That's an old joke from grade school. It was funny back then.
It has turned chilly this week here in the Midwest and when the weather turns chilly, Midwest cooks turn to chili. So that's what I made for lunch. That and a mess.
I dumped a can of chili beans into the soup pot, then somehow dropped the can onto the floor. Or maybe it jumped. Bean juice splattered up my leg as it fell, the can shot half way across the kitchen floor, spewing more juice as it went, and then it rolled into the next room.
I just stood there staring.
You know, I wasn't sure if I wanted to eat beans that had that much gas before they were eaten.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Persimmon Pudding 2012
I made my annual pan of Persimmon Pudding today. It wasn't my best effort, but it was still good. I lost count of how much ingredients I was putting in the bowl when I was making the batter so had to guess when I was finished. Thankfully, Persimmon Pudding is one of the most forgiving desserts there is.
I have lots of recipes for Persimmon Pudding. Some use wild persimmons and some cultivated Hachiya. Most call for 2 cups of persimmon pulp, but some call for 2 cups of milk and others just 1 cup. The amount of flour ranges from 1 to 2 1/2 cups. Ditto for sugar. All use baking soda, but some also add an equal amount of baking powder. Some use 2 eggs and some 3 and some add the beaten egg whites separately. Some recipes say to bake at 400 degrees while others say 350. The baking time for the same size pan ranges from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
They all come out tasting like Persimmon Pudding.
There's a moral to this story, but it's so obvious I'm going to let you figure it out yourselves.
I have lots of recipes for Persimmon Pudding. Some use wild persimmons and some cultivated Hachiya. Most call for 2 cups of persimmon pulp, but some call for 2 cups of milk and others just 1 cup. The amount of flour ranges from 1 to 2 1/2 cups. Ditto for sugar. All use baking soda, but some also add an equal amount of baking powder. Some use 2 eggs and some 3 and some add the beaten egg whites separately. Some recipes say to bake at 400 degrees while others say 350. The baking time for the same size pan ranges from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
They all come out tasting like Persimmon Pudding.
There's a moral to this story, but it's so obvious I'm going to let you figure it out yourselves.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
I'm Not Afraid
It was windy yesterday, and it stormed.
The kind of storm with rolling thunder that tramples the clouds and marches through heaven like an army to the sea. The kind of thunder that makes me want to cower under something solid with my hands over my ears, but I know there's no need to fear the thunder.
When it storms, the wind outside my bedroom window doesn't whoosh or swish or even gust, it moans and groans and whines like a haunted cemetery side effect. It's a little unsettling when it does it in the dark of night, but I know it's just the wind so I'm not afraid.
When it rains the water rolls off the roof by my bedroom window. It doesn't patter or drip, it bumps and rattles and gnaws like a hungry rodent searching for a way into the room through the walls that are supposed to protect me. Waking up to that sound makes me pull the covers over my head, but I know it's only rain so I'm not afraid.
I know it's just the thunder, and the wind, and the rain so I'm not afraid.
Really, I'm not.
The kind of storm with rolling thunder that tramples the clouds and marches through heaven like an army to the sea. The kind of thunder that makes me want to cower under something solid with my hands over my ears, but I know there's no need to fear the thunder.
When it storms, the wind outside my bedroom window doesn't whoosh or swish or even gust, it moans and groans and whines like a haunted cemetery side effect. It's a little unsettling when it does it in the dark of night, but I know it's just the wind so I'm not afraid.
When it rains the water rolls off the roof by my bedroom window. It doesn't patter or drip, it bumps and rattles and gnaws like a hungry rodent searching for a way into the room through the walls that are supposed to protect me. Waking up to that sound makes me pull the covers over my head, but I know it's only rain so I'm not afraid.
I know it's just the thunder, and the wind, and the rain so I'm not afraid.
Really, I'm not.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Giving Back
#Giving Tuesday is November 27, 2012. Mark it on your calendar!
The premise behind #Giving Tuesday is simple - In November, we (in the USA) have one day for giving thanks and two for getting deals (Black Friday and Cyber Monday.) Let's set aside one day for giving back. Donate money and/or time to your favorite charity, help a neighbor, donate gently used household items and clothing, volunteer at a local organization. Do it as an individual, a family, a neighborhood, or a team building project at work.
I first heard about this movement from Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates and rates charities. Charity Navigator has suggestions for giving back that don't include money or even much time as well as information on giving wisely and ratings for charity organizations.
The premise behind #Giving Tuesday is simple - In November, we (in the USA) have one day for giving thanks and two for getting deals (Black Friday and Cyber Monday.) Let's set aside one day for giving back. Donate money and/or time to your favorite charity, help a neighbor, donate gently used household items and clothing, volunteer at a local organization. Do it as an individual, a family, a neighborhood, or a team building project at work.
I first heard about this movement from Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates and rates charities. Charity Navigator has suggestions for giving back that don't include money or even much time as well as information on giving wisely and ratings for charity organizations.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The way things are
I thought I'd have more time to post once I retired, but you probably noticed I haven't. I do have more time but I waste most of it because there's always more waiting for me around the corner so there's no need to worry about using it up.
I see things on the Internet that I'd like to discuss but then I get distracted by articles on such important things as the 10 stupidest criminals and that leads me to the 10 smartest dogs video and then to an article on the state of toilet facilities in other countries which leads to the depressed economy in some country with 247 inhabitants, 239 cell phones, 198 televisions, 12 toilets and 5 jobs. There's so much input that my mind can't remember anything at all, much less any one thing.
I'm a little groggy this morning. I went to bed early so I could get up at a decent time, but I woke up at 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep for what felt like hours then just as I was finally drifting off I think my neighbor upstairs fell out of bed. Or maybe his dog jumped out of bed. Whatever. It woke me up so I got up. Now I'm ready for a nap. And I haven't even had my breakfast yet.
I see things on the Internet that I'd like to discuss but then I get distracted by articles on such important things as the 10 stupidest criminals and that leads me to the 10 smartest dogs video and then to an article on the state of toilet facilities in other countries which leads to the depressed economy in some country with 247 inhabitants, 239 cell phones, 198 televisions, 12 toilets and 5 jobs. There's so much input that my mind can't remember anything at all, much less any one thing.
I'm a little groggy this morning. I went to bed early so I could get up at a decent time, but I woke up at 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep for what felt like hours then just as I was finally drifting off I think my neighbor upstairs fell out of bed. Or maybe his dog jumped out of bed. Whatever. It woke me up so I got up. Now I'm ready for a nap. And I haven't even had my breakfast yet.
Friday, October 05, 2012
The drought's over
It was record hot and record dry in this area this summer, but that's all behind us now. Today is cold and rainy. Well, I'm exaggerating about the cold. It's almost 60 degrees. But it is raining and thundering.
I wrote a poem about it this afternoon.
It's raining,
It's pouring,
I think I'll do
Some snoring.
I wrote a poem about it this afternoon.
It's raining,
It's pouring,
I think I'll do
Some snoring.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
I'm still retired
I've been retired one month today. I'm not sure yet how I like it.
Things were a little discombobulated all month and I seem to have less time than I had before - I mean than when I was working, but then when I was working I seemed to have less time than when I was working And going to school.
I know there are 24 hours in a day and possibly always will be, but time seems to expand and shrink at will. It's will, not mine. I need to get a handle on time if I'm going to be a successful retiree. It's funny (not ha-ha funny), but I can keep track of the days better than I could. It's the minutes that elude my grasp.
Things were a little discombobulated all month and I seem to have less time than I had before - I mean than when I was working, but then when I was working I seemed to have less time than when I was working And going to school.
I know there are 24 hours in a day and possibly always will be, but time seems to expand and shrink at will. It's will, not mine. I need to get a handle on time if I'm going to be a successful retiree. It's funny (not ha-ha funny), but I can keep track of the days better than I could. It's the minutes that elude my grasp.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Everybody Sing!
I have never watched the TV show the X Factor, but for some reason this morning I started watching Hulu videos of the auditions. Maybe it was because I got to pick and choose the auditions I watched, but I was impressed. The atmosphere and contestants seemed a lot more professional than some other talent shows on Fox and the contestants appeared confident in their talent without being obnoxious.
But I couldn't let well enough alone. I must have looked at the best ones first, then found the duds and the what-were-they-thinkings.
Still ..... I may even buy a TV so I can watch it weekly.
Check out these YouTube vids ranging from county to blues. They all had the audience on their feet.
Tate Stevens - 37 year old family man with a good sense of humor.
Panda Ross - 42 year old with big personality to match her big voice. Learning the origin of her name is worth watching the video
Willie Jones - cute as a bug, well-mannered, and a good singer. Not the song I'd have chosen for a 17 year old, but I'm an old lady not a teenage boy.
Carly Rose Sonenclar - 13 years old, but more self-confident and composed than many adults.
Jessica Espinoza - 22 years old, funny and talented. Great attitude.
Diamond White - giggles like the 13 year old she is, but sings like a pop-star
Update 10/5/12: I didn't buy a new TV so I didn't watch the show this week, but I caught the highlights online. 5 of these 6 contestants made it through the first round of "Bootcamp". It seemed like Jessica Espinoza was a little nervous and she didn't go to the second round. Which is a shame.
In round 2, Diamond White seemed to mature about 5 years since last week - I hope she doesn't get too cocky; Carly Rose's self-confidence came off as "attitude"; Willie Jones and Tate Stevens were paired together and there was some talk that Stevens blindsided Willie by picking a song that he knew and Willie didn't - Willie forgot the lyrics but tried to keep on singing. When asked by the judges why they picked the song, Willie told the truth without blaming Stevens. He just seems like such a nice kid. I didn't see Panda Ross sing in either round and I'm not sure if that's good or bad.
But I couldn't let well enough alone. I must have looked at the best ones first, then found the duds and the what-were-they-thinkings.
Still ..... I may even buy a TV so I can watch it weekly.
Check out these YouTube vids ranging from county to blues. They all had the audience on their feet.
Tate Stevens - 37 year old family man with a good sense of humor.
Panda Ross - 42 year old with big personality to match her big voice. Learning the origin of her name is worth watching the video
Willie Jones - cute as a bug, well-mannered, and a good singer. Not the song I'd have chosen for a 17 year old, but I'm an old lady not a teenage boy.
Carly Rose Sonenclar - 13 years old, but more self-confident and composed than many adults.
Jessica Espinoza - 22 years old, funny and talented. Great attitude.
Diamond White - giggles like the 13 year old she is, but sings like a pop-star
Update 10/5/12: I didn't buy a new TV so I didn't watch the show this week, but I caught the highlights online. 5 of these 6 contestants made it through the first round of "Bootcamp". It seemed like Jessica Espinoza was a little nervous and she didn't go to the second round. Which is a shame.
In round 2, Diamond White seemed to mature about 5 years since last week - I hope she doesn't get too cocky; Carly Rose's self-confidence came off as "attitude"; Willie Jones and Tate Stevens were paired together and there was some talk that Stevens blindsided Willie by picking a song that he knew and Willie didn't - Willie forgot the lyrics but tried to keep on singing. When asked by the judges why they picked the song, Willie told the truth without blaming Stevens. He just seems like such a nice kid. I didn't see Panda Ross sing in either round and I'm not sure if that's good or bad.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
The Party
I don't think I told you about my surprise retirement party at work. Cheryl and her significant other decorated the office with a cowboy theme. My cubical was decorated with rope and a picture of a corral and a jail and horses. The conference room was turned into a saloon (a non-alcoholic saloon but we did have root beer for lunch). We got mini-metal buckets and bandannas for take aways. This is a picture of the cake Cheryl made. Isn't it great?!
Someday I may show you the video of me lassoing a chair.
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Things to Do
While browsing the web today I came across Indiana Insider Blog and Emily Metallic's posts which led me to 50 Things Every Hoosier Must Do.
When I read the headline, I thought to myself "Hmmm. I'm retired. I could see how many I can complete before I get to old." The next thing I thought was "Don't tell me what to do."
Well, I've done 11 of the 50 things that the Hoosier Channel says every Hoosier "must" do. (15 things, if "kind of" counts).
Many of the things involved eating and drinking. Indiana isn't known for fancy foods, but we've got good food. Two of the 11 things I've done (more than once) was enjoy sugar cream pie and eat persimmon pudding.
# 50 was "Pick a favorite tenderloin sandwich". I'm still working on that one, have been for years. I think I'll probably have to start over from the beginning once I've tried them all before I can make up my mind. (wink - wink)
Many of the places I'd never heard of. Most of the things I don't want to do.
And I didn't retire to do stuff I don't want to do.
When I read the headline, I thought to myself "Hmmm. I'm retired. I could see how many I can complete before I get to old." The next thing I thought was "Don't tell me what to do."
Well, I've done 11 of the 50 things that the Hoosier Channel says every Hoosier "must" do. (15 things, if "kind of" counts).
Many of the things involved eating and drinking. Indiana isn't known for fancy foods, but we've got good food. Two of the 11 things I've done (more than once) was enjoy sugar cream pie and eat persimmon pudding.
# 50 was "Pick a favorite tenderloin sandwich". I'm still working on that one, have been for years. I think I'll probably have to start over from the beginning once I've tried them all before I can make up my mind. (wink - wink)
Many of the places I'd never heard of. Most of the things I don't want to do.
And I didn't retire to do stuff I don't want to do.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
What next?
This is my first "real" day of retirement since I would have been off for a 3-day weekend any way.
So today:
I didn't get up till 10 AM.
I took out the garbage so that's enough housework for today.
The trip to garbage bin counts as exercise for the day.
It's almost lunch time so I can do that this hour.
Then all that's left on my schedule is to take a nap, watch old TV shows, and jog my memory.
I usually nap while watching old TV shows so that shouldn't be a strain.
I think I'll just skip the jogging part. I don't remember anything I'd want to remember today.
So today:
I didn't get up till 10 AM.
I took out the garbage so that's enough housework for today.
The trip to garbage bin counts as exercise for the day.
It's almost lunch time so I can do that this hour.
Then all that's left on my schedule is to take a nap, watch old TV shows, and jog my memory.
I usually nap while watching old TV shows so that shouldn't be a strain.
I think I'll just skip the jogging part. I don't remember anything I'd want to remember today.
Saturday, September 01, 2012
It's Official
I'm retired. No more Dumass Corp. for me! No more daily commutes to a downtown office, fighting interstate traffic before I'm fully awake. No more getting out of bed before I'm fully awake. No more swearing at a Dumass computer system that never caught on to high speed Internet.
I was so excited I was out of bed before 6 this morning to do nothing. And that's what I've done all day. Nothing. I'm still in my nightgown.
I did lay down for a nap about 10, but couldn't sleep. Apparently it's not that tiring doing nothing.
I'm pretty sure I can get used to this.
I was so excited I was out of bed before 6 this morning to do nothing. And that's what I've done all day. Nothing. I'm still in my nightgown.
I did lay down for a nap about 10, but couldn't sleep. Apparently it's not that tiring doing nothing.
I'm pretty sure I can get used to this.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Almost there
I have two more days of work at the Dumass Corp. Kind of scary (no more paychecks!), but exciting and calming all at the same time. Since this is a 3-day weekend, my retirement doesn't officially start for me until Tuesday morning when I would normally go to work, but instead I'll stay in bed (or at least my pajamas) all day. I can turn off the alarm clock on Friday night and never set it again.
I set down my retirement plan a couple of years ago but it's very flexible. Maybe I can finish the novel I started 10 years ago. Maybe I'll finally clean out the closet under the stairs that-no-man-dare-enter. Maybe I'll buy that little house I've always wanted so I can have violet wallpaper in the bedroom and built-in bookshelves.
Maybe I'll get a job with another Dumass type company or start my own business.
But first I'm going to do nothing. Nothing at all.
I set down my retirement plan a couple of years ago but it's very flexible. Maybe I can finish the novel I started 10 years ago. Maybe I'll finally clean out the closet under the stairs that-no-man-dare-enter. Maybe I'll buy that little house I've always wanted so I can have violet wallpaper in the bedroom and built-in bookshelves.
Maybe I'll get a job with another Dumass type company or start my own business.
But first I'm going to do nothing. Nothing at all.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
I've Made Up My Mind
I decided not to have the cataract surgery right now so I called and cancelled soon after I wrote the last post. The woman who took the call pretended to be nice, but she hung up on me before I was finished. I just don't like that clinic's vibes if you know what I mean.
Onto other better news:
I'm retiring from the Dumass Corp. next week. I'm 99.9% happy about it (HA! I'm ecstatic!), but the other 0.1% is worried about money. If I live too long I may run out of money. That's not much of a financial plan - die before you run out of money. (I'm kidding. Sort of.)
This last month has been a little hectic - at the Dumass office and at home , but I figure I can rest in September. And October. And November. And - oh, you know where I'm going with this.
Onto other better news:
I'm retiring from the Dumass Corp. next week. I'm 99.9% happy about it (HA! I'm ecstatic!), but the other 0.1% is worried about money. If I live too long I may run out of money. That's not much of a financial plan - die before you run out of money. (I'm kidding. Sort of.)
This last month has been a little hectic - at the Dumass office and at home , but I figure I can rest in September. And October. And November. And - oh, you know where I'm going with this.
Sunday, August 05, 2012
I'm befuddled
Does anybody know if one can be fuddled? Or can you only be befuddled?
I just looked it up. I wanted to know that last month and didn't have time them to check. So for those who care, fuddle is a word. It can be a noun (a state of confusion or intoxication) or a verb (to make confused or intoxicated; to drink) The Urban Dictionary also has a dirty definition, but we won't go down that road.
I went to the eye doctor last week and my eyes have been uncomfortable ever since. I think they did something to my glasses like throw them out of alignment. And all the bright lights made my eyes hurt, and they still don't feel right. I need cataract surgery but I didn't care for the surgeon I saw. I admit I only saw him for 5 minutes, if that, so I don't have much to go on. Which is one of the reason I don't like him. I think he could have at least pretended he cared about me as a patient and not just a check.
And it's not a good time for me to have surgery. If there is a good time.
But I need the surgery - sooner rather than later.
But I can wait if I have to.
So I'm befuddled. I guess I'll get over it. I always do.
I just looked it up. I wanted to know that last month and didn't have time them to check. So for those who care, fuddle is a word. It can be a noun (a state of confusion or intoxication) or a verb (to make confused or intoxicated; to drink) The Urban Dictionary also has a dirty definition, but we won't go down that road.
I went to the eye doctor last week and my eyes have been uncomfortable ever since. I think they did something to my glasses like throw them out of alignment. And all the bright lights made my eyes hurt, and they still don't feel right. I need cataract surgery but I didn't care for the surgeon I saw. I admit I only saw him for 5 minutes, if that, so I don't have much to go on. Which is one of the reason I don't like him. I think he could have at least pretended he cared about me as a patient and not just a check.
And it's not a good time for me to have surgery. If there is a good time.
But I need the surgery - sooner rather than later.
But I can wait if I have to.
So I'm befuddled. I guess I'll get over it. I always do.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Ride, Sally, Ride!
We have one less hero in America today.
Sally Ride, the first American woman to go into space, died today. She was a true pioneer of the 20th century. Good looking, smart, an astronaut, and a girl.
Sally Ride, the first American woman to go into space, died today. She was a true pioneer of the 20th century. Good looking, smart, an astronaut, and a girl.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
I just don't understand
I had a whining and complaining post planned, but before I got here I read about the Aurora, Colorado tragedy and I realized my complaints were pretty trivial.
It's hard for me to grasp what would make someone do such a horrible thing as open fire on a room full of people. Part of me says he must be mentally ill, but another part says that's not it at all. There are no excuses for what he did.
My heart cries for the victims and their families and friends. And for all the people of Aurora.
It's hard for me to grasp what would make someone do such a horrible thing as open fire on a room full of people. Part of me says he must be mentally ill, but another part says that's not it at all. There are no excuses for what he did.
My heart cries for the victims and their families and friends. And for all the people of Aurora.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Travel On
When I was much, much younger than I am today, I set my sights on marrying a little dark haired boy that reminded me of George Maharis. I knew George Maharis from watching the TV show Route 66. I used to watch that show with my grandmother. Grandma said she watched it because she felt sorry for George who (she said) played an orphan on the show and was traveling Route 66 to find his mother. Frankly, I don't remember that, but it's not really germane to this story anyway. I wasn't goo-goo eyes over him because he looked like George Maharis but because he was only 1 of 3 boys in my class and he was the cutest one.
Anyway, the little dark haired boy moved away from town then he moved back then I moved away, but I never moved back, and I never saw him again.
I recently discovered that he died about 5 years ago. I wonder if he still looked like George Maharis? I wonder if he ever did?
Anyway, the little dark haired boy moved away from town then he moved back then I moved away, but I never moved back, and I never saw him again.
I recently discovered that he died about 5 years ago. I wonder if he still looked like George Maharis? I wonder if he ever did?
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!
Have you heard about the computer virus DNSChanger? If you're not using a virus scanner already this is important - you need to take action before 7/9/2012. Supposedly, Google and Facebook placed warnings on their websites, but I didn't see any*. I accidently caught the information on WTHR, a local news station.
You can find tools to detect if your computer may be infected and free tools for removal at dcwg, the official DNSChanger website.
"DNSChanger was a Trojan active from 2007 to 2011. The work of an Estonian company known as Rove Digital, the malware infected computers by modifying a computer's DNS entries to point toward its own rogue name servers, which then injected its own advertising into web pages. At its peak, DNSChanger was estimated to have infected over 4 million computers, bringing in at least $14 million in profits to its operator from fraudulent advertising revenue." Wikipedia
The FBI captured the lowlifes behind this scam , and a temporary fix was put in place (read about it in one of the links below). However, the temporary fix is set to be turned off on July 9, 2012 and it could shut down your computer if it is infected with the virus.
Read more about it:
PC World
PC Magazine
CNET
* If you didn't see the warning either - that may be a good thing - I read one source that said they sent the warnings to those infected. I don't know how they know, but then I don't know much about the inner workings of computers and those "Big Brother" companies. We probably all need to know more. (Goodness knows the IT people at the Dumass Company where I work need to know more!)
You can find tools to detect if your computer may be infected and free tools for removal at dcwg, the official DNSChanger website.
"DNSChanger was a Trojan active from 2007 to 2011. The work of an Estonian company known as Rove Digital, the malware infected computers by modifying a computer's DNS entries to point toward its own rogue name servers, which then injected its own advertising into web pages. At its peak, DNSChanger was estimated to have infected over 4 million computers, bringing in at least $14 million in profits to its operator from fraudulent advertising revenue." Wikipedia
The FBI captured the lowlifes behind this scam , and a temporary fix was put in place (read about it in one of the links below). However, the temporary fix is set to be turned off on July 9, 2012 and it could shut down your computer if it is infected with the virus.
Read more about it:
PC World
PC Magazine
CNET
* If you didn't see the warning either - that may be a good thing - I read one source that said they sent the warnings to those infected. I don't know how they know, but then I don't know much about the inner workings of computers and those "Big Brother" companies. We probably all need to know more. (Goodness knows the IT people at the Dumass Company where I work need to know more!)
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Happy Birthday, America!
My, how you have grown! In 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was written, there were about 2.5 million citizens in the newly formed United States. Today, there are more than 310 million. You started with 13 colonies and now have 50 proud states.
Yes, you have stumbled along the way to maturity which you haven't quite reached. Sometimes you've been wise beyond your years; sometime you've been a little quirky and crazy. You've been proud and you've been humbled. You've showed leadership and friendship. At times you were an arrogant bully, but you've also offered charity to the less fortunate.
You've had your fights and disagreements, inside your borders as well as out. You've walked on the moon and sailed the seven seas. You've been forward thinking yet stubbornly resistant to change. Sometimes American dreams have dimmed but they've never died.
You've been my home for more than half a century. I have crossed your borders four times to visit world neighbors and found that other countries have their own charms. But I can't imagine living anywhere else. My home and heart are always with you.
Yes, you have stumbled along the way to maturity which you haven't quite reached. Sometimes you've been wise beyond your years; sometime you've been a little quirky and crazy. You've been proud and you've been humbled. You've showed leadership and friendship. At times you were an arrogant bully, but you've also offered charity to the less fortunate.
You've had your fights and disagreements, inside your borders as well as out. You've walked on the moon and sailed the seven seas. You've been forward thinking yet stubbornly resistant to change. Sometimes American dreams have dimmed but they've never died.
You've been my home for more than half a century. I have crossed your borders four times to visit world neighbors and found that other countries have their own charms. But I can't imagine living anywhere else. My home and heart are always with you.
God bless America and all those who call her home!
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Fly Away Home
Andy Griffith passed away today.
To many people my age, it's like losing a member of the family. One of those semi-distant cousins or uncles that you only see at reunions or funerals and that you look forward to visiting with for a few minutes or an afternoon. Reminiscing about the good ol' days and remember whens. Hoping you can coax him to sing at least one of those old hymns that rocked the church on Sunday mornings.
To many people my age, it's like losing a member of the family. One of those semi-distant cousins or uncles that you only see at reunions or funerals and that you look forward to visiting with for a few minutes or an afternoon. Reminiscing about the good ol' days and remember whens. Hoping you can coax him to sing at least one of those old hymns that rocked the church on Sunday mornings.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Just small talk
I've been ill for a few days. I don't know why, but I've been sick more often, more intensely this year than the previous 5 years put together. I don't know if it's my age or stress or just because it gives me something to whine about. Anyway, I'm feeling better now.
The blogger spellcheck isn't working for me this week. If I misspell anything, it's blogger's fault.
Is it hot enough for ya? Nobody has said that to me yet this year. Despite temperatures soaring past 100. I guess it just isn't funny when it gets this hot.
I got a new tire today. You know that tire that I always think looks flat? I had it replaced today. I don't know why they didn't do that the first time they fixed it back in May. It cost less than $25 to "fix" it, but since it wasn't really fixed I could have just thrown the money out the door and got the same result. Anyway, I called the Ford dealer this morning but they copped an attitude and told me to call them back when I knew what I wanted. Well, what I wanted was to be treated with a little respect, so I went elsewhere.
While I was waiting for my new tire at Goodyear, a woman came in for service. The first thing she did when she got to the waiting area was to snatch up the TV remote control. I thought she was going to turn on the TV which was fine with me as I was getting tired of reading my book (a text book, not a pleasure book). However, she didn't turn on the TV. She just hid the remote so the rest of us in the waiting area couldn't use it. Some people are so strange.
I went to the remodeled Target store today. It is pretty and bright and probably better organized than before, but I wore myself out trying to find where things are at. And they raised their prices so I could help pay for the remodel.
I've lost one of my cowboy DVD sets. I can't find Stories of the Century anywhere and I haven't even watched them yet. But the good news is that while I was looking under a chair for them, I found my shoes. I had no idea that I had kicked off my shoes in the living room, much less that they were under the chair. Heaven only knows how they got there!
I don't know why I thought a box of DVDs would be under a chair. It's not the most logical place to look, but I'm glad I did. Sometimes things work out for me in strange, but simple, ways.
I think that may describe me.
The blogger spellcheck isn't working for me this week. If I misspell anything, it's blogger's fault.
Is it hot enough for ya? Nobody has said that to me yet this year. Despite temperatures soaring past 100. I guess it just isn't funny when it gets this hot.
I got a new tire today. You know that tire that I always think looks flat? I had it replaced today. I don't know why they didn't do that the first time they fixed it back in May. It cost less than $25 to "fix" it, but since it wasn't really fixed I could have just thrown the money out the door and got the same result. Anyway, I called the Ford dealer this morning but they copped an attitude and told me to call them back when I knew what I wanted. Well, what I wanted was to be treated with a little respect, so I went elsewhere.
While I was waiting for my new tire at Goodyear, a woman came in for service. The first thing she did when she got to the waiting area was to snatch up the TV remote control. I thought she was going to turn on the TV which was fine with me as I was getting tired of reading my book (a text book, not a pleasure book). However, she didn't turn on the TV. She just hid the remote so the rest of us in the waiting area couldn't use it. Some people are so strange.
I went to the remodeled Target store today. It is pretty and bright and probably better organized than before, but I wore myself out trying to find where things are at. And they raised their prices so I could help pay for the remodel.
I've lost one of my cowboy DVD sets. I can't find Stories of the Century anywhere and I haven't even watched them yet. But the good news is that while I was looking under a chair for them, I found my shoes. I had no idea that I had kicked off my shoes in the living room, much less that they were under the chair. Heaven only knows how they got there!
I don't know why I thought a box of DVDs would be under a chair. It's not the most logical place to look, but I'm glad I did. Sometimes things work out for me in strange, but simple, ways.
I think that may describe me.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Master Mixes
I collect recipes for master mixes and thought I'd share some with you. Originally, Master Mix was a homemade baking mix - a convenient, make ahead mix of flour, baking powder, salt, dry milk powder, and shortening that you use to make fast and easy homemade muffins, cakes, quick breads, pancakes, and other good stuff. Now "master mix" is used as a more generic term for all kinds of homemade mixes that will save you time and money.
- Master mix recipes usually produce large amounts. You may want to cut the recipes in half if you don't bake frequently. (Though you may find you bake more when you have a handy mix available!)
- Always stir master mixes before using in recipes.
- If made with vegetable shortening, the master baking mix can be stored in a cool cupboard for a couple of months, but should be stored in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 3 months. If made with whole wheat flour, store in the refrigerator.
- I like to bake with butter so I sometimes omit the shortening from the master mix. I then use about 2 tablespoons of butter per 1 to 1 1/2 cup of mix when I prepare one of the other recipes.
I haven't tried all these recipes so I make no guarantees that they work, but you can usually trust extension services to have good, economical, everyday recipes.
- Stretch Your Time and Money with Master Mixes from West Virginia University Extension Services. This 4-page pdf booklet contains recipes for the Master Baking Mix and muffins, biscuits, and waffles. It also has recipes for Granola, Veggie Rice Mix, Herb Salad Dressing Mix, and Creole Seasoning Mix
- Better Baking Mix from Washington State Extension Services. This booklet contains oats and is a little healthier, but may not be as versatile as other baking mixes. It contains recipes for cookies and pizza as well as biscuits, muffins, and pancakes.
- Family Nutrition Program from Mississippi State University Extension Services. This booklet contains recipes for the Master Mix, Lower Fat Master Mix, and Master Mix with Oil. Recipes that use the mix include biscuits, pancakes, brownies, snacking cakes, and pizza.
- Making and Using Master Mixes and Freezer Meals from Utah State University Extension Services; Making and Using Master Mixes is a 24 page booklet that contains recipes for dressing mixes, cookie mixes, meat mixes, soup mix, master mixes, and a lemon pie filling mix. It's hard to believe such a little book could have so many recipes. Freezer Meals is a "cook-once-a-month" booklet that uses master mixes.
- Master Mix Recipes for Special Needs from Purdue State University Extension Services. This pdf file contains recipes for Gluten Free Master Mix, Dairy Free Master Mix, Magic Mix (I can't find recipes using this mix, but I think it's for making a lower-fat roux for white sauce and soups. You would use about 1/3 cup of mix to about 1 1/4 cup of water or broth. Cook and stir until thickened.)
- Homemade Mixes from Virginia Agriculture Extension Services archives; This booklet on Master mixes was printed in 1952. (Warning: I have found that flours have changed over time and older recipes don't always give satisfactory results when made with modern flours. You may need to adjust the amount of mix used in some recipes. For the most part, recipes like biscuits and quick breads are rather forgiving about such things.)
- Master Bread Mix booklet from University of Idaho Extension Services contains recipes for 5 cups of master mix, dumplings, biscuits, muffins, pancakes, tortillas, fruit cobbler, pizza, cornbread, brownies, and snacking cakes.
- Baking Master Mix and Milk Master Mix from North Dakota State University Extension Services. The Baking Master Mix is a two page pdf booklet that contains a recipe for the mix plus banana bread, zuchinni bread, and pumpkin bread, muffins, and peanut butter refrigerator cookies, The Milk Master Mix creates puddings, cream soups, and white sauces.
- Mix It Up - Food Mixes in a Jar from North Dakota State University Extension Services. Four different mix recipes with suggestions for gift giving. You can view a slideshow about using mixes on the NDSU Cook It Quick page.
- Food Preparation and Recipes from North Dakota State University educational materails lists several other Magic Mixes and other helpful publications.
Hot biscuits topped with creamy butter and sweet strawberry jam.
How rich can one old lady be?
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Homepage for Heroes
AOL is promoting a Homepage for Heroes. According to their Learn More page, "Homepage for Heroes is AOL's commitment to recognize, honor and support those that dedicate their lives to protecting and bettering ours. ... Visit Homepage for Heroes every day and you will be donating minutes by logging in, sending a message to our troops or sharing the program with your friends. Every day is a new opportunity to create a moment for our troops overseas."
Whatever
I'm at that in-between age. I mix slang from two different centuries. I don't really know what's in and what's out so I just say whatever I think fits the situation.
"Cool" "Neat" Are those out or in?
"Bee's knees" Went out way before I was in (the world).
"Later gator" Short for "See you later, alligator" which was out before I went to school.
I like "That's just whack!" I do know that's out, but it fits so many times.
"Jackass stupid" was probably never in, but it is used a lot in our office.
A pan-handler asked my co-worker for a "dog" the other day because he and his babe needed to get back to the 'crib". He and his babe must have been old because crib went out with, what bell-bottomed hip huggers? Or was it after that? I never heard "dog" used liked that before but we thought he meant money. However, Internet research leads me to think he meant phone. In or out?
If, like me, you don't know what people are saying, you can look up these slang terms on the Urban Dictionary. But, dawg, some of those jackass stupid definitions are just whack!
"Cool" "Neat" Are those out or in?
"Bee's knees" Went out way before I was in (the world).
"Later gator" Short for "See you later, alligator" which was out before I went to school.
I like "That's just whack!" I do know that's out, but it fits so many times.
"Jackass stupid" was probably never in, but it is used a lot in our office.
A pan-handler asked my co-worker for a "dog" the other day because he and his babe needed to get back to the 'crib". He and his babe must have been old because crib went out with, what bell-bottomed hip huggers? Or was it after that? I never heard "dog" used liked that before but we thought he meant money. However, Internet research leads me to think he meant phone. In or out?
If, like me, you don't know what people are saying, you can look up these slang terms on the Urban Dictionary. But, dawg, some of those jackass stupid definitions are just whack!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Curiostiy is a curious thing.
"When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do." Walt Disney
Curiosity. I have that in abundance. I'm curious about most things. I have a little knowledge about a lot of things. I think curiosity has kept me from becoming an expert in anything. There is too much to learn to spend much time on any one thing. I can't live long enough to learn it all.
I know a lot of people who don't seem to be curious about anything. They don't want to learn anything about anything. They think I'm weird. I think they're unfathomable. Sometimes I wonder what they have to think about. One thing I'm curious about is what do the little voices in their heads talk about? Does the echo bother them much?
Curiosity. I have that in abundance. I'm curious about most things. I have a little knowledge about a lot of things. I think curiosity has kept me from becoming an expert in anything. There is too much to learn to spend much time on any one thing. I can't live long enough to learn it all.
I know a lot of people who don't seem to be curious about anything. They don't want to learn anything about anything. They think I'm weird. I think they're unfathomable. Sometimes I wonder what they have to think about. One thing I'm curious about is what do the little voices in their heads talk about? Does the echo bother them much?
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Managers
Is it "Aggravate the Employees Week" all over the USA this week?
Or is it just at the Dumass Corporation where I work?
I need to know.
What do managers do at manager meetings anyway?
Sit around and think up ways to annoy the staff?
I really want to know.
Do managers get paid extra for inventing rules that make us want to beat our heads on the desks?
Or do they just do it for the fun of it?
Never mind. I already know the answer to that one.
Or is it just at the Dumass Corporation where I work?
I need to know.
What do managers do at manager meetings anyway?
Sit around and think up ways to annoy the staff?
I really want to know.
Do managers get paid extra for inventing rules that make us want to beat our heads on the desks?
Or do they just do it for the fun of it?
Never mind. I already know the answer to that one.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
I'm not sure what he meant by that
Last weekend I woke up with a short story in my head. It was a great story and in my sleep I had sketched out the whole thing from beginning to end, in order. I know it was a great story, but I can't remember anything else about it.
Not the plot. Not the characters. Not the beginning. I remember it was great and it was simple with a twist at the end. Not much to go on, is it? But trust me, it was great.
This story reminded me of a comedian who told a story about dreaming the world's funniest joke. He woke up and wrote in on a notepad he kept next to his bed just for that purpose. He went back to sleep happy in knowing that he had the world's greatest joke to add to his routine. When he awoke the next morning and eagerly read what he had written in the middle of the night, he said, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."
Not the plot. Not the characters. Not the beginning. I remember it was great and it was simple with a twist at the end. Not much to go on, is it? But trust me, it was great.
This story reminded me of a comedian who told a story about dreaming the world's funniest joke. He woke up and wrote in on a notepad he kept next to his bed just for that purpose. He went back to sleep happy in knowing that he had the world's greatest joke to add to his routine. When he awoke the next morning and eagerly read what he had written in the middle of the night, he said, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Maybe, maybe not
Right now the 3 weather forecasts on my home page say it will be mostly sunny today. From what I can see out the window from here, it looks partly cloudy.
Is this a case of you say "The glass is half full" and I say "The glass is half empty"?
Or is this a case of "Open the blinds so you can see what you're saying?"
We may never know. I don't think I care enough to get off my duff and walk that far.
Is this a case of you say "The glass is half full" and I say "The glass is half empty"?
Or is this a case of "Open the blinds so you can see what you're saying?"
We may never know. I don't think I care enough to get off my duff and walk that far.
You may say "The glass is half full", but I say, "Who's been drinking my whiskey?"
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Procrastination is My Middle Name
I have begun cleaning out my desk and cubical at the Dumass Corp where I work in preparation for my impending retirement (or my I-Can't-Take-This-Job-One-More-Minute-ment day) later this year. In one stack of papers, I found a resignation letter I wrote in March 2008 that made a vague reference to a soul-sucking, intelligence-draining, thankless job.
And here it is more than 4 years later and I'm still there. Not in the same cube, but the same soul-sucking, intelligence-draining, thankless job.
Maybe Procrastination is my first name.
And here it is more than 4 years later and I'm still there. Not in the same cube, but the same soul-sucking, intelligence-draining, thankless job.
Maybe Procrastination is my first name.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Sometimes
About 30 years ago, I was a pediatric nurse and, sometimes, I still miss the little rugrats.
This video is the product of Chris Rumble, an aspiring filmmaker and hockey player. He is also a patient at Seattle Children's Hospital.
This video is the product of Chris Rumble, an aspiring filmmaker and hockey player. He is also a patient at Seattle Children's Hospital.
Saturday, May 05, 2012
I'm still sick
I can't believe it. I'm still coughing, hacking, and wheezing. I sound like crap and I look worse. My voice is so hoarse that I even stopped talking to myself.
It must be my age. It didn't used to take me this long to get over a simple cold. When I was younger, I just refused to accept illness and pain. Mind over matter. When did I lose that part of my mind? I mean, the part that mattered?
I've been at home all week. Inside. I only went outside twice. Not only am I going stir crazy, I'm running out of food. The milk expired. I broke my last egg. I slurped the last can of soup days ago.
I did discover a new recipe though. Quick, easy, and nutritious with only one pot to clean afterwards. I made it up myself but I doubt if I was the first.
Pasta Primavera
1 cup whole wheat pasta
1 box Green Giant frozen Antioxidant Blend mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and sweet pepper strips in a garlic-herb infused olive oil)
Cheese
Boil pasta for about 10 minutes (follow directions on box)
Cook vegetables according to package directions when pasta is about half way done.
Drain pasta when done to your liking. Return pasta to pot.
Add vegetables. Stir.
Put a generous helping on your plate, sprinkle with cheese, and eat it.
Notes:
I used Mexican cheese blend because that's what I had, but I would have preferred an Italian blend. Parmesan cheese would be good. I only had about 1 - 2 tablespoons of the cheese and that was about the right amount.
You could add about 2 ounces of cooked chicken or turkey, or even tuna if you wanted. And if you had some.
It must be my age. It didn't used to take me this long to get over a simple cold. When I was younger, I just refused to accept illness and pain. Mind over matter. When did I lose that part of my mind? I mean, the part that mattered?
I've been at home all week. Inside. I only went outside twice. Not only am I going stir crazy, I'm running out of food. The milk expired. I broke my last egg. I slurped the last can of soup days ago.
I did discover a new recipe though. Quick, easy, and nutritious with only one pot to clean afterwards. I made it up myself but I doubt if I was the first.
Pasta Primavera
1 cup whole wheat pasta
1 box Green Giant frozen Antioxidant Blend mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and sweet pepper strips in a garlic-herb infused olive oil)
Cheese
Boil pasta for about 10 minutes (follow directions on box)
Cook vegetables according to package directions when pasta is about half way done.
Drain pasta when done to your liking. Return pasta to pot.
Add vegetables. Stir.
Put a generous helping on your plate, sprinkle with cheese, and eat it.
Notes:
I used Mexican cheese blend because that's what I had, but I would have preferred an Italian blend. Parmesan cheese would be good. I only had about 1 - 2 tablespoons of the cheese and that was about the right amount.
You could add about 2 ounces of cooked chicken or turkey, or even tuna if you wanted. And if you had some.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
And the party ontinues
I spent last night hacking and coughing and blowing my nose (TMI?). This morning when I got up and sat on the edge of the bed trying to figure out what time it was, I tried to say something, but when I opened my mouth no sound came out. It was like I forgot how to talk overnight.
I've had colds where it hurt to talk, or my voice would be husky or hoarse, but I don't think I've ever lost it completely before. I'm able to form words now, this afternoon, but they don't sound like me. Sometimes I have to stop and think about how to speak before the words come out.
Think and then speak. A good motto for everybody. Sick or not.
I've had colds where it hurt to talk, or my voice would be husky or hoarse, but I don't think I've ever lost it completely before. I'm able to form words now, this afternoon, but they don't sound like me. Sometimes I have to stop and think about how to speak before the words come out.
Think and then speak. A good motto for everybody. Sick or not.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Today's Pity Party
I have a cold. I'm only telling you because I like sharing my misery. I've had worse colds. Sometimes I think I prefer worse colds. The ones were you don't feel like doin' nothin'. Not like this one. I feel like crap, but not so bad that I couldn't work today. I worked at home. I didn't go in the office and spread my germs all over the place.
I burned my arm today. On the oven door while I was putting a pizza in the oven. It was probably a stupid idea to have pizza but I'm out of soup. Now I have a BIGGG burn on my arm. Below the elbow. Where I can't really see it unless I screw myself into a pretzel shape. I think it's decided not to blister, but I have to hold my arm up so it doesn't hit the edge of the desk while I'm typing because it still hurts. Probably from me poking it to see if was going to blister.
I burned my arm today. On the oven door while I was putting a pizza in the oven. It was probably a stupid idea to have pizza but I'm out of soup. Now I have a BIGGG burn on my arm. Below the elbow. Where I can't really see it unless I screw myself into a pretzel shape. I think it's decided not to blister, but I have to hold my arm up so it doesn't hit the edge of the desk while I'm typing because it still hurts. Probably from me poking it to see if was going to blister.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
How Sweet It Was!
I've been wanting a cookie since Monday, but was too lazy to bake them. Friday was Steph's last day at work so I bought cookies 'for her'. And since the cookies were our going away party, I splurged and got the more expensive Kroger bakery cookies instead of the cheap ones that were on sale for half the price.
They were worth every bite!. Those skinny chocolate chip cookies that were 18 for $2.50 couldn't have compared with the $5 a dozen thick pecan chocolate chunk cookies I selected. And I didn't get plain sugar cookies, but fancy iced sugar cookies. As one of the staff said "Those are really good, but I'm going to buzz off the sugar high from one cookie all weekend."
They were worth every bite!. Those skinny chocolate chip cookies that were 18 for $2.50 couldn't have compared with the $5 a dozen thick pecan chocolate chunk cookies I selected. And I didn't get plain sugar cookies, but fancy iced sugar cookies. As one of the staff said "Those are really good, but I'm going to buzz off the sugar high from one cookie all weekend."
Friday, April 27, 2012
Dull, Dull, Dull
They've changed the way blogger looks to create new posts, update old ones, check the stats, etc. It looks yucky and nothing is where it's supposed to be. Besides, I can't read that pale black font they use on the pale gray background.
I detest the trend of using washed out colors. I first saw those sickly pale pastels in magazines and now they are invading the web. Why would designers want to use colors that bore you to death?
See how dull this is? Can't even read it, can you?
Is this better? See how dull this is?
Did I make my point about pale on pale?
I detest the trend of using washed out colors. I first saw those sickly pale pastels in magazines and now they are invading the web. Why would designers want to use colors that bore you to death?
See how dull this is? Can't even read it, can you?
Is this better? See how dull this is?
Did I make my point about pale on pale?
Saturday, April 21, 2012
The Searchers
They're doing something to the Target store down the street. I don't like it when they re-model the stores where I shop regularly. I don't want to have to put up with the confusion while they're doing it. I don't want to have to wander around looking for stuff I won't be able to find. Especially the parking lot.
The last time they re-modeled the grocery store, they hired somebody to go around and help you find where they'd hidden all the groceries. If they'd put things in reasonable places, like where they were before the re-model, they wouldn't have needed her. She was never there when we needed her anyway. We old ladies had to help each other. Never heard the phrase, "Where in hell did they put...?" from that many old ladies before.
When they converted my local K-Mart to a Sears and the clerks there would ask me "Can I help you find something?" I wanted to respond, "Yes. I'm looking for K-Mart."
They've changed Blogger. I don't like it. I can't find anything. You'll be lucky if I find the button to publish this.
The highway I use to go to work will be under construction starting next week and for the next couple of years. The congestion there is so bad now that some mornings traffic has to speed up just to go slow. The street which I use to come home from work will be closed for 3 months the day after Memorial day. I can't even find my way home.
The last time they re-modeled the grocery store, they hired somebody to go around and help you find where they'd hidden all the groceries. If they'd put things in reasonable places, like where they were before the re-model, they wouldn't have needed her. She was never there when we needed her anyway. We old ladies had to help each other. Never heard the phrase, "Where in hell did they put...?" from that many old ladies before.
When they converted my local K-Mart to a Sears and the clerks there would ask me "Can I help you find something?" I wanted to respond, "Yes. I'm looking for K-Mart."
They've changed Blogger. I don't like it. I can't find anything. You'll be lucky if I find the button to publish this.
The highway I use to go to work will be under construction starting next week and for the next couple of years. The congestion there is so bad now that some mornings traffic has to speed up just to go slow. The street which I use to come home from work will be closed for 3 months the day after Memorial day. I can't even find my way home.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thought for the day.
I wasn't born to work.
Unfortunately, I wasn't born rich either.
You should be one or the other, don't you think?
Or at least pretty.
Unfortunately, I wasn't born rich either.
You should be one or the other, don't you think?
Or at least pretty.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
There goes my ship - again.
It seems like most of my life I've been waiting for something to happen. I'm not sure what. But something.
Occasionally I'll stir myself and make it happen, but for the most part I just wait. Sometimes something happens, sometimes not.
I don't have much ambition. I don't know if ambition is something you're taught or a skill you learn or a trait you're born with.
Whatever, I think it passed me by.
So here I sit - in the middle of the country with no ocean or lake in site - just waiting for my ship to come in.
It reminds me of a joke about the old man who was bemoaning his fate because opportunity never came knocking at his door. His pity party was interrupted by a weary voice, "I knocked. You just never got off your lazy butt and answered the door."
Occasionally I'll stir myself and make it happen, but for the most part I just wait. Sometimes something happens, sometimes not.
I don't have much ambition. I don't know if ambition is something you're taught or a skill you learn or a trait you're born with.
Whatever, I think it passed me by.
So here I sit - in the middle of the country with no ocean or lake in site - just waiting for my ship to come in.
It reminds me of a joke about the old man who was bemoaning his fate because opportunity never came knocking at his door. His pity party was interrupted by a weary voice, "I knocked. You just never got off your lazy butt and answered the door."
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Just plain annoying
Does anybody know how I tell MSN.com/Bing how annoying they are? You know when you click on something on the MSN page that looks interesting and it takes you to a page that says crap like "it happened at a fraternity (what fraternity?) and "covered with condiments like this, this, and this". And then you're supposed to click on the blue words to go to a search page to find out what they should have told you in the article in the first place instead of making you waste your time hunting for it.
I suppose they are trying to make "Bing" as popular as"Google". It's not going to work for several reasons.
I suppose they are trying to make "Bing" as popular as"Google". It's not going to work for several reasons.
- "Bing it" just isn't as catchy as "Google it", and don't even try "binged it" compared to "googled it".
- It's such a tease. When you say "click here" to find out who this celebrity is with the botched cosmetic surgery, tell me who it is - don't make me hunt for the answer. That's just rude.
- You know, if you really want me to like you - DON'T ANNOY ME!
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Happy Easter
Easter is God's promise that He's got your back. No matter what.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
-- John 3:16 NIV
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
-- John 3:16 NIV
Saturday, April 07, 2012
$26.28
You may know that I have this thing about cars.
So this week, one of my tires was low. Now, I always think it looks low. It's one of those things I have about my car. I always think the left, front tire looks low. I could check it with a gauge because I've got a couple and I know how to do it. But not well. I'm very likely to let more air out than a low tire can spare.
I thought I'd need a new tire and would probably end up buying 4 new tires because tires were on sale last month, not this month. I stewed and fretted about it almost a whole week and found excuses not to drive anywhere though the tire wasn't that low.
Anyway, I finally put on my big girl hat and went to Goodyear's where they let me fill out the crossword puzzle in the daily paper while they fixed my tire for $26.28.
Now, don't I feel silly?
Update April 21, 2012: It looks low again. Now, don't I feel really silly?
- I liked it better when we had full service gas stations where they were so happy to see you they'd give you a gift just for dropping by to let them fill up your gas tank, check your tires, check your oil, and wash your windows.
- I don't particularly like cars because I don't understand them.
- I have a phobia about getting my car serviced.
So this week, one of my tires was low. Now, I always think it looks low. It's one of those things I have about my car. I always think the left, front tire looks low. I could check it with a gauge because I've got a couple and I know how to do it. But not well. I'm very likely to let more air out than a low tire can spare.
I thought I'd need a new tire and would probably end up buying 4 new tires because tires were on sale last month, not this month. I stewed and fretted about it almost a whole week and found excuses not to drive anywhere though the tire wasn't that low.
Anyway, I finally put on my big girl hat and went to Goodyear's where they let me fill out the crossword puzzle in the daily paper while they fixed my tire for $26.28.
Now, don't I feel silly?
Update April 21, 2012: It looks low again. Now, don't I feel really silly?
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Saddle Up!
For some reason, I have become enamored (more like obsessed) with old time Western TV shows. I just sit around and watch them on YouTube or on DVDs all day long except when I'm at the office.
I don't know why. As I've said before, life back then was too tough for me so it's not like I wax nostalgic for days of yore. I haven't liked riding horses since I outgrew Shetland ponies. I abhor violence which is rife in most westerns. (One cowboy star once said westerns weren't violent. He only killed two or three men a show.) It really annoys me when women are expected to defer to a man's orders. I'm glad they stopped smoking like chimneys on TV shows.
But still I love 'em. The wide open spaces, the cowboys, the horses, the bar room brawls, the women who stand behind their men, the bad guy hitting the dirt while the good guy rides away with his left arm in a sling.
So what it is? What keeps me coming back day after day?
Maybe I'm just looking for a hero that knows right from wrong and isn't afraid to show it.
Maybe I just want to know what it's like when somebody has your back.
Maybe I just want a reason to dance.
I don't know why. As I've said before, life back then was too tough for me so it's not like I wax nostalgic for days of yore. I haven't liked riding horses since I outgrew Shetland ponies. I abhor violence which is rife in most westerns. (One cowboy star once said westerns weren't violent. He only killed two or three men a show.) It really annoys me when women are expected to defer to a man's orders. I'm glad they stopped smoking like chimneys on TV shows.
But still I love 'em. The wide open spaces, the cowboys, the horses, the bar room brawls, the women who stand behind their men, the bad guy hitting the dirt while the good guy rides away with his left arm in a sling.
So what it is? What keeps me coming back day after day?
Maybe I'm just looking for a hero that knows right from wrong and isn't afraid to show it.
Maybe I just want to know what it's like when somebody has your back.
Maybe I just want a reason to dance.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The World is Turning
Today when I got gas for the car, I noticed that 2 gallons of gas was almost $10 and I thought to myself, "I can remember when you could get 10 gallons of gas for $2.00". It doesn't seem that long ago. Less than a lifetime.
I have a free-standing fan and a space heater in my bathroom. Last night I used the fan. Tonight I need the heater.
I didn't work this morning so I could sleep late. I woke up and was out of bed before 6:30. Most mornings I can barely hear when the alarm goes off at 7.
Little things. Big things. Some days I don't know which is what when.
I have to stand still while turning around to see what's up, what's down.
I have a free-standing fan and a space heater in my bathroom. Last night I used the fan. Tonight I need the heater.
I didn't work this morning so I could sleep late. I woke up and was out of bed before 6:30. Most mornings I can barely hear when the alarm goes off at 7.
Little things. Big things. Some days I don't know which is what when.
I have to stand still while turning around to see what's up, what's down.
Friday, March 23, 2012
There's No Time Like the Present
I finally bought a battery for my clock so I'll know what time it is. And it's mostly working. Last night I remembered to turn the television on at 7:55 so I could watch the Big Bang Theory.
I think I mentioned that I cut my television viewing time down from 4 - 6 hours a night to less than 4 a week? Well, when the battery in my clock died, I only watched 0 - 1 hours a week because I never remembered I wanted to watch something till it was over.
Anyway, I finally remembered to get a battery and put it in the clock, and at 7:55 Thursday night I sat down to watch the Big Bang Theory and it had been pre-empted by basketball.
Sometimes you're late even when you're early.
I think I mentioned that I cut my television viewing time down from 4 - 6 hours a night to less than 4 a week? Well, when the battery in my clock died, I only watched 0 - 1 hours a week because I never remembered I wanted to watch something till it was over.
Anyway, I finally remembered to get a battery and put it in the clock, and at 7:55 Thursday night I sat down to watch the Big Bang Theory and it had been pre-empted by basketball.
Sometimes you're late even when you're early.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What I want ...
I want some cookies. Or a cake. Or a piece of pie. I don't know why I've got such a sweet tooth all of a sudden. And people who know me will scoff at that "all of a sudden". But this is different. I really, really, really want something sweet.
You probably won't believe this but when I typed that first really I remembered I bought chocolate covered raisins at the grocery store today on my way home from work.
So bye! I have things to do now.
You probably won't believe this but when I typed that first really I remembered I bought chocolate covered raisins at the grocery store today on my way home from work.
So bye! I have things to do now.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Lost
I have lost my very favorite paring knife. I don't care that it wasn't the sharpest tool in the drawer, that it was older than most of my readers, that the tip was broke off years ago when I was trying to use it for a pry bar. It was my very favorite and now it's gone.
I suppose it went the same place my instant meat thermometer went. I never have found it. On the other hand, it could be where my lost potato masher hid. I found it right where it belonged the day after I bought another one.
I haven't replaced my knife yet. I haven't given up hope that it will come home to momma.
You see, sometimes my little pooka hides things around the house and I find them eventually. Usually the day after I spend money replacing something or whenever it will make me look the silliest.
I know it's probably not the pooka at all, but it's better for my ego to blame it on him than admit it's just me.
I suppose it went the same place my instant meat thermometer went. I never have found it. On the other hand, it could be where my lost potato masher hid. I found it right where it belonged the day after I bought another one.
I haven't replaced my knife yet. I haven't given up hope that it will come home to momma.
You see, sometimes my little pooka hides things around the house and I find them eventually. Usually the day after I spend money replacing something or whenever it will make me look the silliest.
I know it's probably not the pooka at all, but it's better for my ego to blame it on him than admit it's just me.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Spring is Sprung
It's time for my annual spring message.
I heard the Canadian geese going home a few weeks ago and knew that spring was coming, but it still snuck up on me. I didn't go outside this weekend, but I was out yesterday. I must have been pre-occupied because I didn't notice what I saw today. Trees are budding all over the place. In the distance I could even see one flowering pink. I saw the green leaves of lilies or daffodils or something that flowers more than peeking out of the ground just steps from my front door.
Now I feel better.
I'm not even going to rant about daylight saving time.
I heard the Canadian geese going home a few weeks ago and knew that spring was coming, but it still snuck up on me. I didn't go outside this weekend, but I was out yesterday. I must have been pre-occupied because I didn't notice what I saw today. Trees are budding all over the place. In the distance I could even see one flowering pink. I saw the green leaves of lilies or daffodils or something that flowers more than peeking out of the ground just steps from my front door.
Now I feel better.
I'm not even going to rant about daylight saving time.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Stop the Presses!
Where have all the editors gone? They don't seem to work for Internet publishers. Not even the news. Maybe especially the news.
You don't expect personal blogs like this one to hire editors. Some of their charm is misspellings and embarrassing typos. (At least I hope so.)
But the news! That's another story. It seems like poor grammar, atrocious spelling, poorly structured paragraphs, repeated words (like the the), and other glaring errors are increasing. This morning I easily spotted an error in the first sentence of one news article and later read another one that started over again repeating the first two or three paragraphs half way through the page.
I'm not talking about debatable grammar rules like should you use "like" or "as" or "such as", or Does a period go on this side or that of a quote. I'm referring to glaring arrows like this one that I made purposefully to make the point. They aren't that hard to spot.
Is that stuff not taught in schools any more? Even if they don't, there's always spell check available. And it's not like we can't find grammar rules on the Internet or in a book. Or even on YouTube. (Where they teach you not to start a sentence with a conjunction.)
I find this trend to sloppiness somewhat disturbing. I think it's reflective of the contents of the news articles as well. On-line "news" articles are often rife with misdirection, bias, half-facts, opinions veiled as facts, missing facts, and just plain crap instead of actual news.
Where's Perry White when we need him?
You don't expect personal blogs like this one to hire editors. Some of their charm is misspellings and embarrassing typos. (At least I hope so.)
But the news! That's another story. It seems like poor grammar, atrocious spelling, poorly structured paragraphs, repeated words (like the the), and other glaring errors are increasing. This morning I easily spotted an error in the first sentence of one news article and later read another one that started over again repeating the first two or three paragraphs half way through the page.
I'm not talking about debatable grammar rules like should you use "like" or "as" or "such as", or Does a period go on this side or that of a quote. I'm referring to glaring arrows like this one that I made purposefully to make the point. They aren't that hard to spot.
Is that stuff not taught in schools any more? Even if they don't, there's always spell check available. And it's not like we can't find grammar rules on the Internet or in a book. Or even on YouTube. (Where they teach you not to start a sentence with a conjunction.)
I find this trend to sloppiness somewhat disturbing. I think it's reflective of the contents of the news articles as well. On-line "news" articles are often rife with misdirection, bias, half-facts, opinions veiled as facts, missing facts, and just plain crap instead of actual news.
Where's Perry White when we need him?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
How Rude!
I'm not a big fan of people carrying cell phones (mobile phones) around. They are so annoying. The people, not the phones. Here are ten short tips that you should do with your cell phone to keep from annoying me:
- Don't talk on the phone while trying to drive. Some people just can't do this right any more than they can talk and walk at the same time. The saddest part is that I know 99% of you just said, "HA! I know somebody like that - but it's not me." If you hear me yelling " Get that *&^% thing out of your ear and drive!" you'll know it is too you.
- Ditto for trying to push a cart around the grocery store.
- Do turn off the *&^% ringer when you're in a public place - like the office where you work. Or at least the office where I work.
- If I'm talking to you and the phone rings or vibrates or whatever, just leave it - the caller will leave a message. If you just have to answer it due to a freaky compulsion of some kind, say "Excuse me, I need to take this call". "Excuse me" - just two little words - learn them by heart and use them frequently.
- If you have a headset or an earbud and you're talking to somebody and the thing is hidden by your hat, hair or the side of your face, it can be difficult to tell that you're not talking to yourself. This can be rather disconcerting to your fellow shoppers who are thinking "Is she talking to me? Should I answer? Should I walk nonchalantly, but quickly, toward security?"
- Don't use the cell phone while sitting in a stall in a public restroom. It's inhibiting to the rest of us.
- Don't show me those cute little pics of your cute little dog or cute little niece in that cute little window on your phone. I'll go "Aw, isn't that cute", but to tell you the truth I can't tell which is which when the picture is that little.
- If you're in the middle of the store and your barely old enough to be potty-trained kid is repeating over and over and over, "Mommy, I have to go! Mommy, I have to go!" just get off the phone. What's more important anyway?
- It's impolite to type and/or read text messages during meetings, at the dinner table, and when you're supposed to be listening to me.
- And if you're going to have a "private" conversation in public, speak up so we don't have to strain to hear the good parts.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Truth in Advertising
It's after two o'clock and I haven't had lunch yet even though I had little breakfast, so I'm very hungry and I get peevish when I'm hungry.
I just bought some Gorton's Fish Sandwich Fillets. The package shows a nice golden brown fish square nestled in a bed of bright green lettuce, topped with bright red sliced tomatoes, and creamy tartar sauce. The fish fillet is so big, it can't be contained by the seeded bun but overlaps it all around. It looks delicious.
I'm fixing a couple of lunch now and it would be so nice to serve such an appetizing sandwich. But, alas, I don't know where they got such tiny little buns. The frozen fish portions are only 2 3/4 inches. After cooking they probably won't be more than 2 1/2 inches. They certainly aren't going to overlap any bun I might have. Two of them won't even cover an average slice of bread.
The picture on the package of a fish square outside the bun is about the actual size, but it's set at an angle which makes it look bigger. Not to mention that it also practically dwarfs the bun.
Such "advertising" may serve to entice me to buy the product the first time, but it does nothing to make me want to buy any more of the product in the future.
I'll let you know how it tastes after lunch.
Post script - After lunch: Well the crunchy parts were crunchy and the fish was edible. Two squares fit on a slice of Italian bread.
I just bought some Gorton's Fish Sandwich Fillets. The package shows a nice golden brown fish square nestled in a bed of bright green lettuce, topped with bright red sliced tomatoes, and creamy tartar sauce. The fish fillet is so big, it can't be contained by the seeded bun but overlaps it all around. It looks delicious.
I'm fixing a couple of lunch now and it would be so nice to serve such an appetizing sandwich. But, alas, I don't know where they got such tiny little buns. The frozen fish portions are only 2 3/4 inches. After cooking they probably won't be more than 2 1/2 inches. They certainly aren't going to overlap any bun I might have. Two of them won't even cover an average slice of bread.
The picture on the package of a fish square outside the bun is about the actual size, but it's set at an angle which makes it look bigger. Not to mention that it also practically dwarfs the bun.
Such "advertising" may serve to entice me to buy the product the first time, but it does nothing to make me want to buy any more of the product in the future.
I'll let you know how it tastes after lunch.
Post script - After lunch: Well the crunchy parts were crunchy and the fish was edible. Two squares fit on a slice of Italian bread.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Great Americans Day 2012
I'm still pushing to change "President's Day" to "Great Americans Day". Great Americans Day will celebrate all our nation's heroes, past and present And not just those with medals and statues and books and movies, but the everyday heroes who too often go unrecognized.
President's Day is the most obvious day for this new holiday because it's already been stripped of it's original purpose to celebrate George Washington's birthday Washington was an exceptional man and we owe much of what are country is to the foundation he built for us. No man can deny that he more than deserves to have his own day, but I think Washington would be pleased to share the day with other great Americans.
President's Day is the most obvious day for this new holiday because it's already been stripped of it's original purpose to celebrate George Washington's birthday Washington was an exceptional man and we owe much of what are country is to the foundation he built for us. No man can deny that he more than deserves to have his own day, but I think Washington would be pleased to share the day with other great Americans.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Me and Time
There is something about Time that eludes me. I don't know why I can't seem to keep track of it, but, as it is, I'm just wasting it. Or it's wasting me.
I'm off work this week. My way to protest the cold weather (which, by the way, hasn't actually been that cold this year.) My first day off was Saturday (if you want to count that since I'm always off on Saturday). When I went to bed Saturday night I realized that I had no idea if the next day was Sunday or Monday and for one puzzling moment I thought it might even be Tuesday. I considered getting out of bed to check but decided it was too late to be worth the effort so I didn't.
When I got up the next day, I turned on the computer to learn it was only Sunday. That's today, but it seems longer ago than this morning.
When I go back to work in a week, people will ask me "How was your time off" and I'll reply, "Fine, but it was too short." Then I'll pause and ask nonchalantly, "By the way, what day is it?"
I'm off work this week. My way to protest the cold weather (which, by the way, hasn't actually been that cold this year.) My first day off was Saturday (if you want to count that since I'm always off on Saturday). When I went to bed Saturday night I realized that I had no idea if the next day was Sunday or Monday and for one puzzling moment I thought it might even be Tuesday. I considered getting out of bed to check but decided it was too late to be worth the effort so I didn't.
When I got up the next day, I turned on the computer to learn it was only Sunday. That's today, but it seems longer ago than this morning.
When I go back to work in a week, people will ask me "How was your time off" and I'll reply, "Fine, but it was too short." Then I'll pause and ask nonchalantly, "By the way, what day is it?"
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Be nice - it probably won't hurt you
I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I'm a little bit lazy. There is no sense in exerting myself when somebody else can do something as well as or better than I.
So today I'm sending you to read another blog: 366 Random Acts of Kindness.
Here's where it started: Tomorrow It Begins
I don't know the author of this blog. I only know of its existance because it was Tuesday's Blog of Note. In a nutshell, it's some guy who feels so blessed in his life with a pretty wife and a darling new baby that he decided he would do a random act of kindness every day in 2012.
Does he expect something in return? Maybe fame and fortune. Maybe just that warm glow that comes from being nice when you don't have to be.
So today I'm sending you to read another blog: 366 Random Acts of Kindness.
Here's where it started: Tomorrow It Begins
I don't know the author of this blog. I only know of its existance because it was Tuesday's Blog of Note. In a nutshell, it's some guy who feels so blessed in his life with a pretty wife and a darling new baby that he decided he would do a random act of kindness every day in 2012.
Does he expect something in return? Maybe fame and fortune. Maybe just that warm glow that comes from being nice when you don't have to be.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Merry Christmas!
Actually, it's Valentine's Day. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
May you give and receive love and friendship today and always,
for what good is love if it can't be given away?
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Cold feet
Here we are half way through February and I haven't found my winter slippers yet. Last year I didn't find them till April but I remember putting them some place then where I could find them more easily this winter. But I forget where that was. The slippers are fuzzy and bright red. Not exactly hard to spot, but I haven't seen hide nor hair of them since last spring.
I could just buy another pair, but that seems like throwing money away needlessly. After all, I have a perfectly good, practically new pair of slippers around here somewhere. I got them one Christmas to go with a bright red nightgown. As a matter of fact I'm wearing that red nightgown right now. With blue flowered mules.
And my feet are freezing.
I could just buy another pair, but that seems like throwing money away needlessly. After all, I have a perfectly good, practically new pair of slippers around here somewhere. I got them one Christmas to go with a bright red nightgown. As a matter of fact I'm wearing that red nightgown right now. With blue flowered mules.
And my feet are freezing.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Dreamin' Big
My mouse has developed a squeak. My computer mouse is squeaking every time I move it.
Now why would it do that? It's an optical mouse. I don't think it has any moving parts except the scroll wheel on top and that's not what's squeaking.
I suppose it could have some kind of Pinocchio-syndrome thing going on. You know, maybe it wants to be a "real mouse"?
I think my mouse had better be satisfied with what it is. As far as I'm concerned, what it is is important enough for me.
Now why would it do that? It's an optical mouse. I don't think it has any moving parts except the scroll wheel on top and that's not what's squeaking.
I suppose it could have some kind of Pinocchio-syndrome thing going on. You know, maybe it wants to be a "real mouse"?
I think my mouse had better be satisfied with what it is. As far as I'm concerned, what it is is important enough for me.
You don't have to be satisfied with who you are,
If you can't be what you want to be, be the best of what you are
Friday, February 03, 2012
What's That You Say?
I have a new favorite saying: "Jackass stupid"
I heard it from a character in a 1950 western movie the other day and I thought to myself, "I've got to remember that one!" And so I have.
I managed to use it at least once an hour today. Several times in some sentences. And while on the road going and coming, I mentioned to some driver or another that if they were going to be that jackass stupid, they should just get off the road.
I had the other people in my office using it when I wasn't. The IT people at the Dumass Corporation were just being jackass stupid - all day long. (And I apologize to all jackasses for the unfavorable comparison.)
At the rate we're using it, we'll probably wear it out by summer. We are so juvenile at times, but can we help it if so many people are just plain jackass stupid?
I heard it from a character in a 1950 western movie the other day and I thought to myself, "I've got to remember that one!" And so I have.
I managed to use it at least once an hour today. Several times in some sentences. And while on the road going and coming, I mentioned to some driver or another that if they were going to be that jackass stupid, they should just get off the road.
I had the other people in my office using it when I wasn't. The IT people at the Dumass Corporation were just being jackass stupid - all day long. (And I apologize to all jackasses for the unfavorable comparison.)
At the rate we're using it, we'll probably wear it out by summer. We are so juvenile at times, but can we help it if so many people are just plain jackass stupid?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Dr. Seuss is Loose in My House
I read a Dr. Seuss book yesterday: The Big Green Book of Beginner Books. Six books for the price of one and I had never read those stories before. They had me laughing out loud. I love puns and word plays and alliteration and rhymes and repetition and silliness. Probably especially silliness
It was a wacky Wednesday for me yesterday. I was depressed and hyper at the same time as I fought to control my work computer which fights dirty. The story Wacky Wednesday had nothing on my day.
I Am Not Going to Get Up Today! could be me almost any day of the week. Except Saturday and Sunday.
My spirits were buoyed by Great Day for Up! I should read it every morning before I get out of bed.
If I get out of bed.
It was a wacky Wednesday for me yesterday. I was depressed and hyper at the same time as I fought to control my work computer which fights dirty. The story Wacky Wednesday had nothing on my day.
I Am Not Going to Get Up Today! could be me almost any day of the week. Except Saturday and Sunday.
My spirits were buoyed by Great Day for Up! I should read it every morning before I get out of bed.
If I get out of bed.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Do you hear what I hear?
As if the little voices inside my head aren't annoying enough, this afternoon they started using a rather unsavory street accent. I don't know what street it was, but I think it was from somewhere in the London slums, circa mid-1800's. I couldn't understand a thing they said.
Probably better off that way.
Probably better off that way.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Learning about Learning
I learned something today which I should have learned several years ago. In 2009, YouTube launched an educational tool called YouTube EDU , "a volunteer project sparked by a group of employees who wanted to find a better way to collect and highlight all the great educational content being uploaded to YouTube by colleges and universities" (an excerpt from the YouTube blog March 2009).
I am frequently searching for on-line educational material and while I had found some videos on YouTube, I had not found any mention of YouTube EDU. I stumbled across it today while Googling iTunes University. (Slightly off topic - have you noticed how you can often learn about something you weren't expecting to learn about while you were trying to learn about something else?)
They have something for everybody. Here are some examples:
Universities and Colleges:
I am frequently searching for on-line educational material and while I had found some videos on YouTube, I had not found any mention of YouTube EDU. I stumbled across it today while Googling iTunes University. (Slightly off topic - have you noticed how you can often learn about something you weren't expecting to learn about while you were trying to learn about something else?)
They have something for everybody. Here are some examples:
Universities and Colleges:
- Want to listen to an MIT lecture on physics (and who doesn't!) try MIT 8.01 Physics I: Classical Mechanics
- What about a Harvard lecture on murder? try Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do? Episode 01 "THE MORAL SIDE OF MURDER" Professor Michael Sandel is a good lecturer.
- Or perhaps you would prefer lectures and courses from Yale, Università Bocconi, Carnegie Mellon, The Open University, or Cambridge University
- Need help with your math homework? Explore videos from several sources such as Math TV. The instructor made learning differential equations easy.
- Sesame Street has 1,076 videos. SuperSillySongs features 65 super silly songs. KidsTV123 has103 cute videos.
- There are 22 lectures on Japanese culture and a course on learning to speak Japanese.
- Dream of flying like a bird? Check out this video about a robot that flies like a bird by flapping its wings.
- Want to hear what others are talking about? Watch TED Talks .
- National Geographic has 2,999 fascinating videos about the ocean, the Arctic, photography, cooking, nature, history, drugs, and almost anything else you can name. The Secret History of the Bra yielded surprising information. Did you know that women were asked to stop wearing corsets during WWI and that this measured saved enough steel to make 2 battleships? That's a lot of corsets!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Baby, It's cold outside!
Winter has only been flirting with Indiana for the past month. Last week it moved in and settled down to stay for a while.
I don't like winter very well any more.
For one thing, it's cold.
For another, I'm too old to play in the snow, but not so old I don't have to drive in it.
I don't like winter very well any more.
For one thing, it's cold.
For another, I'm too old to play in the snow, but not so old I don't have to drive in it.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
How's it going?
Well, here we are well into the second week of 2012. Let's see how I'm doing with my new year resolutions:
- Lose weight - I've gained 4 1/2 pounds
- Bake my own bread - I bought a loaf of berry bread from the bakery
- Make more money - I won a free ticket playing the lottery last week
- Quit my job - I've daydreamed about how I'd quit my job
- Do more housework - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
- Develop my hobbies - if my hobby was getting out of housework, I've developed it to perfection.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Resolutions
Did you make any new year's resolutions?
I like to make at least one resolution to improve me or the world every year. Unfortunately, I don't keep them.
This year will be different. I say that every year. It doesn't make any difference. I still don't keep them.
This is my 2012 list of resolutions:
Some years my only resolution is to not make any resolutions. That's one I usually keep.
I like to make at least one resolution to improve me or the world every year. Unfortunately, I don't keep them.
This year will be different. I say that every year. It doesn't make any difference. I still don't keep them.
This is my 2012 list of resolutions:
- Lose weight
- Bake my own bread
- Make more money
- Quit my job
- Do more housework
- Develop my hobbies
Some years my only resolution is to not make any resolutions. That's one I usually keep.
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