K.
But it never happens. If our gift opener is a very young child, the moment of expression lasts only as long until the next gift is presented and is torn open. The packaging: boxes, bows and paper lie scatter about as if a refuse heap. All our labor in wrapping and the selection process proves futile. It's the wrong color, size, type, "I have one just like it," etc. Perhaps teachers and people who specialize in social graces could instruct us how to lie with conviction. "Oh my God, how did you know it's just what I was looking for?" "This is just what I wanted, it's perfect." This last saying must be used very carefully if you're getting more than one gift at a family gathering, "This is the best gift I've even received."
We must realize that as the gift giver, the intended receiver has the ability to make or break this occasion. The giver in turn, has the ability to encourage its reception with the words "I spent all afternoon looking for this, especially for you, I do hope you like it." The guilt trip. Ah, the Christmas season, no wonder it comes only once a year.
K.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Ho Ho HO little girl (or boy) What do you want for Christmas?
Now that Christmas is rapidly approaching, you have your Wish List all ready to go—to give to anyone who is willing to listen. If we could just eavesdrop upon ourselves we would hear "I want that and that and one of those, and may I have that please…" The real problem is that we are unappeasable, like an unquenchable fire. We must have more and more. "If I only had that new widget, I'd be happy." Then we get the widget, are we happy and satisfied? No! We want some thing else—today's latest and greatest, not yesterdays. Case in point: do you even remember what you received last Christmas?
I don't know if it's human nature or Western Culture that drives us this way. At any rate, if we were to hear ourselves, perhaps make a recording and listen to it a year or even ten years from now, we would sound like spoiled brats. The very item we want so badly will be tomorrow's junk and discard. Remember seeing parents standing hours in line to give their children a Cabbage Patch doll? Remember seeing people fight to get into that line? More recently we have seen people fight for an Ipod or Xbox 360? We really do need an attitude adjustment.
I remember going to a large school sponsored rummage sale; carefully packed away was a vintage reel-to-reel tape recorder. Nobody wanted it. It was just clutter. The real shame is that in its day this equipment was a very desirable piece, top-of-the-line. Today it's junk.
Please don't forget the real reason for this season, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.
K.
I don't know if it's human nature or Western Culture that drives us this way. At any rate, if we were to hear ourselves, perhaps make a recording and listen to it a year or even ten years from now, we would sound like spoiled brats. The very item we want so badly will be tomorrow's junk and discard. Remember seeing parents standing hours in line to give their children a Cabbage Patch doll? Remember seeing people fight to get into that line? More recently we have seen people fight for an Ipod or Xbox 360? We really do need an attitude adjustment.
I remember going to a large school sponsored rummage sale; carefully packed away was a vintage reel-to-reel tape recorder. Nobody wanted it. It was just clutter. The real shame is that in its day this equipment was a very desirable piece, top-of-the-line. Today it's junk.
Please don't forget the real reason for this season, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.
K.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
There is a time for all seasons, and one is a time to be happy.
My office had its annual Christmas party recently. It's a four-hour event that I look forward to each year and having been there 36 years, I have been to quite a number of them. It's a good time to interact with all of your colleagues, to learn of their goals and ambitions and discover their likes and dislikes. It is also an opportunity to see them in a totally different context, to view them in a non-working environment. Usually we play some type of icebreaker game that livens the party and you see the natural leaders and take charge type personalities come forth.
Do we really need liquor to have a good time? For some the answer is an unequivocal "Yes!" The great majority says, "It makes no difference to me, I'll go with the crowd." An infinitesimally smaller minority feels that it spoils this discovery, interaction process. While we're offered two free drinks, for some reason two is never enough and that seems to color the whole scene or make it tenuous at best. Indeed you do see others in a way that would normally not be familiar. You can be assured: what is spoken during these times is not hindered by constraint or inhibitions. This is raw feeling without boundaries. The kid gloves are off.
Of course for the latter group to even hint at this suggestion would be tantamount to being called a "spoil sport," "wet blanket" or "party pooper." It just won't fly. As the planners analyze the success of this event and begin to plan for the next, let us remember the real reason for this celebration. This time of the year is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
K.
Do we really need liquor to have a good time? For some the answer is an unequivocal "Yes!" The great majority says, "It makes no difference to me, I'll go with the crowd." An infinitesimally smaller minority feels that it spoils this discovery, interaction process. While we're offered two free drinks, for some reason two is never enough and that seems to color the whole scene or make it tenuous at best. Indeed you do see others in a way that would normally not be familiar. You can be assured: what is spoken during these times is not hindered by constraint or inhibitions. This is raw feeling without boundaries. The kid gloves are off.
Of course for the latter group to even hint at this suggestion would be tantamount to being called a "spoil sport," "wet blanket" or "party pooper." It just won't fly. As the planners analyze the success of this event and begin to plan for the next, let us remember the real reason for this celebration. This time of the year is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
K.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Status Quo: The Body Count Increases & We Don’t Give a Damn
What is the difference between a law-abiding citizen who has the constitutional right, according to the National Rifle Association and their interpretation of the second amendment, to bear arms and a crazed individual? This person could have failed Anger Management 101, be chemically deranged, or mentally incompetent There is not much difference, the similarity exists the moment anyone takes a gun, aims it at another human being and pulls the trigger. There really isn't much to distinguish them. They are impossible to tell apart and this is what causes legislatures and the judicial system to vacillate back and forth.
All Americans have a constitutional right—the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that is not going to happen if they're shot to death. From data reported by the National Center of Injury Prevention and Control, during the years 1981 to and including 2004, 797,057 people died from gunshots, the same number of people living in Jacksonville, FL. Toss in the data from nonfatal gunshots from 2000 to 2004 and extrapolate it to that same period and you get 1,573,253 wounded people. That's greater than the population of Phoenix, AZ. We don't blink an eye about this; we have become numb to these statistics. It is something we have come to except. It's the American way of life.
The NRA loves it when a security guard evened things up with a killer as happened at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO this past Sunday. Jeanne Assam, the guard told reporters, "…I came out of cover and identified myself and engaged and took him down (killed him)." I applaud Assam; she did her job. She is a hero. My comment is WHY do we need to have an armed guard in a church, in the first place. What has happened to the fabric of the American character? Have we degraded to this state of affairs? Have we no shame? I don't believe in a gun in every house, and an ammo loading bench press in every garage. NRA, get off your soapbox, fight for gun regulation instead! Guns for professional security, period!
K.
All Americans have a constitutional right—the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that is not going to happen if they're shot to death. From data reported by the National Center of Injury Prevention and Control, during the years 1981 to and including 2004, 797,057 people died from gunshots, the same number of people living in Jacksonville, FL. Toss in the data from nonfatal gunshots from 2000 to 2004 and extrapolate it to that same period and you get 1,573,253 wounded people. That's greater than the population of Phoenix, AZ. We don't blink an eye about this; we have become numb to these statistics. It is something we have come to except. It's the American way of life.
The NRA loves it when a security guard evened things up with a killer as happened at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO this past Sunday. Jeanne Assam, the guard told reporters, "…I came out of cover and identified myself and engaged and took him down (killed him)." I applaud Assam; she did her job. She is a hero. My comment is WHY do we need to have an armed guard in a church, in the first place. What has happened to the fabric of the American character? Have we degraded to this state of affairs? Have we no shame? I don't believe in a gun in every house, and an ammo loading bench press in every garage. NRA, get off your soapbox, fight for gun regulation instead! Guns for professional security, period!
K.
Christmas Past
We decorated our Christmas tree this evening. What makes this year so different? Well, there are no kids to help or do it for us, this year; our youngest son and his wife have their own traditions to establish. And I don't blame them. Christmas tree decoration is for families and now they have their own. It's also one of the first years in a long time that my wife and I didn't argue; we both must have realized the importance and significance of working together as a unit.
We had very few commercial ornaments; the tree was covered with handmade ones from bits of felt, macaroni, lace trim, string, and glue. There was the metal juice can bottom that had been punched out like a sieve to represent an angel. There was a cookie cutter stamped out star with one point missing, my third son's picture glued in the center reminding us as to who made it and from the clothes letting us guess which year. A yellowed, slightly crushed angel made from a paper plate with cutout wings adorned the topmost branch; there was no name to indicate its builder. There was a miniature sled made from popcycle sticks, carefully glued together with the words "1980 Merry Christmas, Paul, Shore Haven" (the Lutheran Church we attend). A commercially made "Twenty five years together, 1990," ornament reminded us of our first holiday as newlyweds.
There were handmade ornaments from one of the four grandmothers, dotingly switched together. My wife told me they had been fished out of the trash when that grandma had given up her house and moved into the smaller quarters of assisted living. The ornament had come around—full circle; from lovingly crafted, hanging on a tree decades ago to worthless maudlin refuse back again to cherished heirloom reminding us of grandparents living during a Depression era Christmas. The simple stuff had much more meaning for us then the "Kodak Moment" material shown in the national slick magazines.
After the waves of nostalgia had come and gone, we realized we weren't really alone, we had the memories of Christmas Past to accompanying us. We remembered happy times and pleasant thoughts. We knew we had loved and been loved in return and we look forward to seeing our grandchildren's faces when they saw our tree.
K
We had very few commercial ornaments; the tree was covered with handmade ones from bits of felt, macaroni, lace trim, string, and glue. There was the metal juice can bottom that had been punched out like a sieve to represent an angel. There was a cookie cutter stamped out star with one point missing, my third son's picture glued in the center reminding us as to who made it and from the clothes letting us guess which year. A yellowed, slightly crushed angel made from a paper plate with cutout wings adorned the topmost branch; there was no name to indicate its builder. There was a miniature sled made from popcycle sticks, carefully glued together with the words "1980 Merry Christmas, Paul, Shore Haven" (the Lutheran Church we attend). A commercially made "Twenty five years together, 1990," ornament reminded us of our first holiday as newlyweds.
There were handmade ornaments from one of the four grandmothers, dotingly switched together. My wife told me they had been fished out of the trash when that grandma had given up her house and moved into the smaller quarters of assisted living. The ornament had come around—full circle; from lovingly crafted, hanging on a tree decades ago to worthless maudlin refuse back again to cherished heirloom reminding us of grandparents living during a Depression era Christmas. The simple stuff had much more meaning for us then the "Kodak Moment" material shown in the national slick magazines.
After the waves of nostalgia had come and gone, we realized we weren't really alone, we had the memories of Christmas Past to accompanying us. We remembered happy times and pleasant thoughts. We knew we had loved and been loved in return and we look forward to seeing our grandchildren's faces when they saw our tree.
K
Sunday, December 9, 2007
National Rifle Association. stop the Blood Bath!
The National Center of Injury Prevention and Control reported between 2001 and 2004, there were 119,520 firearm deaths in the United States. During that same period there were 252,076 nonfatal injuries due to guns. This is the equivalent to having the nation of Guam wiped off the face of the earth in a four-year period or nearly everyone in Iceland getting shot in four years. If this were the case, there would be investigations of all sorts. The United Nations would have scores of supports group landing their experts on these two island countries to determine the source of this carnage. We in America calmly accept these numbers as a fact of our way of life. Guns and Americans go hand-in-hand just kids used to play "cowboys and Indians."
What is this fascination that we have in this device? What control do guns and firearms play on the American psyche? The crux of it, the magic word, is control. Firearms played a key role in the settling of the Wild West. They were used to protect, hunt, and provide general security in an age, at a time when we needed it. Today, such is not the case, we don't live off the land, and there are no large herds of wild animals outside our tents waiting to devour us. There are no hostile natives threatening our very existence. So what gives?
Guns give the owner the power of control, in some circles prestige, the very embodiment of life over death. Even an empty gun still offers some semblance of the image. The era in which they were essential is long gone, disappeared nearly one hundred years earlier. We have a well-armed militia called the National Guard, we don't have to look far; there is one in every state of the Union. These Weekend Warriors are ready to serve and protect. We don't need a quasi unit made up of thrill seekers, malcontents or hotheads. We need an organization that believes in gun education, training and control, not the right to gun possession no matter what the mental condition of the gun owner. If the National Rifle Association cannot provide these guarantees, we should look for another.
K.
What is this fascination that we have in this device? What control do guns and firearms play on the American psyche? The crux of it, the magic word, is control. Firearms played a key role in the settling of the Wild West. They were used to protect, hunt, and provide general security in an age, at a time when we needed it. Today, such is not the case, we don't live off the land, and there are no large herds of wild animals outside our tents waiting to devour us. There are no hostile natives threatening our very existence. So what gives?
Guns give the owner the power of control, in some circles prestige, the very embodiment of life over death. Even an empty gun still offers some semblance of the image. The era in which they were essential is long gone, disappeared nearly one hundred years earlier. We have a well-armed militia called the National Guard, we don't have to look far; there is one in every state of the Union. These Weekend Warriors are ready to serve and protect. We don't need a quasi unit made up of thrill seekers, malcontents or hotheads. We need an organization that believes in gun education, training and control, not the right to gun possession no matter what the mental condition of the gun owner. If the National Rifle Association cannot provide these guarantees, we should look for another.
K.
Friday, December 7, 2007
The NRA thinks the Right to Bear Arms is more important than safety.
Just weeks before the fatal shooting of eight people at the Omaha Mall on December 6th the National Rifle Association sent out this news release:
"Friday, August 24, 2007
"On Tuesday, August 28 the Omaha City Council will consider a proposed ordinance aimed at reducing crime in the city. Part of the proposal calls for the destruction of any firearm used in a crime. This proposal will destroy the property of law-abiding gun owners who have already been victimized by having their firearm stolen from them.
"Councilman Chuck Sigerson, Jr. is proposing an amendment that would allow a legally-owned firearm that has been stolen and used in a crime to be returned to the rightful owner, as long as it was reported stolen to police.
"Please attend the City Council meeting and protect our Second Amendment and private property rights. Tuesday, August 28, 2:00pm, 1819 Farnam St., Suite LC-1, Omaha, NE 68183.
"If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact the members of the City Council and respectfully urge them to support Councilman Sigerson's amendment to protect firearms stolen from law-abiding citizens from being destroyed…"
Copyright 2007, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action. This may be reproduced.
If Councilman Sigerson and the NRA have their way, the very rifle that was used in the eight murders could be returned to its owner. What is even more amazing is that President Bush was in Omaha for a fund-raiser just an hour before the shootings. Hopefully the Secret Service will consider getting involved in the investigation to determine what, if anything could have been done to protect the President in this near threatening situation.
On February 7th the NRA posted a story about Utah State Senate Bill 251 which proposed to allow Utah colleges to ban guns in faculty offices and permits students living in the Residence Halls to decide if they want to live with concealed weapons permit holders. Days later an 18-year-old trench coat-clad gunman killed 5 people and wounded 4 at the Trolley Square shopping mall before being fatally shot by police. "He calmly fired a shotgun at his victims and had a handgun," authorities and witnesses said.
As a result of April 20, 1999, when two seniors at Columbine High School killed 12 students and a teacher, as well as wounding 23 others, Colorado inacted Project Exile. That program, advertised on billboards and bus benches, promises hard time for violating gun laws. On December 8, 2003, NRA's Institute for Legislative Action told its readers that 172 Colorado defendants were charged in fiscal 2003 with federal firearms violations. Some of the top sentences during that time period are listed below by last name, year, case number, offense and sentence:
HIGHTOWER 02 CR 040 Drug trafficking; felon in possession 26 yrs., 7 mths.; RAMBO 03 CR 014 Use of firearm during violent crime 25 yrs.; HERRON 03 CR 161 Armed career criminal 19 yrs. 7 mths.; TAYLOR 03 CR 288 Armed career criminal 19 yrs, 7 mths; MARTIN 03 CR 252 Armed career criminal 19 yrs., 7 mths.; LEDFORD 03 CR 429 Armed career criminal 16 yrs., 8 mths.; GREER 02 CR 184 Armed bank robbery 15 yrs., 8 mths.; DOOLEY 02 CR 324 Armed career criminal 15 yrs., 8 mths.; ELEAZER 02 CR 076 Drug trafficking; felon in possession 14 yrs., 7 mths.; PADILLA 03 CR 151 Drug trafficking; felon in possession 13 yrs., 3 mths.; NUNEZ 02 CR 518 Use of firearm during violent crime 12 yrs., 6 mths.; STEVENS 02 CR 148 Drug trafficking; use of firearm 11 yrs., 5 mths.; CHAVEZ 02 CR 571 Armed bank robbery 11 yrs.; GARCIA 02 CR 265 Drug trafficking; use of firearm 10 yrs.; 10 mths.; RAMOS-SANCHEZ 02 CR 105 Drug trafficking; use of firearm 10 yrs., SINGLEVICH 02 CR 477 Drug trafficking; use of firearm 10 yrs.; and last, but not least, PARKS 03 CR 490 Felon in possession 10 yrs.
On January 20, 2004, the same NRA legislative arm urged its readers to call their Representatives to ensure that law-abiding gun owners and dealers could conduct business without inadvertently violating the law. HB 1012 clarified legal language contained in Amendment 22, the gun law passed by Colorado voters in 1999.
NRA get off your soapbox and don't mislead, dupe or lie to the public with your deceptions and half-truths. Stick with what you know best, gun safety, and instruction.
K.
"Friday, August 24, 2007
"On Tuesday, August 28 the Omaha City Council will consider a proposed ordinance aimed at reducing crime in the city. Part of the proposal calls for the destruction of any firearm used in a crime. This proposal will destroy the property of law-abiding gun owners who have already been victimized by having their firearm stolen from them.
"Councilman Chuck Sigerson, Jr. is proposing an amendment that would allow a legally-owned firearm that has been stolen and used in a crime to be returned to the rightful owner, as long as it was reported stolen to police.
"Please attend the City Council meeting and protect our Second Amendment and private property rights. Tuesday, August 28, 2:00pm, 1819 Farnam St., Suite LC-1, Omaha, NE 68183.
"If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact the members of the City Council and respectfully urge them to support Councilman Sigerson's amendment to protect firearms stolen from law-abiding citizens from being destroyed…"
Copyright 2007, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action. This may be reproduced.
If Councilman Sigerson and the NRA have their way, the very rifle that was used in the eight murders could be returned to its owner. What is even more amazing is that President Bush was in Omaha for a fund-raiser just an hour before the shootings. Hopefully the Secret Service will consider getting involved in the investigation to determine what, if anything could have been done to protect the President in this near threatening situation.
On February 7th the NRA posted a story about Utah State Senate Bill 251 which proposed to allow Utah colleges to ban guns in faculty offices and permits students living in the Residence Halls to decide if they want to live with concealed weapons permit holders. Days later an 18-year-old trench coat-clad gunman killed 5 people and wounded 4 at the Trolley Square shopping mall before being fatally shot by police. "He calmly fired a shotgun at his victims and had a handgun," authorities and witnesses said.
As a result of April 20, 1999, when two seniors at Columbine High School killed 12 students and a teacher, as well as wounding 23 others, Colorado inacted Project Exile. That program, advertised on billboards and bus benches, promises hard time for violating gun laws. On December 8, 2003, NRA's Institute for Legislative Action told its readers that 172 Colorado defendants were charged in fiscal 2003 with federal firearms violations. Some of the top sentences during that time period are listed below by last name, year, case number, offense and sentence:
HIGHTOWER 02 CR 040 Drug trafficking; felon in possession 26 yrs., 7 mths.; RAMBO 03 CR 014 Use of firearm during violent crime 25 yrs.; HERRON 03 CR 161 Armed career criminal 19 yrs. 7 mths.; TAYLOR 03 CR 288 Armed career criminal 19 yrs, 7 mths; MARTIN 03 CR 252 Armed career criminal 19 yrs., 7 mths.; LEDFORD 03 CR 429 Armed career criminal 16 yrs., 8 mths.; GREER 02 CR 184 Armed bank robbery 15 yrs., 8 mths.; DOOLEY 02 CR 324 Armed career criminal 15 yrs., 8 mths.; ELEAZER 02 CR 076 Drug trafficking; felon in possession 14 yrs., 7 mths.; PADILLA 03 CR 151 Drug trafficking; felon in possession 13 yrs., 3 mths.; NUNEZ 02 CR 518 Use of firearm during violent crime 12 yrs., 6 mths.; STEVENS 02 CR 148 Drug trafficking; use of firearm 11 yrs., 5 mths.; CHAVEZ 02 CR 571 Armed bank robbery 11 yrs.; GARCIA 02 CR 265 Drug trafficking; use of firearm 10 yrs.; 10 mths.; RAMOS-SANCHEZ 02 CR 105 Drug trafficking; use of firearm 10 yrs., SINGLEVICH 02 CR 477 Drug trafficking; use of firearm 10 yrs.; and last, but not least, PARKS 03 CR 490 Felon in possession 10 yrs.
On January 20, 2004, the same NRA legislative arm urged its readers to call their Representatives to ensure that law-abiding gun owners and dealers could conduct business without inadvertently violating the law. HB 1012 clarified legal language contained in Amendment 22, the gun law passed by Colorado voters in 1999.
NRA get off your soapbox and don't mislead, dupe or lie to the public with your deceptions and half-truths. Stick with what you know best, gun safety, and instruction.
K.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
My Daddy’s Name Is Donor
Dr. S. K., a Nassau County New York doctor donated his sperm to a work colleague, a female resident, Dr. P.D., at his hospital so she could conceive a child for herself and her female partner. At the time of the baby's birth in 1989, the man orally agreed he would not have any rights or benefits in the child's upbringing. He included his name on the child's birth certificate, saying it would give the boy an identity, courts documents revealed. He further blurred the lines between donor and full-time father by sending money, presents and cards signed "Dad" and "Daddy," and having phone chats with the now college-bound teen. The father said he had contact with the child from his birth until 1993, when the lesbian couple and his son moved to Oregon. The contact dropped to seven phone calls in the past 15 years and one meeting for a few hours three years ago. He was assured that he would have no responsibility on his part and of course 18 years has elapsed where there hasn't been responsibility.
Dr. S. K.'s goodwill backfired: A court ruling says he is now liable for financial support of the 18-year-old, who lives with his mother in Oregon. "He did not anticipate this would happen now, when the child is almost an adult, that the mother would come forward for child support," said his lawyer. The child signed an affidavit stating that he has "never known anyone other than Dr. S. K. to be his father," according to court documents. If payments were to go ahead, the child support would be determined based on the mother's earning capacity; the reported income of her partner, who is also a doctor; and the father's income.
Consider a case before the Kansas Supreme Court. An unmarried woman in her early thirties decided that she wanted a child and asked a friend to be a sperm donor. He agreed, and she gives birth to twins. The mother says that she always intended to raise the kids alone and never wanted the friend involved in their lives. The donor says that he planned to be the twins' father in name and practice. There was no written contract. A lower Kansas trial court ruled that without a contract, the twins have no father. The man who provided half of the children's genetic material has no relationship to them.
Now let us toss in the Artificial Insemination industry. Every year more than 80,000 women are inseminated artificially with sperm from men they do not know. In their attempt to have a baby, they may unknowingly be putting themselves at risk of contracting infectious diseases, such as AIDS and hepatitis, and the baby at risk of genetic defects. In some cases, the outcome of the health of the baby can be like a ticking time bomb, just waiting to go off in a few short months or decades later.
In most cases, couples choose artificial insemination with donor semen because the husband is infertile. The increasingly popular technique - which has spawned a $164 million a year industry with 11,000 private physicians, 400 sperm banks and infertility centers - is responsible for the birth of 30,000 babies annually.
Dr. Cappy Miles Rothman, who runs the nation's largest sperm bank, the California Cryobank, in Los Angeles, says that many physicians are reluctant to keep records on the grounds that men would not donate semen if they thought their identities could become known. The California Cryobank does keep donor records, but Rothman speculates that many donors ''worry that if their children could figure out who they are, might try to claim their estate or one day pop-up and say, 'Hi, Dad' ''
As the count system tries to unravel these mysteries on a case-by-case basis, we can only second-guess the judges' rulings. The biblical Solomon would have been a nervous wreck with all the potential problems brought before his throne. Can the parents of a sperm donor be the grandparents? Do they have visitation rights? Can a child conceived through Artifical Insemination inherit property from the biological father? Can a child have two lesbian mothers and no father or two mothers and a father? Can the lesbian partner of a biological mother have custody rights if the couple breaks up? Does the woman have the right to visit the child she diapered, fed, and read to for five years before she and her partner split up? Can she be required to pay child support? Once again, who are the grandparents?
K.
Dr. S. K.'s goodwill backfired: A court ruling says he is now liable for financial support of the 18-year-old, who lives with his mother in Oregon. "He did not anticipate this would happen now, when the child is almost an adult, that the mother would come forward for child support," said his lawyer. The child signed an affidavit stating that he has "never known anyone other than Dr. S. K. to be his father," according to court documents. If payments were to go ahead, the child support would be determined based on the mother's earning capacity; the reported income of her partner, who is also a doctor; and the father's income.
Consider a case before the Kansas Supreme Court. An unmarried woman in her early thirties decided that she wanted a child and asked a friend to be a sperm donor. He agreed, and she gives birth to twins. The mother says that she always intended to raise the kids alone and never wanted the friend involved in their lives. The donor says that he planned to be the twins' father in name and practice. There was no written contract. A lower Kansas trial court ruled that without a contract, the twins have no father. The man who provided half of the children's genetic material has no relationship to them.
Now let us toss in the Artificial Insemination industry. Every year more than 80,000 women are inseminated artificially with sperm from men they do not know. In their attempt to have a baby, they may unknowingly be putting themselves at risk of contracting infectious diseases, such as AIDS and hepatitis, and the baby at risk of genetic defects. In some cases, the outcome of the health of the baby can be like a ticking time bomb, just waiting to go off in a few short months or decades later.
In most cases, couples choose artificial insemination with donor semen because the husband is infertile. The increasingly popular technique - which has spawned a $164 million a year industry with 11,000 private physicians, 400 sperm banks and infertility centers - is responsible for the birth of 30,000 babies annually.
Dr. Cappy Miles Rothman, who runs the nation's largest sperm bank, the California Cryobank, in Los Angeles, says that many physicians are reluctant to keep records on the grounds that men would not donate semen if they thought their identities could become known. The California Cryobank does keep donor records, but Rothman speculates that many donors ''worry that if their children could figure out who they are, might try to claim their estate or one day pop-up and say, 'Hi, Dad' ''
As the count system tries to unravel these mysteries on a case-by-case basis, we can only second-guess the judges' rulings. The biblical Solomon would have been a nervous wreck with all the potential problems brought before his throne. Can the parents of a sperm donor be the grandparents? Do they have visitation rights? Can a child conceived through Artifical Insemination inherit property from the biological father? Can a child have two lesbian mothers and no father or two mothers and a father? Can the lesbian partner of a biological mother have custody rights if the couple breaks up? Does the woman have the right to visit the child she diapered, fed, and read to for five years before she and her partner split up? Can she be required to pay child support? Once again, who are the grandparents?
K.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Could you be the next pistol packin’ Mama?
Well, the results are in; the United States is not first in the world in murders by guns per 1000 peoples. We 're only the eight, which certainly should make the National Rifle Association happy (they always feel their being picked on for their stance on the right to bare arms). The number one country is South Africa, followed by Columbia, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Belarus, and Costa Rica. U.S. is next followed by Uruguay, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Estonia, the former Yugoslav Republic (now Macedonia), Bulgaria, Portugal and Slovenia. Switzerland is number 19 (don't piss off the Swiss, they make more than just knives) then Canada, Germany, Moldova, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Ireland, Australia. Denmark is 28 then Spain, Azerbaijan, New Zealand, and last on this list the United Kingdom.
What are the five worst states in the U.S. and what are the five best based on the firearm death rate per 100,000 people. The worst place although not a state is the District of Columbia. Isn't that where the NRA has their national headquarters? No wonder Charleston Heston, former NRA president said "I'll give up my gun when they pry it from my cold dead hands." He packed a gun to work each day. Number one state is (surprise) Alaska followed by Louisiana, Wyoming Arizona, Mississippi and Nevada. Hawaii was the safest, while the next safest is Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
A several states have absolutely no gun restrictions at all; they are: Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Which means anything goes. Now, knowing this don't you feel much safer?
K.
What are the five worst states in the U.S. and what are the five best based on the firearm death rate per 100,000 people. The worst place although not a state is the District of Columbia. Isn't that where the NRA has their national headquarters? No wonder Charleston Heston, former NRA president said "I'll give up my gun when they pry it from my cold dead hands." He packed a gun to work each day. Number one state is (surprise) Alaska followed by Louisiana, Wyoming Arizona, Mississippi and Nevada. Hawaii was the safest, while the next safest is Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
A several states have absolutely no gun restrictions at all; they are: Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Which means anything goes. Now, knowing this don't you feel much safer?
K.
Friday, November 30, 2007
we will fight for the right..."
On November 28, 2007 reporters were invited to watch the city of Cleveland destroyed more than 421 guns at ArcelorMittal Steel. It's the eighth "gun burn" this year, Mayor Frank Jackson said in a news release. The guns were turned over to or confiscated by Cleveland police. That will bring the number of guns destroyed this year to 3,000.
The event began on November 11 with a line of cars stretching three city blocks in downtown Cleveland while people waited to swap their guns for money. More than 350 people went to the Convention Center to exchange handguns for a $100 gift card to BP or Dave's Supermarket. As part of the program, officers did not ask questions about the guns during the five-hour event.
Officials said they weren't surprised by the big response because the city has not held a gun buyback for about 10 years. Deputy Chief Lester Fultz said officers distributed about 300 of 450 gift cards in the first 90 minutes. Those who turned out, he said, were moms, dads and grandparents trying to make the streets safer. The police destroyed the weapons after entering their serial numbers in a national database to determine if the guns were stolen. ArcelorMittal Steel donated about $35,000 to purchase the gift cards and teamed with Slavic Village Development Corp. to sponsor the buyback.
Last year Boston's "Aim for Peace" program netted 1027 weapons turned in during a month-long run offering a $200 gift card. $100,000 worth of Target vouchers were given in exchange for collected guns — $25,000 of which was donated by the city, the rest by Target, the Boston Red Sox, and other contributors. Rifles, shotguns, non-functioning guns, and some others were not eligible for the reward.
The New Haven police department removed more than 230 guns from the streets during their gun buyback program in August 2006. Springfield, IL collected 526 guns at their buyback on October 27, of this year. The Lake County (Illinois) Sheriff's office collected more than 200 firearms in their first buyback program in December 2001 offering a mere $50 gift certificate They repeated the program in 2002. The best program to date has been with the District of Columbia. Between August 1999 and December 2000, the Metropolitan Police conducted three separate gun buybacks collecting 6,253 firearms and paying out approximately $528,000. New Haven had tried a buyback program with a cash reward, not gift cards. Critics saw the cash reward as an opportunity for gun-totters to upgrade weapons such as buying new Glocks.
At this rate how many guns could be eliminated from circulation? 2002, the last year figures were given, reported an estimated 192 million privately owned firearms in the United States with 65 million of those being handguns. That same report said the there were 30,708 firearm related deaths in the U.S. in 1998. I don't think the National Rifle Association has anything to worry about; they should be more concerned that 17,504 of those deaths were suicides. What did Charleston Heston, former NRA president say? "I'll give up my gun when they pry it from my cold dead hands."
K.
11:56
The event began on November 11 with a line of cars stretching three city blocks in downtown Cleveland while people waited to swap their guns for money. More than 350 people went to the Convention Center to exchange handguns for a $100 gift card to BP or Dave's Supermarket. As part of the program, officers did not ask questions about the guns during the five-hour event.
Officials said they weren't surprised by the big response because the city has not held a gun buyback for about 10 years. Deputy Chief Lester Fultz said officers distributed about 300 of 450 gift cards in the first 90 minutes. Those who turned out, he said, were moms, dads and grandparents trying to make the streets safer. The police destroyed the weapons after entering their serial numbers in a national database to determine if the guns were stolen. ArcelorMittal Steel donated about $35,000 to purchase the gift cards and teamed with Slavic Village Development Corp. to sponsor the buyback.
Last year Boston's "Aim for Peace" program netted 1027 weapons turned in during a month-long run offering a $200 gift card. $100,000 worth of Target vouchers were given in exchange for collected guns — $25,000 of which was donated by the city, the rest by Target, the Boston Red Sox, and other contributors. Rifles, shotguns, non-functioning guns, and some others were not eligible for the reward.
The New Haven police department removed more than 230 guns from the streets during their gun buyback program in August 2006. Springfield, IL collected 526 guns at their buyback on October 27, of this year. The Lake County (Illinois) Sheriff's office collected more than 200 firearms in their first buyback program in December 2001 offering a mere $50 gift certificate They repeated the program in 2002. The best program to date has been with the District of Columbia. Between August 1999 and December 2000, the Metropolitan Police conducted three separate gun buybacks collecting 6,253 firearms and paying out approximately $528,000. New Haven had tried a buyback program with a cash reward, not gift cards. Critics saw the cash reward as an opportunity for gun-totters to upgrade weapons such as buying new Glocks.
At this rate how many guns could be eliminated from circulation? 2002, the last year figures were given, reported an estimated 192 million privately owned firearms in the United States with 65 million of those being handguns. That same report said the there were 30,708 firearm related deaths in the U.S. in 1998. I don't think the National Rifle Association has anything to worry about; they should be more concerned that 17,504 of those deaths were suicides. What did Charleston Heston, former NRA president say? "I'll give up my gun when they pry it from my cold dead hands."
K.
11:56
Christmas 2003
It was just days before Christmas 2003 and I was sitting in the waiting room of my favorite auto repair facility (it used to be called a garage). I was chit chatting with a gentleman sitting near me. "It was sixty years ago today, "he reminisced, "that I was traveling across the North Atlantic." "It was cold," he continued, "I never could get warm." "You were in the Navy?" I asked. "Yah, I was in a U-boat." It dawned in me that Christmas 1943 was during World War II and that my friend, with an unmistakable accent, had served aboard a German submarine. "We were always looking for Allied shipping." He went on to described the hardships of a very young German seaman far from his beloved farm community being tossed about in an overly cramped metal tube that was called "home." They were on the surface to charge batteries and send communications; the balance of the time they were under the surface prowling and waiting for the convoy of ships to enter their sights.
Another customer came in for service and sit down on the only remaining chair across from us. My friend went on to say, "Spending Christmas on the North Atlantic in 1943 was not very pleasant for me." Our newly arrived acquiesce now took keen interest in our conversation. "You were in the big one too, World War II? I was on the Queen Mary crossing the North Atlantic on Christmas 1943; there were many solders on that ship. We were pretty well filled up"
"Mr. Mueller your car is ready," the manager called out. My friend began to get up to get his keys, "Yah we tried to get her, but the Queen Mary was much too fast for us." Our newly arrive acquaintance also noted the accent, "You were in the…." "German navy, U-boats, almost the entire war," Mr. Mueller said, finishing the sentence.
The once talk filled room was now awkwardly silent as the two former adversaries looked at each other with greater scrutiny. It was only skill of the captain and helmsman that kept these two former enemies from killing each other. A lucky torpedo from the U-boat would have quickly sunk an unarmored, unarmed ocean liner converted to troop transporter. Now their paths had crossed once again. The recent arrival watched Mueller walk toward the exit door; they both said it almost simultaneously "Sixty year was along time ago." Each turned to the other. "Merry Christmas" said the former solder. "Fröhliche Weihnachten" replied Mueller.
Wishing you, your family and loved ones far away from home, whether in college or the military, a very blessed and joyous Christmas Season and a most Happy New Year. God bless us everyone.
K.
Another customer came in for service and sit down on the only remaining chair across from us. My friend went on to say, "Spending Christmas on the North Atlantic in 1943 was not very pleasant for me." Our newly arrived acquiesce now took keen interest in our conversation. "You were in the big one too, World War II? I was on the Queen Mary crossing the North Atlantic on Christmas 1943; there were many solders on that ship. We were pretty well filled up"
"Mr. Mueller your car is ready," the manager called out. My friend began to get up to get his keys, "Yah we tried to get her, but the Queen Mary was much too fast for us." Our newly arrive acquaintance also noted the accent, "You were in the…." "German navy, U-boats, almost the entire war," Mr. Mueller said, finishing the sentence.
The once talk filled room was now awkwardly silent as the two former adversaries looked at each other with greater scrutiny. It was only skill of the captain and helmsman that kept these two former enemies from killing each other. A lucky torpedo from the U-boat would have quickly sunk an unarmored, unarmed ocean liner converted to troop transporter. Now their paths had crossed once again. The recent arrival watched Mueller walk toward the exit door; they both said it almost simultaneously "Sixty year was along time ago." Each turned to the other. "Merry Christmas" said the former solder. "Fröhliche Weihnachten" replied Mueller.
Wishing you, your family and loved ones far away from home, whether in college or the military, a very blessed and joyous Christmas Season and a most Happy New Year. God bless us everyone.
K.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Is "New and Improved" really worth it?
We as American, have a certain passion for new items. Whether it's a puppy, new house or car. It has to be something never owned by anyone else, ever. At Christmas time, auto dealerships make a point of showing cars with monstrous red bows adorning the top of the shiny paint job (where do you purchase those great big bows?). Who would have ever thought of hearing someone brag they bought their true love something old as a gift. I don't mean an antique because in most cases that means refurbished or restored. "I bought my wife a 1953 Commander Starliner; in a couple of months we'll have restored it and it will be as (and here is the kicker) good as new." I have personally seen people buy an old house, knock it down because it something they didn't like and put up a new structure. The new house may or may not have been superior to the old. But it was brand new.
Some people exclaim that they only buy new because they don't want to assume other peoples' problems. New means fresh, insullied but it also means untried, and unproven. So why is there this obsession? Why is the city Building Department and the Historical & Preservation Society at logerheads? Can we have both new and old coexisting at the same time? Some recommend keeping the old exterior while gutting the inside and bringing it up to modern standards; a compromise which really doesn't maintain the character of the inside of the building. Others say even the renovation paint must be of a type that mimics the old style. New is "bad" and old is "good."
Somewhere there is a middle ground that is exceptable to all. An area were all can come to an accord and can agree as to what can be done to keep our historical structures for future generations to see.
K.
Some people exclaim that they only buy new because they don't want to assume other peoples' problems. New means fresh, insullied but it also means untried, and unproven. So why is there this obsession? Why is the city Building Department and the Historical & Preservation Society at logerheads? Can we have both new and old coexisting at the same time? Some recommend keeping the old exterior while gutting the inside and bringing it up to modern standards; a compromise which really doesn't maintain the character of the inside of the building. Others say even the renovation paint must be of a type that mimics the old style. New is "bad" and old is "good."
Somewhere there is a middle ground that is exceptable to all. An area were all can come to an accord and can agree as to what can be done to keep our historical structures for future generations to see.
K.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Christmas--"Blah humbug" or "God bless us everyone?"
Have you started writing your Christmas cards yet? I'm sure you know which of your friends will be the first to have a card in your mailbox. You know which one will send you the long detailed list of things they've done during the past year—called the Christmas Letter. You may wish to call it "Sing your own praises." Mrs. K and I are procrastinators. We send ours out so late they're into the beginning into the New Year; they're called "Epiphany Epistles."
The Christmas card started out in Victorian England in 1843. It was helped along by the development of the public penny post and the speed with which the new railroads could deliver mail. They started out as a kind of stationery. Sir Henry Cole, a British Postal Service employee, together with John Callcott Horsley, an artist, created the first card. This early card showed Christmas scenes in three panels. The center panel had children, parents and grandparents seated at a table, with some raising their glasses for a toast. It caused controversy because it showed a small child drinking wine. The side panels showed acts of Christmas charity: the left panel feeding the hungry; the right, clothing the naked. Underneath was the familiar phrase " A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."
Early English cards rarely showed winter or religious themes, instead were pictures of flowers, fairies and other fanciful designs to reminded us of the approach of Spring. Humorous and sentimental images of children and animals were popular, as were increasingly elaborate shapes, decorations and materials
In Germany, manufactured Christmas cards boomed in the 1860s. The earliest known Christmas card posted in Finland dates from 1871. In 1875, Louis Prang became the first printer to offer cards in America. Advances in printing techniques added to the popularity of Christmas cards as they made their real breakthrough in the 1920s.
So you really don't need to mail out Christmas Cards, as the tradition is not that old. You can call up your friends and wish them Season Greetings or you can Email them—like I just did. From Mrs. K. and I to you and your household "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."
K.
The Christmas card started out in Victorian England in 1843. It was helped along by the development of the public penny post and the speed with which the new railroads could deliver mail. They started out as a kind of stationery. Sir Henry Cole, a British Postal Service employee, together with John Callcott Horsley, an artist, created the first card. This early card showed Christmas scenes in three panels. The center panel had children, parents and grandparents seated at a table, with some raising their glasses for a toast. It caused controversy because it showed a small child drinking wine. The side panels showed acts of Christmas charity: the left panel feeding the hungry; the right, clothing the naked. Underneath was the familiar phrase " A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."
Early English cards rarely showed winter or religious themes, instead were pictures of flowers, fairies and other fanciful designs to reminded us of the approach of Spring. Humorous and sentimental images of children and animals were popular, as were increasingly elaborate shapes, decorations and materials
In Germany, manufactured Christmas cards boomed in the 1860s. The earliest known Christmas card posted in Finland dates from 1871. In 1875, Louis Prang became the first printer to offer cards in America. Advances in printing techniques added to the popularity of Christmas cards as they made their real breakthrough in the 1920s.
So you really don't need to mail out Christmas Cards, as the tradition is not that old. You can call up your friends and wish them Season Greetings or you can Email them—like I just did. From Mrs. K. and I to you and your household "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."
K.
Friday, November 23, 2007
"...'cause no matter how far away you roam."
Taking the two statements “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” and “you can’t go home again,” seem to be contradictory. Yet both are very true and can easily coexist. Thanksgiving has come and gone, people have returned home and Christmas 2007 is yet to be. Although we would very much like to go home for the holidays, the home we would to return to really doesn’t exist anymore—it is but a memory locked in our minds. Each of us has preconceived notions about the things we liked best; and one of them is the holidays. The camaraderie, the excitement, the people we’ve met and loved, the whole aurora of the moment, exists only for a single day and then is filed away until it is brought our again the next time.
Yet that very brief time is what each of us lives for, ask the military personnel stationed away from home. Years later that same solder, airmen or sailor will recall that moment way from his loved ones with some fondness especially if they were with companions enjoying that same event. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, or Fourth of July, it is the moment of happiness and togetherness we crave, After all, are we not social creatures accustomed to being with others of our own kind? The most difficult times are during the holidays. Suicides and depression increase; in some cases, the people who are suffering these experiences are surrounded by other people (in most case not of their own choosing).
With all that in mind, it is extremely important to remember others this holiday season e.g. distant relatives and friends and military people far from home. Email, write, phone or text message letting them know that you are thinking of them and that they are still in your thought and minds.
Have a very blessed Holiday Season and Happy New Year from Mrs. K. and myself.
K.
Yet that very brief time is what each of us lives for, ask the military personnel stationed away from home. Years later that same solder, airmen or sailor will recall that moment way from his loved ones with some fondness especially if they were with companions enjoying that same event. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, or Fourth of July, it is the moment of happiness and togetherness we crave, After all, are we not social creatures accustomed to being with others of our own kind? The most difficult times are during the holidays. Suicides and depression increase; in some cases, the people who are suffering these experiences are surrounded by other people (in most case not of their own choosing).
With all that in mind, it is extremely important to remember others this holiday season e.g. distant relatives and friends and military people far from home. Email, write, phone or text message letting them know that you are thinking of them and that they are still in your thought and minds.
Have a very blessed Holiday Season and Happy New Year from Mrs. K. and myself.
K.
Taking the two statements “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” and “you can’t go home again,” seem to be contradictory. Yet both are very true and can easily coexist. Thanksgiving has come and gone, people have returned home and Christmas 2007 is yet to be. Although we would very much like to go home for the holidays, the home we would to return to really doesn’t exist anymore—it is but a memory locked in our minds. Each of us has preconceived notions about the things we liked best; and one of them is the holidays. The camaraderie, the excitement, the people we’ve met and loved, the whole aurora of the moment, exists only for a single day and then is filed away until it is brought our again the next time.
Yet that very brief time is what each of us lives for, ask the military personnel stationed away from home. Years later that same solder, airmen or sailor will recall that moment way from his loved ones with some fondness especially if they were with companions enjoying that same event. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, or Fourth of July, it is the moment of happiness and togetherness we crave, After all, are we not social creatures accustomed to being with others of our own kind. The most difficult times are during the holidays. Suicides and depression increase; in some cases, the people who are suffering these experiences are surrounded by other people (in most case not of their own choosing).
With all that in mind, it is extremely important to remember others this holiday season e.g. distant relatives and friends and military people far from home. Email, write, phone or text message letting them know that you are thinking of them and that they are still in your thought and minds.
Have a very blessed Holiday Season and Happy New Year from Mrs. K. and myself.
K.
Yet that very brief time is what each of us lives for, ask the military personnel stationed away from home. Years later that same solder, airmen or sailor will recall that moment way from his loved ones with some fondness especially if they were with companions enjoying that same event. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, or Fourth of July, it is the moment of happiness and togetherness we crave, After all, are we not social creatures accustomed to being with others of our own kind. The most difficult times are during the holidays. Suicides and depression increase; in some cases, the people who are suffering these experiences are surrounded by other people (in most case not of their own choosing).
With all that in mind, it is extremely important to remember others this holiday season e.g. distant relatives and friends and military people far from home. Email, write, phone or text message letting them know that you are thinking of them and that they are still in your thought and minds.
Have a very blessed Holiday Season and Happy New Year from Mrs. K. and myself.
K.
Why?
Why does your favorite shirt, pants, jacket or what have you, tear, get a stain on it or become damaged long before its appointed time to wear out? By the same token, why do work shirts, pants, etc. things you could care about the least, seem to last forever? Why does the good car, the one you care for the most, get parking lot dings and scratches while the secondary car, the "beater," suffers nothing? We call it the "buttered side bread falls down and lands on the buttered side" theory. If it fell the other way I wouldn't be writing this—it always seems to fall it that manner, making it completely useless.
So how do we combat this, if we could? Always butter your bread at the table your going to eat at? Don't get attached or favor anyone or anything for fear of what is going to happen to it? Show no emotion? Impossible! And we can't build barriers around everything or everyone we love or cherish. Life isn't that simplistic. Life can be cold and harsh as well as warm and loving; both can even coexist at the same time in the same environment. In our consumable society, today's most desirable car or must have item will be tomorrows used, tossed out castaway. The car gets sold to someone else who will cherish it until it too looses it's appeal and will be sold to its third owner until eventually it's scrapped. My trash may become someone else treasure.
Don't pin all of your expectations, hopes or pride on your possessions for you may become disappointed. Cherish the moment, bask in the pleasure this object of your attention goes you. The moment of your possession is fleeting, so be aware of its fragile nature or you may be disillusioned.
K.
So how do we combat this, if we could? Always butter your bread at the table your going to eat at? Don't get attached or favor anyone or anything for fear of what is going to happen to it? Show no emotion? Impossible! And we can't build barriers around everything or everyone we love or cherish. Life isn't that simplistic. Life can be cold and harsh as well as warm and loving; both can even coexist at the same time in the same environment. In our consumable society, today's most desirable car or must have item will be tomorrows used, tossed out castaway. The car gets sold to someone else who will cherish it until it too looses it's appeal and will be sold to its third owner until eventually it's scrapped. My trash may become someone else treasure.
Don't pin all of your expectations, hopes or pride on your possessions for you may become disappointed. Cherish the moment, bask in the pleasure this object of your attention goes you. The moment of your possession is fleeting, so be aware of its fragile nature or you may be disillusioned.
K.
Monday, November 12, 2007
On time, any time, all the time
I attended the wedding reception of a neighbor's son. Also in attendance were many other neighbors, some of which I hadn't seen in over twenty-one years. Had it really been that long; where had the time gone? It didn't seem all that long ago when they moved away. I then came to the realization that "time" can be based upon the age of the individual who is doing the comparison. To a twenty-one year old, it was their entire life; to a sixty-three year old, it only represented a third of their life. Thus time is relative. The interval of time remains a constant; a week is seven days. It doesn't grow any longer or become shorter it only seems long or short to the person experiencing the interval.
We've all heard the expressions, "time and tide wait for no man" or "time marches on." To the person waiting for a one-week vacation, making the preparations, getting the tickets, etc. a week in advance may take an eternity. The actual one-week of vacation may "fly by" while the record of this vacation may last indelibly etched in our minds forever aided by photographs or digital cameras. The actual interval of time never changed only our perception of it.
Another example would be the person falling asleep or trying to fall asleep. The really exhausted individual will fall asleep as soon as their head "hits the pillow." The period of sleep will seem to be extremely short when they awaken in the morning, especially if they haven't had enough sleep. However if they are insomniacs, unable to sleep because of too much caffeine, excitement or a medical condition, the period they're awake will seem to last forever. tossing and turning in their bed. In this case the urgency of time will prevail. We are creatures of our environment, or our own creation, and of our experiences. Time will tell
K.
We've all heard the expressions, "time and tide wait for no man" or "time marches on." To the person waiting for a one-week vacation, making the preparations, getting the tickets, etc. a week in advance may take an eternity. The actual one-week of vacation may "fly by" while the record of this vacation may last indelibly etched in our minds forever aided by photographs or digital cameras. The actual interval of time never changed only our perception of it.
Another example would be the person falling asleep or trying to fall asleep. The really exhausted individual will fall asleep as soon as their head "hits the pillow." The period of sleep will seem to be extremely short when they awaken in the morning, especially if they haven't had enough sleep. However if they are insomniacs, unable to sleep because of too much caffeine, excitement or a medical condition, the period they're awake will seem to last forever. tossing and turning in their bed. In this case the urgency of time will prevail. We are creatures of our environment, or our own creation, and of our experiences. Time will tell
K.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbits, dies, "I only did my duty"
Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets USAF (retired) died this past November 1, 2007. Tibbits was the commanding officer in charge of dropping the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, which forced the Japanese warlords to begin to seriously consider unconditional surrender. A second bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan brought them to the surrender table. Much has been written about whether we should have dropped to bomb on the homeland islands or have invited the Japanese to witness the destruction of a less inhabited piece of land. Much has also been written on our moral right to killed non-combatants in this atomic carnage.
Some modern day Japanese, and a few Americans, have conveniently forgotten that Japans warlords had global conquest in their sights when they attacked China in July 1937. Japanese solders bayoneted, machine-gunned, or beheaded 300,000 innocent civilians during their Rape of Nanking 1937-1938. These same modern apologists forget the Bataan Death March of April 1942 in which approximately 18,000 Allied solders were executed or left to die as they fell behind the forced march. To the militaristic Japanese, the idea of surrender was totally foreign; those that give up were considered to be less than human and were treated accordingly with utter disdain and contempt.
With that cultural viewpoint, the Japanese would never have yielded to defeat. It was only when faced with total destruction did the Japanese relent and do the unthinkable and submit to unconditional surrender. Who knows where Japan would have gone if not stopped.
K.
Some modern day Japanese, and a few Americans, have conveniently forgotten that Japans warlords had global conquest in their sights when they attacked China in July 1937. Japanese solders bayoneted, machine-gunned, or beheaded 300,000 innocent civilians during their Rape of Nanking 1937-1938. These same modern apologists forget the Bataan Death March of April 1942 in which approximately 18,000 Allied solders were executed or left to die as they fell behind the forced march. To the militaristic Japanese, the idea of surrender was totally foreign; those that give up were considered to be less than human and were treated accordingly with utter disdain and contempt.
With that cultural viewpoint, the Japanese would never have yielded to defeat. It was only when faced with total destruction did the Japanese relent and do the unthinkable and submit to unconditional surrender. Who knows where Japan would have gone if not stopped.
K.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Life with Father
I spent the last several days with my father in the hospital. He is eighty-six. He has always been an independent person, he believes in doing things for himself. He would not even consider assisted living. Dad was building shelving in the garage. His grandson's brother-in-law was assisting him, measuring the pieces that were needed, giving Dad the measurements. Dad was cutting a long narrow piece from a much more wider one about thirty inches long. He had about a quarter inch to go. He stopped and was going to get another piece to help shove it though to be safe. What made him change his mind neither he nor I will ever know. "I can do this without that safety stick," he thought and proceeded to go ahead, unassisted.
I got a call at the office from the sister to the young man helping my Dad, my daughter-in-law. "Grandpa is in Emergency; he cut his hand—badly." The words instantly snapped my mind to attention. "I think he lost some fingers," she continued. I didn't wait; I checked out of the office and drove to the hospital and asked about Dad. The nurse assigned to him called me aside, "Before I take you inside to see him," she said "you should know that he thinks your going to yell at him for being careless." How could I scold my father at a time like this? I found Dad lying on gurney in Room One; the name was very fitting. They were unable to help Dad at that hospital so he was transfer to Cleveland's top-rate Cleveland Clinic. There a doctor specializing in hand surgery reattached one finger to his left hand. Two were still missing. Dad was awake during the entire operation, holding his hand still so the doctor could stitch together with whatever was available. The word used was "viable."
Dad talked about going home the next day to resume his standard schedule. He was disappointed when he didn't. He has a pacemaker with a built in defribulator for when his heart rate drops too low. He lives by himself; he's eight-six. But he is determined; he has goals, he looking forward to getting out. He has more going for him than this "minor" set back will deter him. I'm proud of him, proud of his spunk, proud of his determination. I'm proud he's my father.
K.
I got a call at the office from the sister to the young man helping my Dad, my daughter-in-law. "Grandpa is in Emergency; he cut his hand—badly." The words instantly snapped my mind to attention. "I think he lost some fingers," she continued. I didn't wait; I checked out of the office and drove to the hospital and asked about Dad. The nurse assigned to him called me aside, "Before I take you inside to see him," she said "you should know that he thinks your going to yell at him for being careless." How could I scold my father at a time like this? I found Dad lying on gurney in Room One; the name was very fitting. They were unable to help Dad at that hospital so he was transfer to Cleveland's top-rate Cleveland Clinic. There a doctor specializing in hand surgery reattached one finger to his left hand. Two were still missing. Dad was awake during the entire operation, holding his hand still so the doctor could stitch together with whatever was available. The word used was "viable."
Dad talked about going home the next day to resume his standard schedule. He was disappointed when he didn't. He has a pacemaker with a built in defribulator for when his heart rate drops too low. He lives by himself; he's eight-six. But he is determined; he has goals, he looking forward to getting out. He has more going for him than this "minor" set back will deter him. I'm proud of him, proud of his spunk, proud of his determination. I'm proud he's my father.
K.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
How far should journalism, radio, TV, newspapers or magazines go? Reporting is good as we find out what's going on, we have an "open society." But should we give out information that could possibly be damaging, hurtful or used in an improper manner. Case in point: a police officer who specialized in narcotic busts for nearly a decade finds himself in a predicament when he moves to another part of the state and arrested the mayor's son for possession of methamphetamines. He then arrested a city councilman for driving with a bag of pot and a gun. Four years later our police officer has had enough of small town politics and quits.
On the other side of the police cruiser, he finds himself in a nasty divorce case where his ex brother-in-law, a constable, tries to remove his two daughters with a court order. He is even arrested for returning rental movies late and well as unlawfully carrying a gun. All the charges were eventually reduced or dropped. Our friend was angry and figured out a way to get back and make money at the same time. He makes a DVD showing how avoid arrest.
At this point the producer of the radio program should have stopped. You know all the particulars; the story has been laid out for you. Ah, but the show goes on to tell the name of the DVD, actually give some of the helpful tips and has a picture of the DVD cover on its website. It gives you everything but the ISBN number (or Library of Congress call number) the price and which stores you can purchase this. Dog bits man is not news, but man bits dog, that's news. It was done just as tacky as well.
I expect more from my radio station (and this was non-profit public radio to boot) I expect following a code of ethics, commonsense and decorum of decency. It was way more that the general public needed to know.
K.
On the other side of the police cruiser, he finds himself in a nasty divorce case where his ex brother-in-law, a constable, tries to remove his two daughters with a court order. He is even arrested for returning rental movies late and well as unlawfully carrying a gun. All the charges were eventually reduced or dropped. Our friend was angry and figured out a way to get back and make money at the same time. He makes a DVD showing how avoid arrest.
At this point the producer of the radio program should have stopped. You know all the particulars; the story has been laid out for you. Ah, but the show goes on to tell the name of the DVD, actually give some of the helpful tips and has a picture of the DVD cover on its website. It gives you everything but the ISBN number (or Library of Congress call number) the price and which stores you can purchase this. Dog bits man is not news, but man bits dog, that's news. It was done just as tacky as well.
I expect more from my radio station (and this was non-profit public radio to boot) I expect following a code of ethics, commonsense and decorum of decency. It was way more that the general public needed to know.
K.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Today's Crises is....
Parents of Adult Children. That is the name I would call it if I were starting a support group. It would consist of parents, who had children over the age of eighteen, who were running into problems with their kids. “Do I give them money to ease them over the tough times or do I let them slug it out by themselves?” “Do I give them advise about their “significant other” problems or do I stay out of it?” “Would advice on a career choice be wise?” Would the advice be heeded (I know the money would be readily accepted) or would I be considered a meddling parent? My grandfather used to say, “Don’t say anything and you would have given a reply as well—or no response is also an action.” It may lose something in the translation from German, but that is what he’d say. It seems to make sense to me now more than ever.
I dread receiving phone calls from the kid—my cell phone has a special ring tone for him alone. I don’t relish speaking with him; too much melodrama. It’s always, “I need”, or “Dad, I have to have….” I guess I inaugurated the 24/7 K. Bank & Trust. “You can bank on getting the money from Dad and he’ll trust you to return it.” LOL!
The support group I’m suggesting would help these parents find ways of dealing with their guilt. This is the guilt of not being at home during those “formative years” the missed baseball games, school concerts, the baseball/football father/son toss etc. Now we try to make up for it in our own way. Our monthly meetings would suggest ways in which we could feel better about the situation, to make it more meaningful, to make it a win—win situation. After all at one time we had the book by Dr. Spock, Baby and Child Care on the shelf and could thumb through it as needed. Then again, people thought Dr. Spock screwed up too. I envy parents whose adult children are always doing well, receive promotion after promotion and have happy marriages. Then again I’m only hearing only one side of the issue and that may be their defense mechanism—shade the truth.
K.
I dread receiving phone calls from the kid—my cell phone has a special ring tone for him alone. I don’t relish speaking with him; too much melodrama. It’s always, “I need”, or “Dad, I have to have….” I guess I inaugurated the 24/7 K. Bank & Trust. “You can bank on getting the money from Dad and he’ll trust you to return it.” LOL!
The support group I’m suggesting would help these parents find ways of dealing with their guilt. This is the guilt of not being at home during those “formative years” the missed baseball games, school concerts, the baseball/football father/son toss etc. Now we try to make up for it in our own way. Our monthly meetings would suggest ways in which we could feel better about the situation, to make it more meaningful, to make it a win—win situation. After all at one time we had the book by Dr. Spock, Baby and Child Care on the shelf and could thumb through it as needed. Then again, people thought Dr. Spock screwed up too. I envy parents whose adult children are always doing well, receive promotion after promotion and have happy marriages. Then again I’m only hearing only one side of the issue and that may be their defense mechanism—shade the truth.
K.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
You know you’re desperate when....
I find I'm doing more for myself now, as I've grown older. Not that I feel that I'm an old man but just that it has become more expedient for me to do more for myself. You don't have to wait on others to do things for you. Sometimes it works out quite well, and sometimes you find that in the process you've screwed things up. Case in point, I find that I'm doing more of my own laundry. I don't wait for my wife of forty-two years to do it for me any more. For one thing she is slowing down, doesn't like steps (the washer and drier are in the basement) and I'd like to help her out. I don't sort the clothes by white and colors because most clothes are colorfast and don't need that precaution (I've been caught short on that statement too).
Another problem occurred when Mrs. K. told me not to put the heavy bedspread in the washer, that we could that it to the Laundromat where they had commercial heavy-duty washers. What did I pay all that money for in a washer? Didn't mine say "heavy-duty" as well? I have learned that commercial grade and heavy-duty residential grade are not the same. The bedspread made it through the first time but not the second washing. It tore up a gear in the direct drive coupling. I wondered what I was going to do. You can't get a washer repairmen on a Saturday and in most cases the cost of the repairs comes very close to the price of a brand new washer on sale, including the ones with all the bells and whistles.
Soooo K took the washer apart, took out the damaged gear and decided to make a new one myself (remember it was a Saturday and the washer parts store was closed as well). It took about two hours and a lot of soul searching, cussing, and what have you but a came up with a reasonable facsimile. I put the washer back together flipped on the switch and it WORKED. It washed the clothes, wrung them out and made a soft, soon to become irritating noise for about two months (I must have made the gear parts slightly oversized). Lesson learned; wives do know what they are taking about. Had I paid attention to Mrs. K, I would have saved myself all that grief. Now the question is: do I take that bedspread up to the Laundromat or test out my new drive gear. Hmmm I wonder.
K.
Another problem occurred when Mrs. K. told me not to put the heavy bedspread in the washer, that we could that it to the Laundromat where they had commercial heavy-duty washers. What did I pay all that money for in a washer? Didn't mine say "heavy-duty" as well? I have learned that commercial grade and heavy-duty residential grade are not the same. The bedspread made it through the first time but not the second washing. It tore up a gear in the direct drive coupling. I wondered what I was going to do. You can't get a washer repairmen on a Saturday and in most cases the cost of the repairs comes very close to the price of a brand new washer on sale, including the ones with all the bells and whistles.
Soooo K took the washer apart, took out the damaged gear and decided to make a new one myself (remember it was a Saturday and the washer parts store was closed as well). It took about two hours and a lot of soul searching, cussing, and what have you but a came up with a reasonable facsimile. I put the washer back together flipped on the switch and it WORKED. It washed the clothes, wrung them out and made a soft, soon to become irritating noise for about two months (I must have made the gear parts slightly oversized). Lesson learned; wives do know what they are taking about. Had I paid attention to Mrs. K, I would have saved myself all that grief. Now the question is: do I take that bedspread up to the Laundromat or test out my new drive gear. Hmmm I wonder.
K.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
"The moon belongs to everyone, the best things in life are free."
Tonight there is a new moon; large and full it illuminates the darkened sky. It provides additional brightness for those living in the rural areas where streetlights are limited almost exclusively to major intersections. It provides that extra margin of safety to those traveling to their destinations at night. During wartime it would have been called a bomber's moon because of the light it shed on the landscape below, highlighting targets of opportunity. It would acted as a double edged sword for World War I dirigible crews as the light provided also made them visible to fighter aircraft who were defending their vulnerable land. It that case those lighter than air craft quickly headed for the safety of the clouds.
There have been blue moons when we have had more that one full moon in a month's time. The last one was on June 30th of this year; the next one won't be until May 2008 and then after that November 2010. There have been black moons when there was no full moon for the month of February. The next occurrence will be in February 2018. The importance of the moon on tides has been known since antiquity. It has aided sailors in easing their overloaded ships out of shallow harbors. Hence the expression "We sail on the high tide."
Motion picture films have been made about the moon; the earliest was a Jules Verne styled silent movie where the spaceship strikes the eye of the Man in the Moon. The most recent called Moon Struck discussed the effect of the moon on love and relationships. Hospitals know that a full moon will result in an influx of patents admitted to the emergency room.
Enjoy the beauty of the moon as it shines on you and lights your way outdoors. For it brings safety, assurance, and a promise for a brighter day tomorrow.
K.
There have been blue moons when we have had more that one full moon in a month's time. The last one was on June 30th of this year; the next one won't be until May 2008 and then after that November 2010. There have been black moons when there was no full moon for the month of February. The next occurrence will be in February 2018. The importance of the moon on tides has been known since antiquity. It has aided sailors in easing their overloaded ships out of shallow harbors. Hence the expression "We sail on the high tide."
Motion picture films have been made about the moon; the earliest was a Jules Verne styled silent movie where the spaceship strikes the eye of the Man in the Moon. The most recent called Moon Struck discussed the effect of the moon on love and relationships. Hospitals know that a full moon will result in an influx of patents admitted to the emergency room.
Enjoy the beauty of the moon as it shines on you and lights your way outdoors. For it brings safety, assurance, and a promise for a brighter day tomorrow.
K.
Monday, October 22, 2007
"...And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air...."
National anthems and other patriotic songs invoke much sentiment among its citizens. A tremendous uproar ensued after Roseanne Barr butchered the Star Spangled Banner at a San Diego Padres game in 1990. In the movie Casablanca, both German and French soldiers try to out sing each other with their anthems in this World War II era flick. There is a famous prizewinning photo showing a Frenchman trying to keep his composure, tears streaming down his face as he realizes that his La Marseillaise will no longer be sung as French troupes leave Toulon Harbour. To this day, German nationals do not sing the first or second verse of their anthem Deutschland Uber Alles due to the Nazi connotation of its troubled past. Only the third verse is sung giving it it's present name Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit. During the filming of the move Dr. Zhivago in Spain, residents rushed to their doorways thinking the dictator Gen. Francisco Franco had overthrown when The Internationale was played as part of the script.
After 911, national fervor peaked to its highest point ever as US citizens stood in a united front against terrorism and extremists. At the recent American League Championship Series games, two patriotic songs were sung. Then there are the extremists, terrorists, militants, or God knows what have you, whose only ideology is destruction, mayhem and carnage. They care little for any nationalism because they still have this ancient clan or tribe mentality of infighting and revenge. How could we possible being democracy to Iraq while the concept of nationalism so totally foreign? We are generations away from making any headway in this Catch 22 scenario.
K.
After 911, national fervor peaked to its highest point ever as US citizens stood in a united front against terrorism and extremists. At the recent American League Championship Series games, two patriotic songs were sung. Then there are the extremists, terrorists, militants, or God knows what have you, whose only ideology is destruction, mayhem and carnage. They care little for any nationalism because they still have this ancient clan or tribe mentality of infighting and revenge. How could we possible being democracy to Iraq while the concept of nationalism so totally foreign? We are generations away from making any headway in this Catch 22 scenario.
K.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Dumbledore Gay?
Oh my God, Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay. If Christian groups have alleged the Harry Potter books promoted witchcraft (remember this is the same group that doesn't like Halloween) news about Dumbledore, will give them one more reason to put a nail in the coffin. Would Richard St. John Harris or (after he died of Hodgkin's disease) Michael Gambon have played this character if they had known he was gay? Would they have played the character any differently? What about all the Christian Right families that purchased the books and gave them to their children to read? Will the American Civil Liberties Union join forces with the Christian Right to start a class action lawsuit on behalf of the duped families? Will the children who read the entire series exhibit latent homosexual tendencies as a result of this exposure? As the old time radio announcer of another generation used to say, "Stay tuned to this station for further developments."
The Harry Potter books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, and sold over 325 million books. The last four books have been consecutively the fastest-selling books in history. The 2007 Sunday Times Rich List estimated J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series that ended last summer, as the 136th richest person and the thirteenth richest woman in Britain. In 2006, Forbes named Rowling the second-richest female entertainer in the world and ranked her as the forty-eighth most powerful celebrity of 2007. Rowling has parlayed Harry Potter into a global brand worth an estimated $15 billion. She has also gained recognition for sparking an interest in reading among the young at a time when children were thought to be abandoning the book for the computer and the television.
Rowling explained that Dumbledore was infatuated with rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated in a battle between good and bad wizards. "Falling in love can blind us to an extent," Rowling said of Dumbledore's feelings, adding that Dumbledore was "horribly, terribly let down."
Is nothing sacred? Have you no shame Ms. Rowling? Did you have to spill the beans?
K.
The Harry Potter books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, and sold over 325 million books. The last four books have been consecutively the fastest-selling books in history. The 2007 Sunday Times Rich List estimated J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series that ended last summer, as the 136th richest person and the thirteenth richest woman in Britain. In 2006, Forbes named Rowling the second-richest female entertainer in the world and ranked her as the forty-eighth most powerful celebrity of 2007. Rowling has parlayed Harry Potter into a global brand worth an estimated $15 billion. She has also gained recognition for sparking an interest in reading among the young at a time when children were thought to be abandoning the book for the computer and the television.
Rowling explained that Dumbledore was infatuated with rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated in a battle between good and bad wizards. "Falling in love can blind us to an extent," Rowling said of Dumbledore's feelings, adding that Dumbledore was "horribly, terribly let down."
Is nothing sacred? Have you no shame Ms. Rowling? Did you have to spill the beans?
K.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Peck and Beckett forever. Not!
Danielle Peck, a country music singer, who also happened to at one time, date Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett, sang the national anthem and "God Bless America' in game 5 in the American League playoff. "It's an incredible coincidence. Honestly," said Indians spokesman Bob DiBiasio. "She's from (Coshocton) Ohio. Her entire family are Indians fans. We did not know anything about her connections to Beckett. The next day, we find out the rest of the story," said DiBiasio.
With that kind of resolve, Beckett did everything right - 11 strikeouts, just one walk and five strikeouts which helped to give the Red Sox a 7-1 victory. Beckett's reaction after the game? "I don't get paid to make those (expletive) decisions," Beckett snapped. "Thanks for flying one of my friends to the game so she could be here for free."
Did any one know in the Indian's Front Office know that Peck and Beckett were ex's? "How are we supposed to know who Josh Beckett dates?" asked DiBiasio. Hmmm. Machiavellian style intrigue? It's like having your ex be the opening act at your concert début. A little heavy handed? Oh yes, especially if causes an extra surge of testosterone that cause them to want to kick ass. It backfired. Hey Indian's Front Office, how about little more investigative work before making those decisions; and don't call Roseanne Barr either.
K.
With that kind of resolve, Beckett did everything right - 11 strikeouts, just one walk and five strikeouts which helped to give the Red Sox a 7-1 victory. Beckett's reaction after the game? "I don't get paid to make those (expletive) decisions," Beckett snapped. "Thanks for flying one of my friends to the game so she could be here for free."
Did any one know in the Indian's Front Office know that Peck and Beckett were ex's? "How are we supposed to know who Josh Beckett dates?" asked DiBiasio. Hmmm. Machiavellian style intrigue? It's like having your ex be the opening act at your concert début. A little heavy handed? Oh yes, especially if causes an extra surge of testosterone that cause them to want to kick ass. It backfired. Hey Indian's Front Office, how about little more investigative work before making those decisions; and don't call Roseanne Barr either.
K.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
A day in the Life of K.
Writing in my Blog has become an obsession for me. I don't know why except for the fact that I can get it off my chest and write down the day's observations. To me it is my panacea; it is better (and safer) than going into a bar or paying money to a "Shrink." I gaze at the counter that tells me how many times my site has been visited which is more intriguing than anything else. Why anyone would want to read these expressions of venting my spleen I could never guess. At least my children can never say, "I didn't know how Dad felt." If someone saves this stuff electronically my grandchildren will have come to know me as well.
I've tried to tie the title of my writing with someone famous or well know in hopes that it would give more credence and value to these outbursts, but I'm not sure anymore if this is the proper method. Maybe I'll try making up my own titles for a while. I've also tried the three-paragraph technique. The first in my introduction, the second is the body and the third and last ties to sum everything up. Whether this method has appealed to you or not is difficult to say as most do not respond.
I'd like to encourage all to follow my example. It:
Lets others know how you feel
Gives you the opportunity to get something off your mind and perhaps out of your system. You don't bottle things up and cause some sort of medical condition. It's therapeutic.
Improves your writing and spelling. It's great for stimulating your mind as you organize your thoughts.
It's free. No postage money is spent.
K.
I've tried to tie the title of my writing with someone famous or well know in hopes that it would give more credence and value to these outbursts, but I'm not sure anymore if this is the proper method. Maybe I'll try making up my own titles for a while. I've also tried the three-paragraph technique. The first in my introduction, the second is the body and the third and last ties to sum everything up. Whether this method has appealed to you or not is difficult to say as most do not respond.
I'd like to encourage all to follow my example. It:
Lets others know how you feel
Gives you the opportunity to get something off your mind and perhaps out of your system. You don't bottle things up and cause some sort of medical condition. It's therapeutic.
Improves your writing and spelling. It's great for stimulating your mind as you organize your thoughts.
It's free. No postage money is spent.
K.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Attitude is everything.
Attitude
There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M," she said,
"I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said,
"today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply,love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain! If you need help, askGod, if you don't, thank God; success is a journey, not a destination! Have a great day!
Submitted by Mrs. K.
Attitude
There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M," she said,
"I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said,
"today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply,love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain! If you need help, askGod, if you don't, thank God; success is a journey, not a destination! Have a great day!
Submitted by Mrs. K.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Did Michael Richard die unnecessarily? Was he a "victim" of the Justice system?
Michael Richard knocked at the door of Marguerite Lucille Dixon, a 57-year-old nurse and mother of seven children, on the pretext of asking if her if a van was for sale. Dixon out of kindness, invited Richard into her home for a drink of water on that hot August day in 1986. When Richard left, he saw two of Dixon's kids leave right after him. He returned to the house, pulled a gun on the woman, raped and fatally shot her, took two television sets and left in their van. The two children returned home to find their mother's body in her darkened home. He went to Houston, about 30 miles to the southeast, and gave the .25-caliber pistol to a friend and swapped the TVs for some cocaine. A fingerprint on a sliding glass door led police to Richard, who confessed the shooting was an accident.
Richard was no stranger to violence; he had at least five felony convictions and had been released from his second prison term just eight weeks before the 1986 murder. This was not the first time Richard faced the executioner; on September 25, 2007 he was to be executed by lethal injection. He was finally executed on October 12, 2007.
The news media would have you believe that Richard was the victim of an overly stern, stubborn judge who had refused to allow extra time when Richard's lawyer's computer had crashed. The real truth is that Richard's time was finally up. It was his time to pay the final price. The possible procrastination of his lawyer in filling a stay may have been Richard's final undoing.
How many stays of execution, years of wasteful court petitions are necessary to keep a convicted criminal from meeting his death. Richard was a prisoner waiting on death row for the last twenty-one years. Justice was served and the news media should be more truthful with their readers and viewers and not lead them into false conclusions.
K.
P.S. in the process of writing this blog my computer began to "hang up."
Richard was no stranger to violence; he had at least five felony convictions and had been released from his second prison term just eight weeks before the 1986 murder. This was not the first time Richard faced the executioner; on September 25, 2007 he was to be executed by lethal injection. He was finally executed on October 12, 2007.
The news media would have you believe that Richard was the victim of an overly stern, stubborn judge who had refused to allow extra time when Richard's lawyer's computer had crashed. The real truth is that Richard's time was finally up. It was his time to pay the final price. The possible procrastination of his lawyer in filling a stay may have been Richard's final undoing.
How many stays of execution, years of wasteful court petitions are necessary to keep a convicted criminal from meeting his death. Richard was a prisoner waiting on death row for the last twenty-one years. Justice was served and the news media should be more truthful with their readers and viewers and not lead them into false conclusions.
K.
P.S. in the process of writing this blog my computer began to "hang up."
Friday, October 12, 2007
But it’s supposed to work
I tried to help my son install his new refrigerator but we ran into several problems. The new refrigerator was wider than the last one. This is not a problem in most instances but there were some very closely installed countertops. In order to get the new one in, a counter top had to be taken out and cut down. We wanted to install the icemaker but routing the water supply tubing proved to be an engineering project all in its own. Then all was ready and the supply line was tested, some minor tightening and we were ready to purge the line of air. However nothing happened; we heard water running but none came out of where it should have; however there was water on the floor.
A simple device—automatically filled ice cubes and cold water on demand should not been a problem but the machine didn't cooperate. Maybe it was trying to tell us "Go back to basics, fill the trays yourself." I started to think about other automatic devices that didn't work For example, the electric door locks on my car wouldn't open from the driver's side. I have to open it myself. My wife's' car has electrical heated windshield wipers when they're in the park position (I guess so they won't stick to a snow covered windshield). They don't work. My next neighbor's garage door opener doesn't work; he has to open it by hand. There's a video on YouTube which shows an Air France AirBus with the new flight computer that prevent the pilot from making extreme maneuvers. In this case the computer prevented in from gaining altitude too fast; a "fly-by-wire" if you will. The video shows the plane skimming across the runway and going past it into a forest of medium tall trees. You don't see the crash only the column of smoke from the impact site. Obviously that computer didn't work; and what was the most tragic, the pilot couldn't disengage it in time.
We put a lot of faith in gadgets that are supposed to help us get through the day—labor saving devices. Most of time they work and sometimes they don't. Here are some suggested automotive devices for the future:
1. Electrically operated brakes—the brake pedal only becomes a switch that when pressed transmits power to an electric motor which send brake fluid to all the wheel cylinders. There will be no direct contact with the brake fluid as there is currently. The "power brakes" of today are vacuum assisted from the engine.
2. Electrical steering—again little motors will push and pull the steering linkage in the direction we want to go. Currently we have a direct mechanical contact with our wheels, assisted by power steering fluid via a belt driven pump.
3. In order to operate all the extra electrical equipment, car voltage will be increased to 34 volts. The alternator will producing so much power that is will need to be cooled by antifreeze from the radiator via, you guessed it, an electric pump.
Now you can imagine when my electrical window lock wouldn't open I merely have to pull up on the door lock. When my neighbor's garage door doesn't open electrically he opens it by hand. When the ice cube maker doesn't work, you fill the trays with water and leave them to freeze. How do you steer a car or stop it with a failed single source electrical system?
K.
A simple device—automatically filled ice cubes and cold water on demand should not been a problem but the machine didn't cooperate. Maybe it was trying to tell us "Go back to basics, fill the trays yourself." I started to think about other automatic devices that didn't work For example, the electric door locks on my car wouldn't open from the driver's side. I have to open it myself. My wife's' car has electrical heated windshield wipers when they're in the park position (I guess so they won't stick to a snow covered windshield). They don't work. My next neighbor's garage door opener doesn't work; he has to open it by hand. There's a video on YouTube which shows an Air France AirBus with the new flight computer that prevent the pilot from making extreme maneuvers. In this case the computer prevented in from gaining altitude too fast; a "fly-by-wire" if you will. The video shows the plane skimming across the runway and going past it into a forest of medium tall trees. You don't see the crash only the column of smoke from the impact site. Obviously that computer didn't work; and what was the most tragic, the pilot couldn't disengage it in time.
We put a lot of faith in gadgets that are supposed to help us get through the day—labor saving devices. Most of time they work and sometimes they don't. Here are some suggested automotive devices for the future:
1. Electrically operated brakes—the brake pedal only becomes a switch that when pressed transmits power to an electric motor which send brake fluid to all the wheel cylinders. There will be no direct contact with the brake fluid as there is currently. The "power brakes" of today are vacuum assisted from the engine.
2. Electrical steering—again little motors will push and pull the steering linkage in the direction we want to go. Currently we have a direct mechanical contact with our wheels, assisted by power steering fluid via a belt driven pump.
3. In order to operate all the extra electrical equipment, car voltage will be increased to 34 volts. The alternator will producing so much power that is will need to be cooled by antifreeze from the radiator via, you guessed it, an electric pump.
Now you can imagine when my electrical window lock wouldn't open I merely have to pull up on the door lock. When my neighbor's garage door doesn't open electrically he opens it by hand. When the ice cube maker doesn't work, you fill the trays with water and leave them to freeze. How do you steer a car or stop it with a failed single source electrical system?
K.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana (1863-1952) philosopher/poet
We bought a new couch and in the process of moving the old one out, I came across material that had been trapped underneath. Outside of the dust bunnies, there was some material that brought back memories. “Why was I saving that?” “ So there is where that object went; I was looking for it.” “What is that?” if I couldn’t recognize it, it was automatically thrown away, and so on. It was a time capsule right under my very nose (err seat).
I reminisced of times gone by, of evenings fallen asleep on that couch, of the ends of TV shows never seen. I remembered having conversations with people that had visited us. There were recollections of unfinished projects. “Weren’t those the plans we were looking for?” After some thoughtful musings I snapped back into reality. Hey, if I didn’t miss it, I didn’t need it. Right? But why would I start to put my newly found treasures away in a safe place to be forgotten once again? Human nature? Hardly, some people are pack rats; others are very specific collectors, and still other save absolutely nothing. There is no universal description of the human nature.
I looked around the newly cleaned room and the empty space. Did we really need to spend THAT kind of money for just two seats? Ah, but culture and the times we live in demand it. We are but slaves to fashion and convention.
K.
We bought a new couch and in the process of moving the old one out, I came across material that had been trapped underneath. Outside of the dust bunnies, there was some material that brought back memories. “Why was I saving that?” “ So there is where that object went; I was looking for it.” “What is that?” if I couldn’t recognize it, it was automatically thrown away, and so on. It was a time capsule right under my very nose (err seat).
I reminisced of times gone by, of evenings fallen asleep on that couch, of the ends of TV shows never seen. I remembered having conversations with people that had visited us. There were recollections of unfinished projects. “Weren’t those the plans we were looking for?” After some thoughtful musings I snapped back into reality. Hey, if I didn’t miss it, I didn’t need it. Right? But why would I start to put my newly found treasures away in a safe place to be forgotten once again? Human nature? Hardly, some people are pack rats; others are very specific collectors, and still other save absolutely nothing. There is no universal description of the human nature.
I looked around the newly cleaned room and the empty space. Did we really need to spend THAT kind of money for just two seats? Ah, but culture and the times we live in demand it. We are but slaves to fashion and convention.
K.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Do not remove a fly from your friend’s forehead with a hatchet--Chinese Proverb
I walk my dog nightly and I see these little nocturnal creatures almost every evening. I steer well clear of them so as not to infuriate them. I don't need additional problems. I was quite surprised one day when I came home to find my neighbor knocking at my front door just as I sat down to watch TV. I hadn't even prepared my usual snack. "K. I need your help, this animal has been stuck trying to burrow under my garage wall, and it can't get out. It's been there all day—stuck," he gushed out. Now I like to help people, especially those who really need it and this guy was desperate. "Why don't you call the Animal Control Agency?" I thought out loud. "They wouldn't come out; they say I need an exterminator."
And then I saw this black and white kitty; its head facing outside; its waist caught by the wooden, clapboard siding. The "kitty" turned out to be my nocturnal skunk. At this point I had second thoughts about being so helpful. I remembered how frustrated I had been only minutes before trying to get my battery dead car started in order to get home. I hadn't much luck getting anyone at the office willing to assist me except for the most unlikely person. She and I had a difference of opinion a few days earlier and she was willing to help. I was really grateful and stifled all the unkind thought I had had up to that time. The car started, I came home and now faced my frustrated neighbor. How could I turn him down in a time like this? "Pass the good deed on to someone else." Wasn't that the Christian spirit?
I went into my garage and got out my long handled axe; both the neighbor and skunk looked at me with wide, terror stricken eyes. What they thought was not my intent. I placed the blade of the axe against the siding and pried it away from the animal. Bit by bit the wood released its strangling hold; the skunk wiggled its shoulders free backed into the garage and retreated into a darkened corner for solace and recuperation. We weren't in danger of getting sprayed; the animal was grateful, the neighbor was relieved and I had material for a new blog. All is well that ends well.
K.
And then I saw this black and white kitty; its head facing outside; its waist caught by the wooden, clapboard siding. The "kitty" turned out to be my nocturnal skunk. At this point I had second thoughts about being so helpful. I remembered how frustrated I had been only minutes before trying to get my battery dead car started in order to get home. I hadn't much luck getting anyone at the office willing to assist me except for the most unlikely person. She and I had a difference of opinion a few days earlier and she was willing to help. I was really grateful and stifled all the unkind thought I had had up to that time. The car started, I came home and now faced my frustrated neighbor. How could I turn him down in a time like this? "Pass the good deed on to someone else." Wasn't that the Christian spirit?
I went into my garage and got out my long handled axe; both the neighbor and skunk looked at me with wide, terror stricken eyes. What they thought was not my intent. I placed the blade of the axe against the siding and pried it away from the animal. Bit by bit the wood released its strangling hold; the skunk wiggled its shoulders free backed into the garage and retreated into a darkened corner for solace and recuperation. We weren't in danger of getting sprayed; the animal was grateful, the neighbor was relieved and I had material for a new blog. All is well that ends well.
K.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
I must have done something right to deserve a hug every morning and buttlerfly kisses at night.
We talk of butterfly kisses and we see a very pretty multicolors object sitting on a young girl's cheek with its wings outstreached as if to give kisses. Ah, the songwriter and singer's art by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas are very well crafted. Could we imagine this same scene with a large moth or perhaps in an earlier stage as a crawling caterpiller. It not quite the same and we would sherk in horror from the thought of it. We also imagine the ugly duckling that grows up into a beautiful swan.; given the opportunity the swan will shed in ungainly demeanor and become a graceful water borne creature.
But such things are what dreams and romantics are made of; the scenario does not always turn out like that. The beautiful baby doesn't always materialize; there are those with cleft lip or palate, Down Syndrome, spina bifida, heart defects, or hypospadias. According to the March of Dimes, about 150,000 babies are born with birth defects each year in the U.S. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that 3% of the babies born in the U.S. have some kind of major birth defect. There are more than 4,000 different known mental or physical disabilities and birth defects ranging from minor to serious, and although many of them can be treated or cured, they are the leading cause of death in the first year of life.
It is very heart rendering to witness a baby with a cleft lip and palate trying to nurse from its mother. These children are very much beautiful creatures in their own right but may be leaning closer to the moth or caterpillar then we expected. They require and need our love just as much as that beautiful child.
K.
But such things are what dreams and romantics are made of; the scenario does not always turn out like that. The beautiful baby doesn't always materialize; there are those with cleft lip or palate, Down Syndrome, spina bifida, heart defects, or hypospadias. According to the March of Dimes, about 150,000 babies are born with birth defects each year in the U.S. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that 3% of the babies born in the U.S. have some kind of major birth defect. There are more than 4,000 different known mental or physical disabilities and birth defects ranging from minor to serious, and although many of them can be treated or cured, they are the leading cause of death in the first year of life.
It is very heart rendering to witness a baby with a cleft lip and palate trying to nurse from its mother. These children are very much beautiful creatures in their own right but may be leaning closer to the moth or caterpillar then we expected. They require and need our love just as much as that beautiful child.
K.
Friday, October 5, 2007
If it weren’t for baseball, kids wouldn’t know what a millionaire looked like." Phyllis Diller
His name is Kenneth Lofton, he was born May 31, 1967 in East Chicago, IN. His career is an amazing history in itself: Lofton played for the Houston Astros (1991), Cleveland Indians (1992-96), Atlanta Braves (1997), Indians for the second time (1998-2001), Chicago White Sox (2002), San Francisco Giants (2002), Pittsburgh Pirates (2003), Chicago Cubs (2003), New York Yankees (2004), Philadelphia Phillies (2005), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006), and Texas Rangers (2007)and acquired for the third time by the Indians (July 28). His lifetime average is .299; during that period, he stole 622 bases in 2103 games. Quite impressive.
Lofton attended Washington High School in East Chicago, Indiana, where he was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Senators. He was particularly noted for his skills on the basketball court, averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals per game in his senior year. He accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Arizona.
In college, he was the backup point guard on an Arizona Wildcats team that made it to the Final Four of the 1988 NCAA Men's Division I tournament, and set season and school records for steals. He was the starting point guard the following year as Arizona made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Lofton is one of only two men to play in a college basketball Final Four (1988, the first for the Arizona Wildcats) and a Major League Baseball World Series.
Lofton decided to try out for the baseball team during his junior year. Although he did not see much playing time, his speed and potential were recognized by baseball scouts, and he was chosen by the Houston Astros in the 17th round of the 1988 major league baseball amateur draft. He played minor league baseball during the summer while completing his basketball eligibility at Arizona.
On July 27, 2007, Lofton was traded by the Texas Rangers back to Cleveland in exchange for catcher Max RamÃrez, marking the beginning of his third tour of duty with the Indians. A surprised Jacobs Field crowd greeted Lofton with a standing ovation during his first at bat for this tour of duty with the Indians. Lofton noted, "I missed being in Cleveland. I enjoy Cleveland. It's the city that got me going." Welcome back Kenny and show them your stuff.
K.
Lofton attended Washington High School in East Chicago, Indiana, where he was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Senators. He was particularly noted for his skills on the basketball court, averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals per game in his senior year. He accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Arizona.
In college, he was the backup point guard on an Arizona Wildcats team that made it to the Final Four of the 1988 NCAA Men's Division I tournament, and set season and school records for steals. He was the starting point guard the following year as Arizona made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Lofton is one of only two men to play in a college basketball Final Four (1988, the first for the Arizona Wildcats) and a Major League Baseball World Series.
Lofton decided to try out for the baseball team during his junior year. Although he did not see much playing time, his speed and potential were recognized by baseball scouts, and he was chosen by the Houston Astros in the 17th round of the 1988 major league baseball amateur draft. He played minor league baseball during the summer while completing his basketball eligibility at Arizona.
On July 27, 2007, Lofton was traded by the Texas Rangers back to Cleveland in exchange for catcher Max RamÃrez, marking the beginning of his third tour of duty with the Indians. A surprised Jacobs Field crowd greeted Lofton with a standing ovation during his first at bat for this tour of duty with the Indians. Lofton noted, "I missed being in Cleveland. I enjoy Cleveland. It's the city that got me going." Welcome back Kenny and show them your stuff.
K.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Speak well of the person at whose table you eat--German proverb
When my kids were younger we took them to a pediatric dentist. In order to allay their fears he had them stick up a finger whenever they felt that they had had enough. It was direct communication between doctor and patient. There are other times when we as a people have said "enough," like when Jane Fonda went to North Vietnam. Now as she is nears her senior citizen years she would like to win back the favor of her former fans. But Hanoi Jane, we have had "enough" Don't ever think that you will be the pinup girl of retired servicemen. Before they die, more than one serviceman will want to whiz on your grave.
We had "enough" of O.J. Simpson; and "enough" of Michael Vick and his dog abuse case. We had "enough" of Britney Spears and her role as a mother under the influence of drugs. We're tied of seeing high paid celebrities thinking that they are above the law and can do anything they want. They are not gods.
Then we have LeBron James who wore a New York Yankees cap at the opening game of the American League Playoff. The television producers seeing a media moment interview James who said he hoped the Yankees would win. Was LeBron that hungry for exposure? It would be as if the entire Indians team went to the Cavaliers/Knicks game on November 2 and rooted for New York. Bad taste, hell yes! If LeBron were trying to say in a subtle way that he would like to be released, let him go. He plays for Cleveland and if heart and loyalty are not there, who needs him. I'm sure there are budding, talented college players who would love to play for Cleveland at even a third of the price that we pay LeBron. Applications are being accepted.
K.
We had "enough" of O.J. Simpson; and "enough" of Michael Vick and his dog abuse case. We had "enough" of Britney Spears and her role as a mother under the influence of drugs. We're tied of seeing high paid celebrities thinking that they are above the law and can do anything they want. They are not gods.
Then we have LeBron James who wore a New York Yankees cap at the opening game of the American League Playoff. The television producers seeing a media moment interview James who said he hoped the Yankees would win. Was LeBron that hungry for exposure? It would be as if the entire Indians team went to the Cavaliers/Knicks game on November 2 and rooted for New York. Bad taste, hell yes! If LeBron were trying to say in a subtle way that he would like to be released, let him go. He plays for Cleveland and if heart and loyalty are not there, who needs him. I'm sure there are budding, talented college players who would love to play for Cleveland at even a third of the price that we pay LeBron. Applications are being accepted.
K.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
“It is better to look ahead & prepare than to look back & regret.” Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1962 - )
The motto of the Boy Scouts is "Be prepared." Americans have taken this very much to heart. "Prepare for all eventualities." Can you really do that? We winterize our cars in order to be prepared. We change the oil, check and/or change the antifreeze, check the tires and rotate them if need be, get a tune up and change the filters. Are the brakes OK? Is the battery good or is it just "so—so" Do we get an alignment before or after the chuckhole season? Just to be safe, maybe we should do both.
The real hidden danger of all of this is that we think we have covered every base. We really delude ourselves into thinking that we have anticipated every instance of danger and we are "covered." Like car insurance we think we have full coverage. Of course it's the thing we haven't prepared for that we cause us grief. Remember the tires that we were supposed to have rotated. It's not just the tire wear that we are trying to maximize by moving the front tires to the rear, but also to made sure that the tire lug nuts are not rusted on or that the steel wheel rim is rusted unto the axle. Did the winterization include checking the spare tire? Is it low on air and rusted into it's last position or is it all set to go? Do we even know how to change a tire or will we be stuck on the side of the road due to our lack of knowledge of the procedure?
It is difficult to prepare for every circumstance in which we could have had something that we needed. If we did have everything we ever needed, our cars would be weighed down with all sort of contrivances. Remember 20/20 hindsight is great. Perhaps it is the training activity alone that gets us prepared for some type of action that we will need to take. At any rate, we have taken the first steps toward affirmative action.
K.
The real hidden danger of all of this is that we think we have covered every base. We really delude ourselves into thinking that we have anticipated every instance of danger and we are "covered." Like car insurance we think we have full coverage. Of course it's the thing we haven't prepared for that we cause us grief. Remember the tires that we were supposed to have rotated. It's not just the tire wear that we are trying to maximize by moving the front tires to the rear, but also to made sure that the tire lug nuts are not rusted on or that the steel wheel rim is rusted unto the axle. Did the winterization include checking the spare tire? Is it low on air and rusted into it's last position or is it all set to go? Do we even know how to change a tire or will we be stuck on the side of the road due to our lack of knowledge of the procedure?
It is difficult to prepare for every circumstance in which we could have had something that we needed. If we did have everything we ever needed, our cars would be weighed down with all sort of contrivances. Remember 20/20 hindsight is great. Perhaps it is the training activity alone that gets us prepared for some type of action that we will need to take. At any rate, we have taken the first steps toward affirmative action.
K.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Assumptions are the termites of Relationships” Henry Winkler (1945- )
Have you ever walked into a darkened room or house and knew exactly where you where going? You had no fear of bumping into something because you had the layout of this room in your mind; you could navigate it with your eyes closed or blindfolded. You were able to do this because of past experiences; unless the furniture had been recently moved or an object such as a toy had been left in the way, you won't even stub your toe. You had complete confidence in your ability to get around.
We use this ability of ours to navigate through all the areas of our life, we use it in our relationships with one another, in our sexual intimacies, even while driving to work (that's why we can drive and attempt to talk on the cell phone at the same time). Just like in the cell phone and driving combo can wind up to be a potential hazard so can the unexpected roadblock cause our relationships at work to go awry, our marriage to falter, or our sexual intimacies to get stale. We took them for granted, we knew the layout with our eyes closed or with a blindfold over our heads and then we hit a stumbling block.
"How could this have happened?" we ask ourselves. "What did we do to deserve this?" We did the same thing most of us have done; we didn't look for stumbling blocks. We didn't look for the light switch, we just assumed. We assumed that everything was the same as we left it last time–unchanged, unmoved and immobile. But, life is not a stagnant world, it is dynamic, moving and ever changing. That servicemen coming home from Iraq will have definitely changed. That little girl or boy was not always going to remain the same way forever; they were going to change. That job is not going to remain stagnant, technology will see to that. The same applies to our mates; the relationship evolves as well, we cannot assume anything.
K.
We use this ability of ours to navigate through all the areas of our life, we use it in our relationships with one another, in our sexual intimacies, even while driving to work (that's why we can drive and attempt to talk on the cell phone at the same time). Just like in the cell phone and driving combo can wind up to be a potential hazard so can the unexpected roadblock cause our relationships at work to go awry, our marriage to falter, or our sexual intimacies to get stale. We took them for granted, we knew the layout with our eyes closed or with a blindfold over our heads and then we hit a stumbling block.
"How could this have happened?" we ask ourselves. "What did we do to deserve this?" We did the same thing most of us have done; we didn't look for stumbling blocks. We didn't look for the light switch, we just assumed. We assumed that everything was the same as we left it last time–unchanged, unmoved and immobile. But, life is not a stagnant world, it is dynamic, moving and ever changing. That servicemen coming home from Iraq will have definitely changed. That little girl or boy was not always going to remain the same way forever; they were going to change. That job is not going to remain stagnant, technology will see to that. The same applies to our mates; the relationship evolves as well, we cannot assume anything.
K.
“Rivers know this, there is no hurry….” Pooh’s Little Instruction Book, by A. A. Milne
My wife and I went on the last cruse of the 2007 season for the Goodtime III, a great lakes excursion boat. From now until Memorial Day 2008 it will be laid up in a Detroit, Michigan rebuilder's yard, and gone over with a fine toothcomb. Tested here and overhauled there, the scrutiny part of a mandatory Coast Guard inspection process. She had been on Lake Erie for five years since the previous major inspection and I hadn't taken advantage of it. Now I look forward to the 2008 season cruises.
I look forward to this new season because my wife enjoyed the trip with me. We had hurriedly driven there from her place of employment hoping to get there it time; it was close and we made it. The river cruise was a trip back in time as we saw old riverfront developments that were still in existence. There were both lift and swing bridges, flourmills and marinas. Some had failed miserably, remaining only because of the prohibitive cost of their removal. Others were still in operation and in surprisingly good shape; they were a testimony to their engineering quality as well as their utilitarian need. We saw them from a totally different view, seen only by those traveling by water as they had been seen a century or more ago.
We both liked the time together, to share our exiting or difficult moments of the day as well as to talk to friends and share in good conversation. Stolen moments from both of our busy schedules making them all the more valuable. We both look forward to next year hoping that the secrets of the river will be revealed to us at that time as well. 'Til then….
K.
I look forward to this new season because my wife enjoyed the trip with me. We had hurriedly driven there from her place of employment hoping to get there it time; it was close and we made it. The river cruise was a trip back in time as we saw old riverfront developments that were still in existence. There were both lift and swing bridges, flourmills and marinas. Some had failed miserably, remaining only because of the prohibitive cost of their removal. Others were still in operation and in surprisingly good shape; they were a testimony to their engineering quality as well as their utilitarian need. We saw them from a totally different view, seen only by those traveling by water as they had been seen a century or more ago.
We both liked the time together, to share our exiting or difficult moments of the day as well as to talk to friends and share in good conversation. Stolen moments from both of our busy schedules making them all the more valuable. We both look forward to next year hoping that the secrets of the river will be revealed to us at that time as well. 'Til then….
K.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
“Computer Dating is fine, if you’re a computer.” Rita Mae Brown
I'd like to think of myself as a matchmaker, but I don't have a very good record. If fact I don't think any of the people I'd suggested getting together ever had. So right now my record is zero. It is a shame. Adults don't have to spend their lives in isolation and totally apart. Everyone should have a significant other so they can spend their lives together. Couples should compliment each other. To me, marriage is a lasting tradition.
My dear grandmother met her mate at her sister's wedding. Old World weddings lasted more than one day and at the end of the festivities my grandparents went to her father and asked if they could get married. "Not this year" he replied, "one wedding a year is enough; it is all that I can afford." They got married the next year and were husband and wife for nearly fifty years. My grandmother was a widow for thirty years and died on the same day that her husband did thirty years earlier. They were very much the romantics. They were destined to be together as soul mates.
My parents met at their place of employment and were married for sixty-two years. My father was devastated while Mom was dying in the hospital; he sang hymns at her side in her final hours. They were devoted to each other as well. After Mom died, Dad kind of fell apart. I told him life has to go on; I think he took that to heart and met Virginia. She is a great lady and I'm glad to see them spend their Golden Years together. Mrs. K. and I have been married for forty-two years; and I like to think we are very much the romantics also.
I guess people who spend their lives alone, want it to be that way; otherwise they would do something differently. On the other hand maybe they need encouragement. So my advice is: get out there and meet someone. Become active is some sort of reputable organization, volunteer but do something or life will pass you by and leave you where you are—alone.
K.
My dear grandmother met her mate at her sister's wedding. Old World weddings lasted more than one day and at the end of the festivities my grandparents went to her father and asked if they could get married. "Not this year" he replied, "one wedding a year is enough; it is all that I can afford." They got married the next year and were husband and wife for nearly fifty years. My grandmother was a widow for thirty years and died on the same day that her husband did thirty years earlier. They were very much the romantics. They were destined to be together as soul mates.
My parents met at their place of employment and were married for sixty-two years. My father was devastated while Mom was dying in the hospital; he sang hymns at her side in her final hours. They were devoted to each other as well. After Mom died, Dad kind of fell apart. I told him life has to go on; I think he took that to heart and met Virginia. She is a great lady and I'm glad to see them spend their Golden Years together. Mrs. K. and I have been married for forty-two years; and I like to think we are very much the romantics also.
I guess people who spend their lives alone, want it to be that way; otherwise they would do something differently. On the other hand maybe they need encouragement. So my advice is: get out there and meet someone. Become active is some sort of reputable organization, volunteer but do something or life will pass you by and leave you where you are—alone.
K.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
"Friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate." Thomas Jones (1892 - 1969)
The relationship between a friend or an enemy can be interesting as well one and the same; see the following quotes as to how other viewed this facinating association.
He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare,
And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.
Ali ibn-Abi-Talib (602 AD - 661 AD), A Hundred Sayings
A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.
Baltasar Gracian
He hasn't an enemy in the world - but all his friends hate him.
Eddie Cantor (1892 - 1964)
Never explain--your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)
If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.
Moshe Dayan (1915 - 1981)
Treat your friend as if he might become an enemy.
Publilius Syrus (~100 BC), Maxims
Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become an enemy. And bring not all mischief you are able to upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.
Saadi (1184 – 1291
Money can't buy friends, but it can get you a better class of enemy.
Spike Milligan
It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.
William Blake (1757 - 1827)
The enemy of my enemy is my friend; often described as an Arab proverb, also is an identical Chinese saying. This is one of four rules in the rule of triadic interaction. The three others are: "the friend of my friend is my friend", "the friend of my enemy is my enemy", and "the enemy of my friend is my enemy. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
K.
He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare,
And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.
Ali ibn-Abi-Talib (602 AD - 661 AD), A Hundred Sayings
A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.
Baltasar Gracian
He hasn't an enemy in the world - but all his friends hate him.
Eddie Cantor (1892 - 1964)
Never explain--your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)
If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.
Moshe Dayan (1915 - 1981)
Treat your friend as if he might become an enemy.
Publilius Syrus (~100 BC), Maxims
Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become an enemy. And bring not all mischief you are able to upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.
Saadi (1184 – 1291
Money can't buy friends, but it can get you a better class of enemy.
Spike Milligan
It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.
William Blake (1757 - 1827)
The enemy of my enemy is my friend; often described as an Arab proverb, also is an identical Chinese saying. This is one of four rules in the rule of triadic interaction. The three others are: "the friend of my friend is my friend", "the friend of my enemy is my enemy", and "the enemy of my friend is my enemy. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
K.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Father forgive me for I have sinned.
We have heard the expressions; "I'll never forgive you for that stunt, not as long as I live." We've heard the axiom, "Forgive and forget." We've even heard the plea. "Please forgive me, I'll never do it again, I promise." Asking for forgiveness and being willing to forgive are two of the strongest emotions in our Western civilization. Being forgiven cleanses the soul and makes us complete—we feel that all is OK again and everything is right with the world. Withholding forgiveness can be thought of a power play, giving us a deadly edge as well as imagined leverage.
Just what is the right, err change that to proper way to forgive anyone? Simon Peter was also vexed with this same question and comes up to Jesus: "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21). The may have been an Old Testament adage; forgive seven times. The number seven is important in the bible, it is a prim number but it also shows completeness such as seven days of the week, seven deadly sins, the seventh son of the seventh son, or in the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
In verse 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, you must forgive him more than seven times. You must forgive him even if he wrongs you seventy times seven." If you thought you were keeping track of the number of times your brother sinned against you Simon Peter, try keeping track of 490 times of forgiveness. You would loose count and find the task impossible. Jesus elaborates this again. "If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:4) In essence we say forgive and forget—difficult but a very important aspect of our society.
K.
Just what is the right, err change that to proper way to forgive anyone? Simon Peter was also vexed with this same question and comes up to Jesus: "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21). The may have been an Old Testament adage; forgive seven times. The number seven is important in the bible, it is a prim number but it also shows completeness such as seven days of the week, seven deadly sins, the seventh son of the seventh son, or in the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
In verse 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, you must forgive him more than seven times. You must forgive him even if he wrongs you seventy times seven." If you thought you were keeping track of the number of times your brother sinned against you Simon Peter, try keeping track of 490 times of forgiveness. You would loose count and find the task impossible. Jesus elaborates this again. "If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:4) In essence we say forgive and forget—difficult but a very important aspect of our society.
K.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Nude Descending a Staircase caused an uproar & outrage
She was a single mom, who told me that her thirteen-year-old son had discovered girls. Well, not in the usual way, at least not in school. He had discovered them on the Internet and, as you can imagine, not in the most savory way. They were sans clothes and scruples. He had locked onto a few website his mother wished he had never seen. It's difficult enough raising a young man on your own as a single parent as well as one that had reached maturity so surprisingly. I stifled a smile, not wanting to offend or alienate her. Her young man had discovered his own form of sex education and it seemed to be working very effectively—at least in his viewpoint.
I did have to sympathize with her, visiting porn sites cannot be the most productive method of introducing young men to the distaff side; in fact can be very counterproductive. It gives boys a false, disrespectful attitude to women. It is completely degrading, offensive and manipulative to its audience as well as its participants. I have four grand-daughters and I know how I'd feel if they were exploited in such a manner. However, and this is a very big however, there is a certain fascination of the unclothed female form that has become an important part of western art, whether in paintings, sculpture or fine arts photography. It is an area important enough to make a distinction worth noting.
I don't know if giving young men textbooks showing nude paintings and sculptures of classical artists is the answer to avoiding the unpleasant surge of hormones. However, The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, The Nude Maja (La Maja Desnuda) by Goya, Nude Viewed from Behind by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon or the very provocative Nude Girl on a Panther Skin (1844) by Felix Trutat are expectable examples of classical art that should not be banned by the overly zealous. Give him a chance to find the exceptable alternatives to his sex education.
K.
Ars Gratia Artis. Well K, I sure hope that this woman was not coming to you for advice. Although I do know that you are very well educated when it comes to the "ARTISTIC" websites.
Alea Jacta Est. There is not much you can do now. Showing him more naked chicks is not the answer either. At that age there is no art, only boobies. He is now a product of our wonderful unethical society and will eventially come to the realization that he spent the first part of his life trying to get out and the rest trying to get back in.
Posted by Sean on September 22, 2007 - Saturday at 3:17 PM
Ah Latin, the first quote is thought to be "Art for Arts sake" but should actually read "ars artis gratia" if you want to write it correctly. The word showing possession should come before "gratia" or "sake." Samuel Goldwyn Mayer felt it would make the logo for his MGM Film Studio look unbalanced, so he rearranged the words. Isn’t the Internet wonderful!
The young man is seeking information and will find it anyway he can. It would be best if he learned it in a sex ed class; but since none exists he looked for it on his own and stumbles across this porn site that derogates women. Would it not be far better if he found a site that honors and extols the virtue of womanhood? He would then be thought a nerd rather than a pervert. In this case a nude is NOT a nude is a nude. Moot point I must argue, and that is for the mother to decide.
What if the child decides to be a gynecologist, or a designer of women’s undergarments, or a fashion photographer or an artist?. Would this early education all have been in vain? Mrs. K. thought the best solution would be to take the computer out of his bedroom and put it in a place with a higher traffic pattern, where Mom could monitor it more closely.
K.
Posted by K on September 23, 2007 - Sunday at 6:01 PM
I did have to sympathize with her, visiting porn sites cannot be the most productive method of introducing young men to the distaff side; in fact can be very counterproductive. It gives boys a false, disrespectful attitude to women. It is completely degrading, offensive and manipulative to its audience as well as its participants. I have four grand-daughters and I know how I'd feel if they were exploited in such a manner. However, and this is a very big however, there is a certain fascination of the unclothed female form that has become an important part of western art, whether in paintings, sculpture or fine arts photography. It is an area important enough to make a distinction worth noting.
I don't know if giving young men textbooks showing nude paintings and sculptures of classical artists is the answer to avoiding the unpleasant surge of hormones. However, The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, The Nude Maja (La Maja Desnuda) by Goya, Nude Viewed from Behind by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon or the very provocative Nude Girl on a Panther Skin (1844) by Felix Trutat are expectable examples of classical art that should not be banned by the overly zealous. Give him a chance to find the exceptable alternatives to his sex education.
K.
Ars Gratia Artis. Well K, I sure hope that this woman was not coming to you for advice. Although I do know that you are very well educated when it comes to the "ARTISTIC" websites.
Alea Jacta Est. There is not much you can do now. Showing him more naked chicks is not the answer either. At that age there is no art, only boobies. He is now a product of our wonderful unethical society and will eventially come to the realization that he spent the first part of his life trying to get out and the rest trying to get back in.
Posted by Sean on September 22, 2007 - Saturday at 3:17 PM
Ah Latin, the first quote is thought to be "Art for Arts sake" but should actually read "ars artis gratia" if you want to write it correctly. The word showing possession should come before "gratia" or "sake." Samuel Goldwyn Mayer felt it would make the logo for his MGM Film Studio look unbalanced, so he rearranged the words. Isn’t the Internet wonderful!
The young man is seeking information and will find it anyway he can. It would be best if he learned it in a sex ed class; but since none exists he looked for it on his own and stumbles across this porn site that derogates women. Would it not be far better if he found a site that honors and extols the virtue of womanhood? He would then be thought a nerd rather than a pervert. In this case a nude is NOT a nude is a nude. Moot point I must argue, and that is for the mother to decide.
What if the child decides to be a gynecologist, or a designer of women’s undergarments, or a fashion photographer or an artist?. Would this early education all have been in vain? Mrs. K. thought the best solution would be to take the computer out of his bedroom and put it in a place with a higher traffic pattern, where Mom could monitor it more closely.
K.
Posted by K on September 23, 2007 - Sunday at 6:01 PM
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tower, this is Freeway Leader, I’ve got a boggy on my tail that I can’t shake
It's called Road Rage and it can happen to anyone. You can be the victim as well as the perpetrator. There is no preference as to sex or age. My grandmother was a prime example; she learned to drive a car at age 50, so she was no youngster behind the wheel. She had learned to ride a horse as a kid; in fact she even would ride bareback. But a horse has some sense and will balk when pushed too far; a car will go even further than you wish. I remember my dear sainted grandmother and her experience with Road Rage. She could swear like a sailor (but only in German) if someone got their car too close to hers. She let them know, in no uncertain terms, how she felt and there was no doubt in my mind as I rode with her that she was pissed. A clenched fist was raised in the direction of her adversary (after she regained control of her car) and we resumed our ride.
Her grandson, me, had his own experience with the Rage earlier this week when he was cut off by someone who had misjudge the timing of exiting the freeway. I wound up abruptly moving off the road as he insisted that he must exit NOW. I began to follow him as his car turned this way and then that way. Let's just say that "followed" is a very loose interpretation of the word. I was GLUED onto his bumper. We were doing 85 mph on a road with a posted speed limit of 50 mph. I wasn't about to quit; I was going to give him the family's traditional clenched fist if I had to wave it in front of his nose.
I was running out of space on the speedometer and I think he was in fear of his life—and that's what I wanted. That's when I thought of Grandma. Did she go after her adversary to rub it in their nose? Well, no. Did she endanger everyone around her including her passengers just to prove a point? Of course not! What did she do? She went back to driving in a very orderly manner and showed me the lady that she was.
I dropped back, secretly hoping that I had chased him into a speed trap. I'm also going back into my memory to remember those German swear words, just in case something happens next time. It would be my luck to meet a linguist specializing in that language.
K.
Her grandson, me, had his own experience with the Rage earlier this week when he was cut off by someone who had misjudge the timing of exiting the freeway. I wound up abruptly moving off the road as he insisted that he must exit NOW. I began to follow him as his car turned this way and then that way. Let's just say that "followed" is a very loose interpretation of the word. I was GLUED onto his bumper. We were doing 85 mph on a road with a posted speed limit of 50 mph. I wasn't about to quit; I was going to give him the family's traditional clenched fist if I had to wave it in front of his nose.
I was running out of space on the speedometer and I think he was in fear of his life—and that's what I wanted. That's when I thought of Grandma. Did she go after her adversary to rub it in their nose? Well, no. Did she endanger everyone around her including her passengers just to prove a point? Of course not! What did she do? She went back to driving in a very orderly manner and showed me the lady that she was.
I dropped back, secretly hoping that I had chased him into a speed trap. I'm also going back into my memory to remember those German swear words, just in case something happens next time. It would be my luck to meet a linguist specializing in that language.
K.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
What would you do...?
"What would you do for a Klondike Bar?" was the slogan of an ice cream bar, manufactured by Good Humor/Breyers. The advertising campaign generally showed people doing ridiculous things to get their hands on the ice cream. We ask ourselves, "What you do if you won a million dollars?" We think up all sorts of scenarios that would allegedly make us happy. We then smile with the realization that this dream may never happen. Meat Loaf, born Michael Lee Aday, sings, "I would do anything for love, but I won't do that." It is only until he gets near the end of the song, when the female vocalist accompanying him asks specific questions, that we realize what THAT is.
The question remains "What would you do…?" We can't really say until we've been thrust into that position. We can ponder, dream and conjecture, but we really don't know. We can prepare for emergencies, disasters, and misfortunes to forewarn or give us an idea as to what to expect but until we actually step into that situation it is all "up for grabs."
From the whimsical we get, "To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable," wrote Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet (1854 – 1900) in his book The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891.
On the pessimistic side we find Dr. Frank Crane (1861–1928) Presbyterian minister, speaker, and columnist: "Nobody has things just as he would like them. The thing to do is to make a success with what material I have. It is a sheer waste of time and soul power to imagine what I would do if things were different. They are not different." Somewhere in the middle lies the true answer; my suggestion is keep thinking, planning and guessing for that is what places us above the rest of God's creation and gives us hope for a better future.
K.
The question remains "What would you do…?" We can't really say until we've been thrust into that position. We can ponder, dream and conjecture, but we really don't know. We can prepare for emergencies, disasters, and misfortunes to forewarn or give us an idea as to what to expect but until we actually step into that situation it is all "up for grabs."
From the whimsical we get, "To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable," wrote Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet (1854 – 1900) in his book The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891.
On the pessimistic side we find Dr. Frank Crane (1861–1928) Presbyterian minister, speaker, and columnist: "Nobody has things just as he would like them. The thing to do is to make a success with what material I have. It is a sheer waste of time and soul power to imagine what I would do if things were different. They are not different." Somewhere in the middle lies the true answer; my suggestion is keep thinking, planning and guessing for that is what places us above the rest of God's creation and gives us hope for a better future.
K.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Lord, when did we see you hungry, or naked or in prison?
I really couldn't believe what he was asking me to do, "I'll buy him a pizza slice and you give it to him." I emphatically refused, first thinking he was joking and then realized he was dead serious. "I'll buy him something to eat and you just take it to him" He was serious. Why would I get up out my comfortable seat, leave my friends and take food out to a homeless person, a derelict, a bum. "You got to be kidding," I mumbled.
He called over the waitress, "I'll buy that guy outside something to eat; can you take it to him?" Her response wasn't much better, "We used to give them the leftovers but then we couldn't have them lining up blocking the way (for the paying customers)." "I'll take it to him," she said. My head turned to the young woman coworker that had been sitting next to me all this while. I was amazed, surprised and just plain shocked. Then she did just that—got up out of her seat, stood in line, got the food and when we walked out of the restaurant together gave it to him. She returned back to where we were waiting. It was a very simple act for both of my coworkers, required very little effort and made someone very happy and grateful. While people all around him people were enjoying their lunch, he had something to eat as well.
I learned something that bright, sunny, September Tuesday during lunch. I learned that I'm a closet Christian; when I hang up my suit after church I put away everything else I've been taught. I had forgotten the story of the Good Samaritan, giving to the poor and treating others the same way, as I would expect them to treat me. Christianity is more than a Sunday morning event left in the church parking lot as you drive away; it's a 24/7 event. I had not passed the test, I had failed miserably. "What you have done to the least of these my brethren, you have done unto me." Lord, help me to understand what you have done for us, your love and your grace. Help me to understand Lord that compassion is more than just a word but requires action as well.
K.
He called over the waitress, "I'll buy that guy outside something to eat; can you take it to him?" Her response wasn't much better, "We used to give them the leftovers but then we couldn't have them lining up blocking the way (for the paying customers)." "I'll take it to him," she said. My head turned to the young woman coworker that had been sitting next to me all this while. I was amazed, surprised and just plain shocked. Then she did just that—got up out of her seat, stood in line, got the food and when we walked out of the restaurant together gave it to him. She returned back to where we were waiting. It was a very simple act for both of my coworkers, required very little effort and made someone very happy and grateful. While people all around him people were enjoying their lunch, he had something to eat as well.
I learned something that bright, sunny, September Tuesday during lunch. I learned that I'm a closet Christian; when I hang up my suit after church I put away everything else I've been taught. I had forgotten the story of the Good Samaritan, giving to the poor and treating others the same way, as I would expect them to treat me. Christianity is more than a Sunday morning event left in the church parking lot as you drive away; it's a 24/7 event. I had not passed the test, I had failed miserably. "What you have done to the least of these my brethren, you have done unto me." Lord, help me to understand what you have done for us, your love and your grace. Help me to understand Lord that compassion is more than just a word but requires action as well.
K.
Monday, September 17, 2007
The sanctity of life is very Precious
The sanctity of life is very precious, at least in most western cultures. If someone gets sick or injured there is some sort of medical attention available. At least to some degree. We speak of socialized medicine, Medicaid and Medicare as if they were our birthright, which isn't stretching the truth one bit. Medical attention should not only be available to the affluent, or to those fortunate enough to be paying into some sort of medical plan but to individuals.
Imagine switching jobs and being illegible for medical treatment until ninety days have passed, or six months or even a year. The whole employment picture would be thrown into ciaos. Switching jobs would be a crapshoot at best. One would have to think twice and perhaps a third time for a very good reason to make the change. To top this off we see medical payment plans for both employers and co-payments by employees skyrocket. Some companies have begun to evaluate their medical payment plans on a year basis.
Doctors and hospitals in the past have always had their respective expenses. Yet costs have increased beyond expectations. What is different today than there was in the past? Several things come to mind
.Exorbitant awards for medical malpractice being passed on to the patient.
.Doctors trying to recoup their college expenses in as short a time as possible and
.The inefficiency of hospital medical supply chain where there is a definite shelf life.
The patient, the ultimate consumer, should know which hospitals, as well as which doctors, have the highest death rate so as to be able to make an intelligent choice before they elect to have surgery. Hospitals should be rated as to which are the most efficient as to cost per patient. Ambulance chasing lawyers should have a cap places on any awards to reduce their voracious appetites in fee collections.
"Doctors are the same as lawyers; the only difference is that lawyers merely rob you, whereas doctors rob and kill you too." Anton Chekhov (1860 - 1904) Russian dramatist & short story author
K.
Imagine switching jobs and being illegible for medical treatment until ninety days have passed, or six months or even a year. The whole employment picture would be thrown into ciaos. Switching jobs would be a crapshoot at best. One would have to think twice and perhaps a third time for a very good reason to make the change. To top this off we see medical payment plans for both employers and co-payments by employees skyrocket. Some companies have begun to evaluate their medical payment plans on a year basis.
Doctors and hospitals in the past have always had their respective expenses. Yet costs have increased beyond expectations. What is different today than there was in the past? Several things come to mind
.Exorbitant awards for medical malpractice being passed on to the patient.
.Doctors trying to recoup their college expenses in as short a time as possible and
.The inefficiency of hospital medical supply chain where there is a definite shelf life.
The patient, the ultimate consumer, should know which hospitals, as well as which doctors, have the highest death rate so as to be able to make an intelligent choice before they elect to have surgery. Hospitals should be rated as to which are the most efficient as to cost per patient. Ambulance chasing lawyers should have a cap places on any awards to reduce their voracious appetites in fee collections.
"Doctors are the same as lawyers; the only difference is that lawyers merely rob you, whereas doctors rob and kill you too." Anton Chekhov (1860 - 1904) Russian dramatist & short story author
K.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
“Could we live it all over again, were it worth the pain!” Roses & Rue by Oscar Wilde
What would you do differently if you could do it over again? Would you have finished your education and gotten that degree or advanced certification needed for your field of employment? Would you have married that person you were so passionate about when you were younger and you thought you could not live without? Or by contrast are you sorry you did marry the person you wound up with? Would you have taken that trip— either vacation, new job or gone away to school? Would have spent that money and bought that item you thought was a bargain or are you sorry you didn't save the money for when you really need it?
Like it or not we are a species of second guessers. We sit back and think what if. What if I had…and then our mind trails off into that trance that looks like we're a million miles away. We really not totally satisfied with our present lot and wish we had done things differently. I my own life I think back, what if we had tried once more for that little daughter that my wife and I had so much talked about. Her name would have been Rebecca Anne. She would be about twenty-three by now, finished with college and starting an exciting, on the cutting edge of technology, career. Or she could have been a jobless, single, unwed mother with three kids always dropping them off at our door trying to chase another dead-end romance. Or fate would have it that we would have had another son.
Come to think of I'm glad things turn out the way they did. I married a wonderful woman who puts up with my eccentricities and peculiarities. We have had a simple but caring life. It certainly wasn't boring or uneventful. I've got to remember that God puts events into our lives to strengthen us and not demoralize or tear us down.
K.
Like it or not we are a species of second guessers. We sit back and think what if. What if I had…and then our mind trails off into that trance that looks like we're a million miles away. We really not totally satisfied with our present lot and wish we had done things differently. I my own life I think back, what if we had tried once more for that little daughter that my wife and I had so much talked about. Her name would have been Rebecca Anne. She would be about twenty-three by now, finished with college and starting an exciting, on the cutting edge of technology, career. Or she could have been a jobless, single, unwed mother with three kids always dropping them off at our door trying to chase another dead-end romance. Or fate would have it that we would have had another son.
Come to think of I'm glad things turn out the way they did. I married a wonderful woman who puts up with my eccentricities and peculiarities. We have had a simple but caring life. It certainly wasn't boring or uneventful. I've got to remember that God puts events into our lives to strengthen us and not demoralize or tear us down.
K.
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