Today is Tuesday, April 30, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 57 minutes of walking = 3.1 miles for an April total of 60.2 miles. My weight was 161.6 pounds.
QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: ""The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog."
My THOUGHTS today continue with Part 2 of American corporations and their contributions to the 2012 presidential campaign.
Today, it will be the group known as CORPORATE FARMS AND SUPPLIERS
NAME OF CORPORATION - $ AMOUNT CONTRIBUTED - TO WHICH PARTY
11. John Deere - $874,605 - 88% to GOP
12. Monsanto - $536,605 - 66% to GOP
13. Cargill - $412,941 - 80% to GOP
14. Sanderson
Farms - $213,700 - 77% to GOP
15. Agri Beef - $181,950 - 97% to GOP
16. Pictsweet - $171,038 - 96% to GOP
17. Peace River
Citrus - $159,250 - 92% to GOP
18. J.R. Simplot - $153,150 - 88% to GOP
19. Case New
Holland - $149,988 - 95% to GOP
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Pete BLOG-Day 26,460. Corporate America and the 2012 election.
Today is Monday, April 29, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes lifting weights and 54 minutes of walking = 3.0 miles for an April total of 57.1 miles. My weight was 162.4 pounds.
QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere."
My THOUGHTS today have to do with how corporate America tried to buy the 2012 election. I subscribe to a pamphlet called The Hightower Lowdown. It is written by Jim Hightower, a former Secretary of Agriculture in Texas and now a lecturer, author and political activist.
His latest issue lists the political contributions of hundreds of American corporations to the Republican and Democratic Parties in the 2012 election. For the next week or two I will list the dollar contributions of each corporation and which party received the majority of that money.
First, I will list the name of the corporation;
Second, the dollar amount;
Third which party got the highest percentage of that money.
SUPERMARKET CHAINS:
1. Publix Super Markets: $1,103,598 83% to GOP
2. Kroger $365,067 81% to GOP
3. Shamrock Foods $254,235 100% to GOP
4. Meijer $235,689 96% to GOP
5. Houchens Industries $116,800 100% to GOP
(Piggly Wiggly, IGA
plus others)
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICES:
6. Home Depot $2,151,998 76% to GOP
7. Amway/Alticor $761,200 87% to GOP
8. Best Buy $361,712 65% to GOP
9. Lowe's $339,862 75% to GOP
QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere."
My THOUGHTS today have to do with how corporate America tried to buy the 2012 election. I subscribe to a pamphlet called The Hightower Lowdown. It is written by Jim Hightower, a former Secretary of Agriculture in Texas and now a lecturer, author and political activist.
His latest issue lists the political contributions of hundreds of American corporations to the Republican and Democratic Parties in the 2012 election. For the next week or two I will list the dollar contributions of each corporation and which party received the majority of that money.
First, I will list the name of the corporation;
Second, the dollar amount;
Third which party got the highest percentage of that money.
SUPERMARKET CHAINS:
1. Publix Super Markets: $1,103,598 83% to GOP
2. Kroger $365,067 81% to GOP
3. Shamrock Foods $254,235 100% to GOP
4. Meijer $235,689 96% to GOP
5. Houchens Industries $116,800 100% to GOP
(Piggly Wiggly, IGA
plus others)
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICES:
6. Home Depot $2,151,998 76% to GOP
7. Amway/Alticor $761,200 87% to GOP
8. Best Buy $361,712 65% to GOP
9. Lowe's $339,862 75% to GOP
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Pete BLOG-Day 26,458. Two things to be happy about today.
Today is Saturday, April 27, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 45 minutes of walking = 2.5 miles for an April total of 54.1 miles. My weight was 162.6 pounds.
QUOTE fro OUR IOWA magazine: "It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home."
My THOUGHTS today. I'm happy today because of two main reasons.
#1. It appears SPRING is finally here.
#2. The Chicago Cubs have won TWO games in a row. They were against Miami, the worst team in the major leagues, but they still count in the "W" column.. Maybe this will be the year after all. (That last sentence is my humor section for today.)
QUOTE fro OUR IOWA magazine: "It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home."
My THOUGHTS today. I'm happy today because of two main reasons.
#1. It appears SPRING is finally here.
#2. The Chicago Cubs have won TWO games in a row. They were against Miami, the worst team in the major leagues, but they still count in the "W" column.. Maybe this will be the year after all. (That last sentence is my humor section for today.)
Friday, April 26, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,457. The FACE-OFF at Principal Park in Des Moines.
Today is Friday, April 26, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes of lifting weights and 46 minutes of walking = 2.5 miles for an April total of 51.6 miles. My weight was 161.2 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "Better to be beaten in the right, than to succeed in the wrong."
My THOUGHTS have to do with a possible face-off between longtime rivals Jerry Narveson and Carson Ode.
THE HISTORY OF THIS FEUD.
It was in May of 1956 when this rivalry started. Sophomore Jerry Narveson was pitching for Chatfield High School. Our opponent that day were the Lanesboro Burros. The Burros had a big guy who was six foot three, 200 pound white-haired guy, was half Norwegian and half German and was supposedly their best hitter. His name was Carson Ode, he was a senior and had much more experience than our sophomore dominated baseball team. The debate between these two rivals has evolved around how many hits Carson get off Jerry that day. Carson claims it was three hits and Jerry claims it was one. The two have been arguing about this for 57 years. The only way to settle this is to have these two go at each other one more time.
SO WHAT"S NEXT? Jerry has agreed to come out of retirement and get his form and confidence back by pitching against some players from Lanesboro.
Carson has said if Jerry, in his comeback, makes it to the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines he would be willing to come out of retirement to face Jerry one more time just to shut him up. Carson is pretty confident he could easily hit Jerry again as he had no problems 57 years ago with those three hits he claims he had.
CAN YOU IMAGINE!
The announcer for the Iowa Cubs is saying:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Principal Park in Des Moines. History will be made tonight and for those of you traveling on Interstate 80 I urge you to stay tuned. The Iowa Cubs have agreed to settle a feud that's been brewing for 57 years. This feud is between two southeast Minnesota guys, 72-year old pitcher Jerry Narveson from Chatfield and 74-year-old hitter Carson Ode from Lanesboro. The simmering feud is over how many hits Carson had against Jerry in a high school game in 1956. Carson said he had 3 and Jerry said he had 1.
The rules of this face-off will be:
The regular umpires, the Iowa Cubs catcher and other players will be on the field.
Jerry will be able to throw any of the pitches in his arsenal - including his blazing fastball. round house curve, sneaky slider or his knuckleball. (no spitballs are allowed).
Carson will keep hitting until he makes 3 outs or gets 3 hits.
Carson must use a wood bat like he did in high school.
If he gets 3 hits before he makes 3 outs the feud will end since it will prove that he can still hit Jerry as easy as he says he did in 1956. Carson will then be declared the winner.
Walks do not count for an out or a hit.
If Jerry gets 3 outs before Carson gets 3 hits he will be declared the winner.
And you two must shake hands when it's over, regardless of who wins. (AND NO TRASH TALK IS ALLOWED.)
And the feud will officially be declared over.
So Ladies and Gentlemen sit back, relax and watch this epic battle between two highly competitive 1950s superstars from Chatfield and Lanesboro, Minnesota. This will be one for the history books. And it will be videotaped and submitted to the Cooperstown Hall of Fame."
So READERS - who are you betting on? Leave a comment.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "Better to be beaten in the right, than to succeed in the wrong."
My THOUGHTS have to do with a possible face-off between longtime rivals Jerry Narveson and Carson Ode.
THE HISTORY OF THIS FEUD.
It was in May of 1956 when this rivalry started. Sophomore Jerry Narveson was pitching for Chatfield High School. Our opponent that day were the Lanesboro Burros. The Burros had a big guy who was six foot three, 200 pound white-haired guy, was half Norwegian and half German and was supposedly their best hitter. His name was Carson Ode, he was a senior and had much more experience than our sophomore dominated baseball team. The debate between these two rivals has evolved around how many hits Carson get off Jerry that day. Carson claims it was three hits and Jerry claims it was one. The two have been arguing about this for 57 years. The only way to settle this is to have these two go at each other one more time.
SO WHAT"S NEXT? Jerry has agreed to come out of retirement and get his form and confidence back by pitching against some players from Lanesboro.
Carson has said if Jerry, in his comeback, makes it to the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines he would be willing to come out of retirement to face Jerry one more time just to shut him up. Carson is pretty confident he could easily hit Jerry again as he had no problems 57 years ago with those three hits he claims he had.
CAN YOU IMAGINE!
The announcer for the Iowa Cubs is saying:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Principal Park in Des Moines. History will be made tonight and for those of you traveling on Interstate 80 I urge you to stay tuned. The Iowa Cubs have agreed to settle a feud that's been brewing for 57 years. This feud is between two southeast Minnesota guys, 72-year old pitcher Jerry Narveson from Chatfield and 74-year-old hitter Carson Ode from Lanesboro. The simmering feud is over how many hits Carson had against Jerry in a high school game in 1956. Carson said he had 3 and Jerry said he had 1.
The rules of this face-off will be:
The regular umpires, the Iowa Cubs catcher and other players will be on the field.
Jerry will be able to throw any of the pitches in his arsenal - including his blazing fastball. round house curve, sneaky slider or his knuckleball. (no spitballs are allowed).
Carson will keep hitting until he makes 3 outs or gets 3 hits.
Carson must use a wood bat like he did in high school.
If he gets 3 hits before he makes 3 outs the feud will end since it will prove that he can still hit Jerry as easy as he says he did in 1956. Carson will then be declared the winner.
Walks do not count for an out or a hit.
If Jerry gets 3 outs before Carson gets 3 hits he will be declared the winner.
And you two must shake hands when it's over, regardless of who wins. (AND NO TRASH TALK IS ALLOWED.)
And the feud will officially be declared over.
So Ladies and Gentlemen sit back, relax and watch this epic battle between two highly competitive 1950s superstars from Chatfield and Lanesboro, Minnesota. This will be one for the history books. And it will be videotaped and submitted to the Cooperstown Hall of Fame."
So READERS - who are you betting on? Leave a comment.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,456. My daughter turned 50 yesterday-she's elgible for AARP.
Today is Thursday, April 25, 2013.
My THOUGHTS today.
Yesterday was daughter Carron's 50th birthday. On April 24, 1963, I was in my first year of teaching school in Martelle. Ruth Ann awakened me around 5-6 AM and said it was time to get a sitter for Brad and to call the principal for a sub. At 7:30 AM we went to a friend's home in Anamosa. Ruth Ann called the doctor's home - his wife answered - told Ruth Ann she was definitely in labor. The doctor's wife called her husband at his office. His office happened to be right next door to our friend's house - the doctor walked over to the house and told Ruth Ann you need to get to the hospital. We went to the hospital about 8:30 and Carron was born at 9:26 that evening, She had an unbelievable amount of black hair. The next day at school I wrote on the blackboard, "Last night, at 9:26 PM, Miss America, 1983, was born at the Anamosa Hospital. " The kids got a kick out of that. Another memory is that I had to pay for my sub - it cost me $12.00. There was no such thing as personal leave days at that time. I didn't know I had to pay until I got a letter from the superintendent in June stating that I had to pay my sub. Twelve dollars doesn't sound like much but when your monthly take home pay is $309.00 it is quite a bit. (And people wonder why teachers wanted to organize and form a union - this is one of many reasons why.)
My for stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 39 minutes of walking = 2.1 miles for an April total of 49.1 miles. My weight was 161.2 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE form OUR IOWA magazine. "Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."
Tomorrow I plan to write about the possible rematch between Carson Ode and Jerry Narveson.
My THOUGHTS today.
Yesterday was daughter Carron's 50th birthday. On April 24, 1963, I was in my first year of teaching school in Martelle. Ruth Ann awakened me around 5-6 AM and said it was time to get a sitter for Brad and to call the principal for a sub. At 7:30 AM we went to a friend's home in Anamosa. Ruth Ann called the doctor's home - his wife answered - told Ruth Ann she was definitely in labor. The doctor's wife called her husband at his office. His office happened to be right next door to our friend's house - the doctor walked over to the house and told Ruth Ann you need to get to the hospital. We went to the hospital about 8:30 and Carron was born at 9:26 that evening, She had an unbelievable amount of black hair. The next day at school I wrote on the blackboard, "Last night, at 9:26 PM, Miss America, 1983, was born at the Anamosa Hospital. " The kids got a kick out of that. Another memory is that I had to pay for my sub - it cost me $12.00. There was no such thing as personal leave days at that time. I didn't know I had to pay until I got a letter from the superintendent in June stating that I had to pay my sub. Twelve dollars doesn't sound like much but when your monthly take home pay is $309.00 it is quite a bit. (And people wonder why teachers wanted to organize and form a union - this is one of many reasons why.)
My for stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 39 minutes of walking = 2.1 miles for an April total of 49.1 miles. My weight was 161.2 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE form OUR IOWA magazine. "Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."
Tomorrow I plan to write about the possible rematch between Carson Ode and Jerry Narveson.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,454. The futility of the Chicago Cubs.
Today is Tuesday, April 23, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 38 minutes of walking = 2.1 miles for an April total of 47.0 miles. My weight was 161.6 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "It's the company, not the cooking, that makes a great meal."
My THOUGHTS today are on the utter futility of the Chicago Cubs. Right now the Cubs have a 5-13 win-loss record. The only team with a worse record is Miami with a 4-15 record and they are tied with Houston and San Diego who also have 5 wins. Last night was another example of their futility when they played the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs were leading 2-0 and then gave up 2 runs in the seventh to make it a tie game. It goes into extra innings - in the top of the 13th the Cubs score 2 runs for a 4-2 lead. So what do they do - they give up 3 runs in the bottom of the 13th to lose the game 5-4. To be a Cub fan means you're not too smart - it is the quickest way I know to drive somebody to thinking about suicide.
They need some pitching, especially from the relievers. I'm about ready to call my old high school pitcher in Chatfield, Minnesota to see if he would come out of retirement. His name is Jerry Narveson - he's 72-years-old now but I bet he still has that blazing fastball and sweeping curve ball he had in high school. If the Cubs had him they'd at least have a reliable reliever, He couldn't do any worse than those clowns they have now.
What do you think Jerry?
Jerry, there is a way to get the ball rolling but it is going to take some help from Carson Ode. Carson has some sway in Des Moines and I'm sure, after batting against you in 1956 and remembering your fastball and curveball, he would write a letter to the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines and highly recommend you get a try-out with them. (The Iowa Cubs are the Triple AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.) What do you think Carson?
(P.S. When you write that letter please don't say anything about Jerry throwing watermelons or anything about all those hits you say you got against Jerry.)
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "It's the company, not the cooking, that makes a great meal."
My THOUGHTS today are on the utter futility of the Chicago Cubs. Right now the Cubs have a 5-13 win-loss record. The only team with a worse record is Miami with a 4-15 record and they are tied with Houston and San Diego who also have 5 wins. Last night was another example of their futility when they played the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs were leading 2-0 and then gave up 2 runs in the seventh to make it a tie game. It goes into extra innings - in the top of the 13th the Cubs score 2 runs for a 4-2 lead. So what do they do - they give up 3 runs in the bottom of the 13th to lose the game 5-4. To be a Cub fan means you're not too smart - it is the quickest way I know to drive somebody to thinking about suicide.
They need some pitching, especially from the relievers. I'm about ready to call my old high school pitcher in Chatfield, Minnesota to see if he would come out of retirement. His name is Jerry Narveson - he's 72-years-old now but I bet he still has that blazing fastball and sweeping curve ball he had in high school. If the Cubs had him they'd at least have a reliable reliever, He couldn't do any worse than those clowns they have now.
What do you think Jerry?
Jerry, there is a way to get the ball rolling but it is going to take some help from Carson Ode. Carson has some sway in Des Moines and I'm sure, after batting against you in 1956 and remembering your fastball and curveball, he would write a letter to the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines and highly recommend you get a try-out with them. (The Iowa Cubs are the Triple AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.) What do you think Carson?
(P.S. When you write that letter please don't say anything about Jerry throwing watermelons or anything about all those hits you say you got against Jerry.)
Monday, April 22, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day26,453. Part III - How to piss off a German.
Today is Monday, April 22, 2012. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes of lifting weights and 51 minutes of walking = 2.7 miles for an April total of 44.9 miles. My weight was 161.8 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine. "If common sense is so common, why are there so many people without it?"
My THOUGHTS today are on Part III on how to piss off a German.
Tactic #5: Say you don't like asparagus, especially if it's white.
Germans are absolutely, uncontrollably cuckoo-crazy about asparagus, especially if it's white, not the green stuff. From the end of April to the end of June they eat literally eat nothing else, day and night, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even public toilets smell of the white stuff. Germans would sell their own grandmothers to get a hold of some white asparagus (also known as "White Gold"). So if you are invited for dinner during asparagus season, and if you advise your host that you are not a fan of the white stuff it will guarantee you instant enmity, if not a good kicking and deportation to Auschwitz.
Tactic #6: Recycle erroneously.
Germans recycle just about everything. They have different colored bins for plastic, tin, food, and large green, white, and brown bins for colored glass bottles. To really piss off a German go to one of these bins with a bag of different colored bottles and dump them in the wrong bin. Then you'll have old men with sticks and pony-tailed schoolgirls chasing you and shaking their fists at your stupidity and ignorance. v
HUMOR for today: A guy named George Grosz said this about Germans. "Germans are a fine people but quick to catch the disease of anti-humanity. I think it's because of their poor elimination. Germany is headquarters for constipation."
The author of the article was Paul Sullivan. An expat who lived in Berlin for 3 years.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine. "If common sense is so common, why are there so many people without it?"
My THOUGHTS today are on Part III on how to piss off a German.
Tactic #5: Say you don't like asparagus, especially if it's white.
Germans are absolutely, uncontrollably cuckoo-crazy about asparagus, especially if it's white, not the green stuff. From the end of April to the end of June they eat literally eat nothing else, day and night, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even public toilets smell of the white stuff. Germans would sell their own grandmothers to get a hold of some white asparagus (also known as "White Gold"). So if you are invited for dinner during asparagus season, and if you advise your host that you are not a fan of the white stuff it will guarantee you instant enmity, if not a good kicking and deportation to Auschwitz.
Tactic #6: Recycle erroneously.
Germans recycle just about everything. They have different colored bins for plastic, tin, food, and large green, white, and brown bins for colored glass bottles. To really piss off a German go to one of these bins with a bag of different colored bottles and dump them in the wrong bin. Then you'll have old men with sticks and pony-tailed schoolgirls chasing you and shaking their fists at your stupidity and ignorance. v
HUMOR for today: A guy named George Grosz said this about Germans. "Germans are a fine people but quick to catch the disease of anti-humanity. I think it's because of their poor elimination. Germany is headquarters for constipation."
The author of the article was Paul Sullivan. An expat who lived in Berlin for 3 years.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,451. Part II - How to piss off a German.
Today is Saturday, April 20, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 50 minutes of walking = 2.7 miles for a an April total of 42.2 miles. My weight was 161.4 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "A man is known by the company he avoids."
My THOUGHTS today are on a couple more ways to piss off a German.
Tactic #3: Use fancy English words they don't understand.
Most Germans speak very good English, which makes them slightly smug, especially when only 3 non-natives in the history of the world have ever been able to master German. Take advantage of English's arcane vocabulary by sprinkling words like "circumbilivagination" and "epalpebrate" throughout the conversation as if they were commonplace. This method is guaranteed to replace the smugness on your German friend's face.
Tactic #4: Urinate standing up.
This one is for men (obviously) and is based on a subtle cultural anomaly in Germany where men tend to pee sitting down. Men who do this are called sitzpinklers and those who stand up are called stehpinklers - they have the most critics - mostly females. So in order to be ultra-annoying, you need only (literally) stand up for your male rights
I'll have two more tomorrow.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "A man is known by the company he avoids."
My THOUGHTS today are on a couple more ways to piss off a German.
Tactic #3: Use fancy English words they don't understand.
Most Germans speak very good English, which makes them slightly smug, especially when only 3 non-natives in the history of the world have ever been able to master German. Take advantage of English's arcane vocabulary by sprinkling words like "circumbilivagination" and "epalpebrate" throughout the conversation as if they were commonplace. This method is guaranteed to replace the smugness on your German friend's face.
Tactic #4: Urinate standing up.
This one is for men (obviously) and is based on a subtle cultural anomaly in Germany where men tend to pee sitting down. Men who do this are called sitzpinklers and those who stand up are called stehpinklers - they have the most critics - mostly females. So in order to be ultra-annoying, you need only (literally) stand up for your male rights
I'll have two more tomorrow.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,450. How to piss off a German.
Today is Friday, April 19, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes of lifting weights and 45 minutes of walking = 2.5 miles for an April total of 39.5 miles. My weight was 161.8 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "Anything worth doing is going to take longer than you think."
My THOUGHTS today: I had so much fun writing about "How to Piss off a Dane" I thought why not have more fun and write about "How to Piss off a German," Here we go:
Tactic #1: Cross at a red light.
The simplest and best way to provoke some classic Teutonic anger is to meander across the road when the crossing light is red. If you do expect to see elderly, hunched women, beefy tattooed workman in overalls, sensible parents authoritatively clutching their young children - all united in their righteous mix of incomprehension, disgust and outrage.
Tactic #2. Stare back at them using binoculars.
If staring was an Olympic sport, the Germans would win Gold every time. In Germany, staring openly is something that just happens-like breathing or walking.
Germans here don't just stare at you, they stare through you, mostly through genuine curiosity but sometimes critically. Staring back only creates a stand-off which no one can win, so the best counter attack is to use the element of surprise: whip out a pair of small binoculars and return eye contact at close range. Then ask if they'd care to take a photo.
Tactics 3 and 4 will be posts. tomorrow.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "Anything worth doing is going to take longer than you think."
My THOUGHTS today: I had so much fun writing about "How to Piss off a Dane" I thought why not have more fun and write about "How to Piss off a German," Here we go:
Tactic #1: Cross at a red light.
The simplest and best way to provoke some classic Teutonic anger is to meander across the road when the crossing light is red. If you do expect to see elderly, hunched women, beefy tattooed workman in overalls, sensible parents authoritatively clutching their young children - all united in their righteous mix of incomprehension, disgust and outrage.
Tactic #2. Stare back at them using binoculars.
If staring was an Olympic sport, the Germans would win Gold every time. In Germany, staring openly is something that just happens-like breathing or walking.
Germans here don't just stare at you, they stare through you, mostly through genuine curiosity but sometimes critically. Staring back only creates a stand-off which no one can win, so the best counter attack is to use the element of surprise: whip out a pair of small binoculars and return eye contact at close range. Then ask if they'd care to take a photo.
Tactics 3 and 4 will be posts. tomorrow.
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,449. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Today is Thursday, April 18, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 41 minutes of walking = 2.2 miles for April total of 37.0 miles. My weight was 163.4 pounds. (I'm getting fat - time to watch my calorie intake again.)
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine. "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."
My THOUGHTS today are on the Boston Marathon tragedy on Monday. I watched the interfaith service held in Boston this morning. It is wonderful how Americans of different faiths can do this - there are many countries where something like this would never happen. It was inspiring to listen to the clergy from all the faiths and inspiring to listen to the mayor of Boston, Governor Patrick and President Obama. There was similarity in their messages and they all said Boston will persevere and rebound better than ever.
All I can say is I'm grateful to live in a country where we have a constitution that allows this to happen. All Americans pull together when we've been wronged.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine. "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."
My THOUGHTS today are on the Boston Marathon tragedy on Monday. I watched the interfaith service held in Boston this morning. It is wonderful how Americans of different faiths can do this - there are many countries where something like this would never happen. It was inspiring to listen to the clergy from all the faiths and inspiring to listen to the mayor of Boston, Governor Patrick and President Obama. There was similarity in their messages and they all said Boston will persevere and rebound better than ever.
All I can say is I'm grateful to live in a country where we have a constitution that allows this to happen. All Americans pull together when we've been wronged.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,448. How to piss off a Dane - Part II.
Today is Wednesday, April, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes lifting weights and 37 minutes of walking = 2.0 miles for an April total of 34.8 miles. My weight was 162.4 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the fall."
My THOUGHTS today are on tactics 4, 5, and 6 on HOW TO PISS OFF A DANE.
Tactic #4: Wear your sweatpants in public.
This may seem harsh if you're hungover or attached to the trends of American college campuses. But venturing into the cold light of day in Denmark in your sweatpants and university sweatshirt is frowned on, at best. If you insist on wearing your comfies outdoors, invest in a black trench coat and cover that shit up.
The advantage of PIPA (Privacy in Public Act) is that blending in is generally easy because everyone really wants to mind their own business in return for the same courtesy. But Danes can "stare like Germans" if provoked, and there's nothing worse than being watched like a HAWK with your sweats on backwards and last night's Tuborg or Carlsberg binge on your breath. To really piss them off wear your sweats to the 7-11 for hangover hot dogs. That'll show them Danes.
Tactic #5: Smile at their children (or dogs).
Smiling at Danish children will elicit awkward squirms and suspicious glances from the parent. There's something about it that's too close for comfort and in blatant violation of their PIPA.
If your feeling miffed that a Danish woman is monopolizing an entire row of seats on a crowded train with multiple bags and a small dog. Just reach down and pet that dog without asking. Then rant and rave enthusiastically about how cute the dog is. And to really piss her off say it in Danish.
Tactic #6: Act like a human at the grocery store.
The Danes are grocery store robots. There's something about grocery shopping in Denmark that elicits a deep-seated need for order in the heart of every Dane, and they expect things to go smoothly without having to speak or make eye contact with anyone.
Refuse to play their silent game of chicken as you gather your groceries. Don't move until they're forced to mutter undskyld (excuse me).
When you approach the cash register this is where the game gets serious, and you can't falter for a second if you hope to maintain your place in line. Half a step to examine the gum rack is all it takes for the Dane behind you to elbow past you and claim your spot. And don't be deterred by the fact that the Dane behind you is practically on top of you, mirroring your every inch forward as though his/her life depended on it. STAND YOUR GROUND.
An expat friend of the author eloquently observed that a Dane would climb inside your asshole if only to be a few inches closer to the front of the line. But this expat was in violation of PIPA that morning because he/she had dared to smile at a Danish child while wearing sweatpants.
The author of this Piss off a Dane article is Emily Hanssen Arent. She is a writer and traveler who has lived in Boulder, Colorado, Copenhagen, and Jerusalem. She is currently a graduate student of Middle Eastern Studies in Tel Aviv, Israel, where she writes, studies, and struggles daily with Hebrew and Arabic.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the fall."
My THOUGHTS today are on tactics 4, 5, and 6 on HOW TO PISS OFF A DANE.
Tactic #4: Wear your sweatpants in public.
This may seem harsh if you're hungover or attached to the trends of American college campuses. But venturing into the cold light of day in Denmark in your sweatpants and university sweatshirt is frowned on, at best. If you insist on wearing your comfies outdoors, invest in a black trench coat and cover that shit up.
The advantage of PIPA (Privacy in Public Act) is that blending in is generally easy because everyone really wants to mind their own business in return for the same courtesy. But Danes can "stare like Germans" if provoked, and there's nothing worse than being watched like a HAWK with your sweats on backwards and last night's Tuborg or Carlsberg binge on your breath. To really piss them off wear your sweats to the 7-11 for hangover hot dogs. That'll show them Danes.
Tactic #5: Smile at their children (or dogs).
Smiling at Danish children will elicit awkward squirms and suspicious glances from the parent. There's something about it that's too close for comfort and in blatant violation of their PIPA.
If your feeling miffed that a Danish woman is monopolizing an entire row of seats on a crowded train with multiple bags and a small dog. Just reach down and pet that dog without asking. Then rant and rave enthusiastically about how cute the dog is. And to really piss her off say it in Danish.
Tactic #6: Act like a human at the grocery store.
The Danes are grocery store robots. There's something about grocery shopping in Denmark that elicits a deep-seated need for order in the heart of every Dane, and they expect things to go smoothly without having to speak or make eye contact with anyone.
Refuse to play their silent game of chicken as you gather your groceries. Don't move until they're forced to mutter undskyld (excuse me).
When you approach the cash register this is where the game gets serious, and you can't falter for a second if you hope to maintain your place in line. Half a step to examine the gum rack is all it takes for the Dane behind you to elbow past you and claim your spot. And don't be deterred by the fact that the Dane behind you is practically on top of you, mirroring your every inch forward as though his/her life depended on it. STAND YOUR GROUND.
An expat friend of the author eloquently observed that a Dane would climb inside your asshole if only to be a few inches closer to the front of the line. But this expat was in violation of PIPA that morning because he/she had dared to smile at a Danish child while wearing sweatpants.
The author of this Piss off a Dane article is Emily Hanssen Arent. She is a writer and traveler who has lived in Boulder, Colorado, Copenhagen, and Jerusalem. She is currently a graduate student of Middle Eastern Studies in Tel Aviv, Israel, where she writes, studies, and struggles daily with Hebrew and Arabic.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,447. How to piss off a DANE.
Today is Tuesday, April 16, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 51 minutes of walking = 2.8 miles for an April total of 32.8 miles. My weight was 161.6 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA Magazine: "The day the Lord created hope is probably the same day He created spring."
My THOUGHTS today are about article I read yesterday that was posted on son Brad's Facebook. Since Brad has lived in Denmark since 1990 some guy thought it would be fun to let Brad read this article entitled, HOW TO PISS OFF A DANE. I found it funny as we have been to Denmark over a dozen times and are well acquainted with Danish culture. I'll split up the six ways into three posts today and three tomorrow.
Danes do not like to be bothered in public. The unwritten rule in Denmark is known as PIPA - which means "Privacy in Public Act." Stepping out of line in public is one of the easiest ways to provoke anger in this flock of stoic Scandinavians. Here are the first 3 tactics on "How to piss a Dane."
Tactic #1: Ask "How are you?"
To ask a Dane "How are you?' and then walk away without waiting for an answer is a source of amusement for the Danes. If you want to make a friend in Denmark, ask this question when you have 5-10 minutes to spare. If you ask it merely in passing/greeting that Dane will probably think you're the most insincere person on the planet.
Tactic #2: Speak their language.
Learning to speak the Danish language is very hard because of the difficulty in learning the accent. The combination of guttural "r's" and soft "d's" make developing the proper accent a lifetime. achievement. Everybody in Denmark under age 50-60 can speak English. So it is easier for waiter/waitress, barista, store clerk, or cashier to take your order in English than for them to try to understand your Danish. So it you want to piss them off try to speak Danish. The author wrote; "Danes speak English, Americans know Danes speak English, and Danes know that Americans know we speak English.
Tactic #3: Fail to signal in the bike lane.
Bike etiquette in Denmark is designed to operate like a well-oiled machine. Point low to the right or left if you plan to turn, hold your right hand next to you face if you're planning to stop and pass only in the left lane. If you're biking and you fail to signal you will trigger a chain reaction of last-minute braking and a string of surprisingly violent hisses from passing bikers. Danes work 37-hour weeks, have free healthcare, free childcare, have a minimum wage over $20 an hour and the government pays for their college education. Your failure to signal is probably the worst thing that's happened to them in years.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA Magazine: "The day the Lord created hope is probably the same day He created spring."
My THOUGHTS today are about article I read yesterday that was posted on son Brad's Facebook. Since Brad has lived in Denmark since 1990 some guy thought it would be fun to let Brad read this article entitled, HOW TO PISS OFF A DANE. I found it funny as we have been to Denmark over a dozen times and are well acquainted with Danish culture. I'll split up the six ways into three posts today and three tomorrow.
Danes do not like to be bothered in public. The unwritten rule in Denmark is known as PIPA - which means "Privacy in Public Act." Stepping out of line in public is one of the easiest ways to provoke anger in this flock of stoic Scandinavians. Here are the first 3 tactics on "How to piss a Dane."
Tactic #1: Ask "How are you?"
To ask a Dane "How are you?' and then walk away without waiting for an answer is a source of amusement for the Danes. If you want to make a friend in Denmark, ask this question when you have 5-10 minutes to spare. If you ask it merely in passing/greeting that Dane will probably think you're the most insincere person on the planet.
Tactic #2: Speak their language.
Learning to speak the Danish language is very hard because of the difficulty in learning the accent. The combination of guttural "r's" and soft "d's" make developing the proper accent a lifetime. achievement. Everybody in Denmark under age 50-60 can speak English. So it is easier for waiter/waitress, barista, store clerk, or cashier to take your order in English than for them to try to understand your Danish. So it you want to piss them off try to speak Danish. The author wrote; "Danes speak English, Americans know Danes speak English, and Danes know that Americans know we speak English.
Tactic #3: Fail to signal in the bike lane.
Bike etiquette in Denmark is designed to operate like a well-oiled machine. Point low to the right or left if you plan to turn, hold your right hand next to you face if you're planning to stop and pass only in the left lane. If you're biking and you fail to signal you will trigger a chain reaction of last-minute braking and a string of surprisingly violent hisses from passing bikers. Danes work 37-hour weeks, have free healthcare, free childcare, have a minimum wage over $20 an hour and the government pays for their college education. Your failure to signal is probably the worst thing that's happened to them in years.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,446. When is spring coming?
Today is Monday, April 15, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes of lifting weights and 41 minutes of walking = 2.2 miles for an April total of 30.0 miles. My weight was 162.6 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from Norman Vincent Peale: "It's always too early to quit."
My THOUGHTS today. When the hell is warmer weather going to be here? I'm sick of running the furnace, wearing my scarf and gloves on my morning walk and I want to get on the golf course.
Inspiring QUOTE from Norman Vincent Peale: "It's always too early to quit."
My THOUGHTS today. When the hell is warmer weather going to be here? I'm sick of running the furnace, wearing my scarf and gloves on my morning walk and I want to get on the golf course.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Pete's Blog-Day 26,444. You gotta see the movie.= 42
Today is Saturday, April 13, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 37 minutes of walking = 2.0 miles for an April total of 27.8 miles. My weight was 161.4 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from Dear Abby: "Maturity is: The ability to carry money without spending it. And the ability to bear an injustice without wanting to get even."
My THOUGHTS today have to do with a movie. Yesterday Ruth Ann and I went to see the movie "42". It was the story of Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball from 1945 to 1957. Branch Rickey deserves the most credit for breaking the barrier by having the guts to sign Robinson to a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers Triple AAA farm team in Montreal in1946. If it hadn't been for Rickey who knows how many years it would've been before the color barrier was broken. He picked Robinson because he was a fantastic athlete who had lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball at UCLA in the early 1940s. He also picked Robinson because he thought he could handle the abuse he would receive all over the league.
The abuse Robinson went through in Montreal in 1946 and 1947 in Brooklyn was unbelievable. The boos and verbal taunts would have destroyed most people. But Rickey had told him before he signed that "I want a player who will be smart enough not to respond to any of the hate that he would have to go through." Robinson did just that but he almost broke a couple of times. But with Rickey and his wife (Rachel) backing him up he managed to keep his pledge not to respond. The most racist scene in the film was when the Philadelphia Phillies manager (Ben Chapman) stood on the dugout steps when Jackie came to bat and called him every imaginable racist taunt you can imagine.
Another great scene was when Dodger shortstop Pee Wee Reese got a hate letter which threatened him for playing with Robinson. Pee Wee was from Kentucky. He got the hate letter when the Dodgers were playing their first game in Cincinnatti, just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. Pee Wee took the letter to Branch Rickey's office and showed it to him. Branch then went to his files and pulled out three big manila folders, stuffed with hundreds of letters, and laid them in front of Pee Wee. He read a couple of them and decided he didn't have much to complain about. The three folders were full of hate-filled letters that Rickey had received which threatened his life and Jackie Robinson's life.
Ruth Ann said it was the best and most memorable movie she had ever seen. I feel the same way.
We've come a long way since 1946-7. To think we now have a black president is almost unbelievable. However, President Obama has received more death threats than all the other presidents combined. I feel he has responded just like Jackie Robinson did - he has kept his mouth shut and never once acknowledged or reacted to any of the threats.
Inspiring QUOTE from Dear Abby: "Maturity is: The ability to carry money without spending it. And the ability to bear an injustice without wanting to get even."
My THOUGHTS today have to do with a movie. Yesterday Ruth Ann and I went to see the movie "42". It was the story of Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball from 1945 to 1957. Branch Rickey deserves the most credit for breaking the barrier by having the guts to sign Robinson to a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers Triple AAA farm team in Montreal in1946. If it hadn't been for Rickey who knows how many years it would've been before the color barrier was broken. He picked Robinson because he was a fantastic athlete who had lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball at UCLA in the early 1940s. He also picked Robinson because he thought he could handle the abuse he would receive all over the league.
The abuse Robinson went through in Montreal in 1946 and 1947 in Brooklyn was unbelievable. The boos and verbal taunts would have destroyed most people. But Rickey had told him before he signed that "I want a player who will be smart enough not to respond to any of the hate that he would have to go through." Robinson did just that but he almost broke a couple of times. But with Rickey and his wife (Rachel) backing him up he managed to keep his pledge not to respond. The most racist scene in the film was when the Philadelphia Phillies manager (Ben Chapman) stood on the dugout steps when Jackie came to bat and called him every imaginable racist taunt you can imagine.
Another great scene was when Dodger shortstop Pee Wee Reese got a hate letter which threatened him for playing with Robinson. Pee Wee was from Kentucky. He got the hate letter when the Dodgers were playing their first game in Cincinnatti, just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. Pee Wee took the letter to Branch Rickey's office and showed it to him. Branch then went to his files and pulled out three big manila folders, stuffed with hundreds of letters, and laid them in front of Pee Wee. He read a couple of them and decided he didn't have much to complain about. The three folders were full of hate-filled letters that Rickey had received which threatened his life and Jackie Robinson's life.
Ruth Ann said it was the best and most memorable movie she had ever seen. I feel the same way.
We've come a long way since 1946-7. To think we now have a black president is almost unbelievable. However, President Obama has received more death threats than all the other presidents combined. I feel he has responded just like Jackie Robinson did - he has kept his mouth shut and never once acknowledged or reacted to any of the threats.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,443.Two Iowans-one gets a + and the other gets a -
Today is Friday, April, 12, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes of lifting weights and 51 minutes of walking = 2.8 miles for an April total of 25.8 miles. My weight was 161.6 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If love what you are doing, you will be successful."
My THOUGHTS today are on two guys from Iowa - I like one of them and have little or no love for the other.
Yesterday a professional golfer from Cedar Rapids shot a 3 under 69 in the first round of the Master's. His name is Zach Johnson and he won the Master's in 2007. I hope he does it again. Zach is a class guy and makes all Iowans proud. He is my + guy today.
Yesterday, the U.S Senate voted 68-31 to debate a bill that would expand background checks for gun purchases beyond already-required commercial sales and possibly private transactions as well. Our two Senators split their vote - Senator Harkin was for and Grassley was against. My respect for Grassley has taken a nosedive since Obama was elected. I thought he had an open mind and would split from his party at times - but he hasn't. He's turned into a right-wing wimp. I thought he would actually vote for this measure and I was very disappointed he didn't have the guts to do it. So Grassley - you are my - guy today.
Inspiring QUOTE from OUR IOWA magazine: "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If love what you are doing, you will be successful."
My THOUGHTS today are on two guys from Iowa - I like one of them and have little or no love for the other.
Yesterday a professional golfer from Cedar Rapids shot a 3 under 69 in the first round of the Master's. His name is Zach Johnson and he won the Master's in 2007. I hope he does it again. Zach is a class guy and makes all Iowans proud. He is my + guy today.
Yesterday, the U.S Senate voted 68-31 to debate a bill that would expand background checks for gun purchases beyond already-required commercial sales and possibly private transactions as well. Our two Senators split their vote - Senator Harkin was for and Grassley was against. My respect for Grassley has taken a nosedive since Obama was elected. I thought he had an open mind and would split from his party at times - but he hasn't. He's turned into a right-wing wimp. I thought he would actually vote for this measure and I was very disappointed he didn't have the guts to do it. So Grassley - you are my - guy today.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,442. Pink locker rooms.
Today is Thursday, March 11, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 37 minutes of walking = 2.0 miles for an April total of 23.0 miles. My weight was 161.6 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from Abigail Van Buren: " Maturity is; The ability to stick with a job until it's finished and the ability to do a job without being supervised."
My THOUGHTS are on a pink locker room. An article on the OPINION page in the CR Gazette made me laugh. It was written by Bob Elliot, a former City Council member in Iowa City. He wrote about the Kinnick Stadium visitor's locker room that Hayden Fry ordered to be painted pink in the 1980s. The pink locker room was apparently a psychological ploy by Fry to make the opposing players feel like little girly - pansies and not be as aggressive as they should. Anyway, there are a couple of attorneys concerned that using pink is a form of taunting the other team.
Regardless of that view what made me laugh is this. The author said if pink is psychologically devastating enough to be illegal, what about the other colors? Which shade of pink should be banned? For instance, shades of pink include rose, fuchsia, salmon, carnation and coral. Darker shades of pink include maroon, lavender or magenta. And what if Herky got pink eye? In my opinion, this whole thing about a pink locker room is a ridiculous thing to get uptight about.
Inspiring QUOTE from Abigail Van Buren: " Maturity is; The ability to stick with a job until it's finished and the ability to do a job without being supervised."
My THOUGHTS are on a pink locker room. An article on the OPINION page in the CR Gazette made me laugh. It was written by Bob Elliot, a former City Council member in Iowa City. He wrote about the Kinnick Stadium visitor's locker room that Hayden Fry ordered to be painted pink in the 1980s. The pink locker room was apparently a psychological ploy by Fry to make the opposing players feel like little girly - pansies and not be as aggressive as they should. Anyway, there are a couple of attorneys concerned that using pink is a form of taunting the other team.
Regardless of that view what made me laugh is this. The author said if pink is psychologically devastating enough to be illegal, what about the other colors? Which shade of pink should be banned? For instance, shades of pink include rose, fuchsia, salmon, carnation and coral. Darker shades of pink include maroon, lavender or magenta. And what if Herky got pink eye? In my opinion, this whole thing about a pink locker room is a ridiculous thing to get uptight about.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,441. I'm glad I don't live in the Twin Cities right now.
Today is Wednesday, April 10, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes of lifting weights and 45 minutes of walking = 2.5 miles for an April total of 21.0 miles. My weight was 162.2 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from the Reader's Digest: "Mothers are selfless in every way, instinctive philosophers, and all slightly insane."
My THOUGHTS today: After listening to the weather report this morning my main thought is that I'm glad I don't live in the Twin Cities right now. The report said the Twin Cities were expecting 8-10 inches of snow today - plus they had several inches yesterday. Last week my sister Jan and husband Don got back from their winter home in Mesa, Arizona. They live in Bloomington on the south side of Minneapolis. A couple years ago brother-in-law Don sent a joke by email saying Minnesota was equivalent to heaven. I wonder if he is reconsidering!!!! I guess if hell is supposed to be hot then heaven must be cold and covered with over a foot of snow.
HUMOR for today. There was guy named Bruce Lansky who said: "In Minnesota it's so cold and snowy some nights you have to wear two condoms."
Inspiring QUOTE from the Reader's Digest: "Mothers are selfless in every way, instinctive philosophers, and all slightly insane."
My THOUGHTS today: After listening to the weather report this morning my main thought is that I'm glad I don't live in the Twin Cities right now. The report said the Twin Cities were expecting 8-10 inches of snow today - plus they had several inches yesterday. Last week my sister Jan and husband Don got back from their winter home in Mesa, Arizona. They live in Bloomington on the south side of Minneapolis. A couple years ago brother-in-law Don sent a joke by email saying Minnesota was equivalent to heaven. I wonder if he is reconsidering!!!! I guess if hell is supposed to be hot then heaven must be cold and covered with over a foot of snow.
HUMOR for today. There was guy named Bruce Lansky who said: "In Minnesota it's so cold and snowy some nights you have to wear two condoms."
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,440. Future inventions - unbelievable
Today is Tuesday, April 9, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball, and 37 minutes of walking = 2.0 miles for and April total of 18.5 miles. My weight was 161.4 pounds.
Inspiring QUOTE from Haruki Murakami: "If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking."
My THOUGHTS today are from the latest Reader's Digest. I read a very thought-provoking article about inventions in the making that could/will change our life.
- New paint for roadways that will change color to warn of dangerous road conditions.
- A $279,000 flying car to park in your driveway. It has foldable wings to fit in your garage, goes 115 mph, and requires a pilot's license. Inventor expects to start selling them next year.
- Toro's wireless moisture sensors turn on your sprinkler system when they detect a dry lawn.
- A smart bed that makes itself. From Spain this bed will have a remote that will have mechanical arms to straighten sheets and pillows automatically in less than a minute.
- Candy where you can eat everything - including the wrapper.
- We could be washing clothes without water. The waterless ORBIT washing machine blasts clothing with dry ice to remove dirt and produce clean, dry clothes in a matter of minutes.
- The HAPIfork monitors your food intake and vibrates to indicate that you should slow down or stop eating. The cost in $99.00.
- Forget your computer password. A scientist at Texas State University in San Marcos, is creating a log-in system that identifies people by the way their eyes flicker. Like finger prints, no two people have the same gaze pattern. Your stare could be your strongest security measure.
Inspiring QUOTE from Haruki Murakami: "If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking."
My THOUGHTS today are from the latest Reader's Digest. I read a very thought-provoking article about inventions in the making that could/will change our life.
- New paint for roadways that will change color to warn of dangerous road conditions.
- A $279,000 flying car to park in your driveway. It has foldable wings to fit in your garage, goes 115 mph, and requires a pilot's license. Inventor expects to start selling them next year.
- Toro's wireless moisture sensors turn on your sprinkler system when they detect a dry lawn.
- A smart bed that makes itself. From Spain this bed will have a remote that will have mechanical arms to straighten sheets and pillows automatically in less than a minute.
- Candy where you can eat everything - including the wrapper.
- We could be washing clothes without water. The waterless ORBIT washing machine blasts clothing with dry ice to remove dirt and produce clean, dry clothes in a matter of minutes.
- The HAPIfork monitors your food intake and vibrates to indicate that you should slow down or stop eating. The cost in $99.00.
- Forget your computer password. A scientist at Texas State University in San Marcos, is creating a log-in system that identifies people by the way their eyes flicker. Like finger prints, no two people have the same gaze pattern. Your stare could be your strongest security measure.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,439. Tips about nursing homes
Today is Monday, April 8, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes lifting weights and 39 minutes of walking for an April total of 16.5 miles. My weight was 161.2 pounds.
Inspirational QUOTE from Chuck Palahniuk: "The goal in life isn't to live forever; the goal is to create something that will."
My THOUGHTS today are about nursing homes. Last month Reader's Digest had a great article entitled, 50 SECRETS A NURSING HOME WON'T TELL YOU. I grew up in nursing home from ages 8 to 18 so I know a little something about them. I want to share a few things in the article I found interesting.
- If you're looking for a nursing home for A LOVED ONE and have several choices go visit them on a Saturday night at 6 pm. By that time dinner has been served and few if any managers will be in the facility. Then talk to the staff and family members of residents about what they like and don't like.
- Nonprofits are better. WHY? Nonprofit nursing homes and government-owned facilities have better staffing, pay better wages, and offer better quality care than for-profit nursing homes. A nationwide study showed that for-profit chains had the worst staffing and were cited for the highest number of deficiencies and severe deficiencies- - 1 in 3 CNAs working at nursing homes have received public aid, like Medicaid for their own health care, because of low salary - $8.50 AN HOUR DOESN'T CUT IT.
- If your Mom goes into a home, it can't require you to pay out of your pocket for her. But, some nursing homes will try it anyway, and all to often, relatives will pay.
- Visit often - it's been proven that residents whose families are involved get better care.
- When moving a loved one in bring their own pillows, bedding, and even a recliner if there is room and also other favorite things from home. (like photos)
- Theft and loss are a big problem in nursing homes so be sure and put the loved one's name on everything
- The average cost of a private room in a nursing home is $87,235 = $239 a day.
After growing up in nursing homes I don't relish the thought of ending up in one. But I probably won't have much to say about that if and when the time comes. I hope it never comes.
Inspirational QUOTE from Chuck Palahniuk: "The goal in life isn't to live forever; the goal is to create something that will."
My THOUGHTS today are about nursing homes. Last month Reader's Digest had a great article entitled, 50 SECRETS A NURSING HOME WON'T TELL YOU. I grew up in nursing home from ages 8 to 18 so I know a little something about them. I want to share a few things in the article I found interesting.
- If you're looking for a nursing home for A LOVED ONE and have several choices go visit them on a Saturday night at 6 pm. By that time dinner has been served and few if any managers will be in the facility. Then talk to the staff and family members of residents about what they like and don't like.
- Nonprofits are better. WHY? Nonprofit nursing homes and government-owned facilities have better staffing, pay better wages, and offer better quality care than for-profit nursing homes. A nationwide study showed that for-profit chains had the worst staffing and were cited for the highest number of deficiencies and severe deficiencies- - 1 in 3 CNAs working at nursing homes have received public aid, like Medicaid for their own health care, because of low salary - $8.50 AN HOUR DOESN'T CUT IT.
- If your Mom goes into a home, it can't require you to pay out of your pocket for her. But, some nursing homes will try it anyway, and all to often, relatives will pay.
- Visit often - it's been proven that residents whose families are involved get better care.
- When moving a loved one in bring their own pillows, bedding, and even a recliner if there is room and also other favorite things from home. (like photos)
- Theft and loss are a big problem in nursing homes so be sure and put the loved one's name on everything
- The average cost of a private room in a nursing home is $87,235 = $239 a day.
After growing up in nursing homes I don't relish the thought of ending up in one. But I probably won't have much to say about that if and when the time comes. I hope it never comes.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,437. Creepy Crawly Medical Cures
Today is Saturday, April 6, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 37 minutes of walking = 2.0 miles for an April total of 14.4 miles. My weight was 160.8 pounds.
QUOTE from Martin Luther King: "I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear."
My THOUGHTS today have to do with medical cures on the horizon from creepy crawling creatures that are considered rather gross.
I love the Reader's Digest because it has so many articles that interest me and educate me. The latest edition had an article about recent medical discoveries originating from moths, frogs, scorpions and mussels. Here they are:
- MOTHS: A new FDA approved flu vaccine called FLUBLOK will be available for the upcoming flu season. This flu vaccine replicates the virus in cells derived from the armyworm moth. It will alleviate the problem for those allergic to the chicken egg produced flu vaccine.
- FROGS: The Russian brown frog produces from their skin a goo. Russian scientists extracted goo from living frogs and found 76 new chemicals with antibacterial and antifungal properties - some as powerful as prescription antibiotics. Researchers plan to collaborate with drug companies to synthetically produce these substances.
- SCORPIONS: At the U. of Washington scientists used venom from the scorpion that naturally and safely targets only cancer cells with a molecule that glows under a special light. During brain surgery doctors could inject the venom, spot glowing cancerous tissue, and the venom would leave only healthy cells behind. It may also be used to destroy cancer cells in the prostate, breast, colon and some skin cancers. Human trials are planned for the end of the year.
-MUSSELS: Chinese scientists found that mussels secrete an adhesive to attach to underwater rocks, so they created a substance with similar properties. They are using it on worn out teeth. They coated worn-out teeth with a mussel like adhesive and discovered that the teeth rebuilt a protective layer that simulates enamel. The hope is it will lead to better products for sensitive. teeth.
QUOTE from Martin Luther King: "I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear."
My THOUGHTS today have to do with medical cures on the horizon from creepy crawling creatures that are considered rather gross.
I love the Reader's Digest because it has so many articles that interest me and educate me. The latest edition had an article about recent medical discoveries originating from moths, frogs, scorpions and mussels. Here they are:
- MOTHS: A new FDA approved flu vaccine called FLUBLOK will be available for the upcoming flu season. This flu vaccine replicates the virus in cells derived from the armyworm moth. It will alleviate the problem for those allergic to the chicken egg produced flu vaccine.
- FROGS: The Russian brown frog produces from their skin a goo. Russian scientists extracted goo from living frogs and found 76 new chemicals with antibacterial and antifungal properties - some as powerful as prescription antibiotics. Researchers plan to collaborate with drug companies to synthetically produce these substances.
- SCORPIONS: At the U. of Washington scientists used venom from the scorpion that naturally and safely targets only cancer cells with a molecule that glows under a special light. During brain surgery doctors could inject the venom, spot glowing cancerous tissue, and the venom would leave only healthy cells behind. It may also be used to destroy cancer cells in the prostate, breast, colon and some skin cancers. Human trials are planned for the end of the year.
-MUSSELS: Chinese scientists found that mussels secrete an adhesive to attach to underwater rocks, so they created a substance with similar properties. They are using it on worn out teeth. They coated worn-out teeth with a mussel like adhesive and discovered that the teeth rebuilt a protective layer that simulates enamel. The hope is it will lead to better products for sensitive. teeth.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,436. Deadly Sin #7.
Today is Friday, April 5, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes of lifting weights and 54 minutes of walking = 3.0 miles for an April total of 12.4 miles.
My weight was 160.8 pounds.
QUOTE from Truman Capote: "Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."
My THOUGHTS today are on Deadly Sin #7. Sin #7 is LUST - DEFINED AS BAD DESIRE OR APPETITE; DESIRE FOR INDULGENCE OF SEX; or SIMPLY TO HAVE A STRONG DESIRE.
A lust for sex can be deadly to you, your partner, your family. your career, your kids - just about everybody in your life if it results in destruction or chaos and hurt in your life AND THE LIVES OF OTHER.
However, the silver lining of LUST is if you have a LUST FOR LIFE. A lust for life means to be grateful for each day and to make positive uses of that day - that kind of LUST can be invigorating and bring fun and happiness into your life.
As British philosopher Simon Blackburn says: "Like all the Seven Sins, what determines whether it's deadly is a simple matter of whether we control it or it controls us." (AMEN.)
My weight was 160.8 pounds.
QUOTE from Truman Capote: "Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."
My THOUGHTS today are on Deadly Sin #7. Sin #7 is LUST - DEFINED AS BAD DESIRE OR APPETITE; DESIRE FOR INDULGENCE OF SEX; or SIMPLY TO HAVE A STRONG DESIRE.
A lust for sex can be deadly to you, your partner, your family. your career, your kids - just about everybody in your life if it results in destruction or chaos and hurt in your life AND THE LIVES OF OTHER.
However, the silver lining of LUST is if you have a LUST FOR LIFE. A lust for life means to be grateful for each day and to make positive uses of that day - that kind of LUST can be invigorating and bring fun and happiness into your life.
As British philosopher Simon Blackburn says: "Like all the Seven Sins, what determines whether it's deadly is a simple matter of whether we control it or it controls us." (AMEN.)
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Pate' BLOG-Day 26,435. Deadly Sin #6.
Today is Thursday, April 4, 2013 - Ruth Ann's 73rd birthday. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 37 minutes of walking = 2.0 miles for an April total of 9.4 miles. My weight was 160.2 pounds.
QUOTE from Kristen Wigg: "There's something very powerful about looking in the mirror and asking yourself a question. Because I think it's really hard to lie."
My THOUGHTS today are on Ruth Ann's 73rd birthday and Deadly Sin #6. (There is no relationship between the two).
Sin #6 is GLUTTONY - DEFINED AS EATING TOO MUCH; GREEDY EATER.
With 36% of American adults being obese it may seem that there is no silver lining to gluttony. But there are times when gluttony is necessary.
For endurance athletes who burn 9,000 or more calories a day in training, being gluttonous is the only way to sustain energy. Michael Phelps ate close to 12,000 calories a day so it was necessary he be a glutton by eating lots of pizza, pasta and pancakes.
Even people trying to lose weight can be a little gluttonous; When their willpower gets down to zero it doesn't hurt to sneak a cookie after a healthy breakfast or even have the occasional cheat meal - that will keep their willpower needle toward full and strengthen their willpower over the long haul.
Happy Birthday to Ruth Ann on her 73rd and Go Hawks in the NIT Championship game against Baylor tonight at 8 pm on ESPN.
HUMOR for today: YOU KNOW YOU'RE GETTING OLDER WHEN...( Ruth Ann and I can both relate to some of these).
Everything hurts and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
You need oxygen after blowing out your birthday candles.
You burn the midnight oil by 9 pm.
Your kids begin to look middle-aged.
I can' remember when I stand in front of the fridge if I just put food away or have I come to take some out.
QUOTE from Kristen Wigg: "There's something very powerful about looking in the mirror and asking yourself a question. Because I think it's really hard to lie."
My THOUGHTS today are on Ruth Ann's 73rd birthday and Deadly Sin #6. (There is no relationship between the two).
Sin #6 is GLUTTONY - DEFINED AS EATING TOO MUCH; GREEDY EATER.
With 36% of American adults being obese it may seem that there is no silver lining to gluttony. But there are times when gluttony is necessary.
For endurance athletes who burn 9,000 or more calories a day in training, being gluttonous is the only way to sustain energy. Michael Phelps ate close to 12,000 calories a day so it was necessary he be a glutton by eating lots of pizza, pasta and pancakes.
Even people trying to lose weight can be a little gluttonous; When their willpower gets down to zero it doesn't hurt to sneak a cookie after a healthy breakfast or even have the occasional cheat meal - that will keep their willpower needle toward full and strengthen their willpower over the long haul.
Happy Birthday to Ruth Ann on her 73rd and Go Hawks in the NIT Championship game against Baylor tonight at 8 pm on ESPN.
HUMOR for today: YOU KNOW YOU'RE GETTING OLDER WHEN...( Ruth Ann and I can both relate to some of these).
Everything hurts and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
You need oxygen after blowing out your birthday candles.
You burn the midnight oil by 9 pm.
Your kids begin to look middle-aged.
I can' remember when I stand in front of the fridge if I just put food away or have I come to take some out.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Dayh 26,434. Deadly Sin #5.
Today is Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Me stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes lifting weights and 37 minutes of walking = 2.0 miles for an April total of 7.4 miles. My weight was 162.0 pounds.
QUOTE from Sarah Forgrave, author: "A good friend is like elastic-waist sweatpants. They'll hang with you forever."
My THOUGHTS today are on Deadly Sin #5. Sin #5 is PRIDE - DEFINED AS A HIGH OPINION OF ONE'S OWN WORTH OR POSSESSIONS; CONCEIT.
Pride is a deadly sin when there is too much arrogance involved. But there really is a silver lining if pride is used in the right way.
Jon Katzenbach, a business consultant for 45 years, says a great motivator for businesses is to instill pride in employees and not just money. He says to look at the employees of great organizations like Southwest Airlines, Apple, or the U.S. Marine Corps. He was talking about achievement-oriented pride which fosters leadership and admiration. It even changes physical appearance, prompting more smiles and better posture. And among minority populations, ethnic pride has been linked to better mental health, higher grades, less substance abuse, decreased violence, and lower risk of heart disease.
I personally do not feel pride should be one of the 7 deadly sins. And it won't change because the pope who wrote them has been dead for 1,400 years.
QUOTE from Sarah Forgrave, author: "A good friend is like elastic-waist sweatpants. They'll hang with you forever."
My THOUGHTS today are on Deadly Sin #5. Sin #5 is PRIDE - DEFINED AS A HIGH OPINION OF ONE'S OWN WORTH OR POSSESSIONS; CONCEIT.
Pride is a deadly sin when there is too much arrogance involved. But there really is a silver lining if pride is used in the right way.
Jon Katzenbach, a business consultant for 45 years, says a great motivator for businesses is to instill pride in employees and not just money. He says to look at the employees of great organizations like Southwest Airlines, Apple, or the U.S. Marine Corps. He was talking about achievement-oriented pride which fosters leadership and admiration. It even changes physical appearance, prompting more smiles and better posture. And among minority populations, ethnic pride has been linked to better mental health, higher grades, less substance abuse, decreased violence, and lower risk of heart disease.
I personally do not feel pride should be one of the 7 deadly sins. And it won't change because the pope who wrote them has been dead for 1,400 years.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Pete's BLOG-Day 26,433. Deadly Sin #4.
Today is Tuesday, April 2, 2013. My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes on the ball and 51 minutes of walking = 2.7 miles for an April total of 5.4 miles. My weight was 160.4 pounds.
QUOTE from Bernard Meltzer: "A good friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows you are slightly cracked."
My THOUGHTS today are on Deadly Sin #4. Sin #4 is SLOTH - DEFINED AS LAZINESS; IDLENESS; UNWILLINGNESS TO WORK OR EXERT ONESELF.
The sin of sloth is if you do it all the time. The silver lining in sloth is that there is nothing sinful about taking time to relax and rejuvenate yourself.
A lady named Chrissie Wellington is an Ironman (biking, running and swimming) participant - she takes two days off a month to do nothing but rest on her butt on her sofa. She says resting the body makes her faster, stronger, and more resilient.
Studies show that people who daydream for 12 minutes performed 41% better on a creative test than those that didn't.
Another study showed that people who do meditation were able to concentrate longer with less anxiety.
And remember that some the greatest discoveries came when people were doing nothing - like Newton sitting under an apple tree and Archimedes taking a bath.
The bottom line is let's all stop and smell the roses once in a while
QUOTE from Bernard Meltzer: "A good friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows you are slightly cracked."
My THOUGHTS today are on Deadly Sin #4. Sin #4 is SLOTH - DEFINED AS LAZINESS; IDLENESS; UNWILLINGNESS TO WORK OR EXERT ONESELF.
The sin of sloth is if you do it all the time. The silver lining in sloth is that there is nothing sinful about taking time to relax and rejuvenate yourself.
A lady named Chrissie Wellington is an Ironman (biking, running and swimming) participant - she takes two days off a month to do nothing but rest on her butt on her sofa. She says resting the body makes her faster, stronger, and more resilient.
Studies show that people who daydream for 12 minutes performed 41% better on a creative test than those that didn't.
Another study showed that people who do meditation were able to concentrate longer with less anxiety.
And remember that some the greatest discoveries came when people were doing nothing - like Newton sitting under an apple tree and Archimedes taking a bath.
The bottom line is let's all stop and smell the roses once in a while
Monday, April 1, 2013
Pete BLOG-Day 26,432. Deadly Sin #3.
Today is Monday, April, 1, 2013 (April Fool's Day and brother Mark's 67th birthday.) My stats today: 10 minutes of yoga, 10 minutes lifting weights and 51 minutes of walking = 2.7 miles for an April total of 2.7 miles. My weight was 162.2 pounds.
QUOTE from Anne Tyler, author: "People always call it luck when you've acted more sensibly than they have."
My THOUGHTS today are on Deadly Sin #3. Sin #3 is ENVY - DEFINED AS DISCONTENT OR ILL WILL AT ANOTHER'S GOOD FORTUNE BECAUSE ONE WISHES IT HAD BEEN HIS/HERS; DISLIKE FOR A PERSON WHO HAS WHAT ONE WANTS.
A successful lady in San Francisco admitted she was often envious of other women. Then she read a book entitled The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and learned to make a "jealousy map." (What follows is the "silver lining" in converting bad envy into good envy.)
A jealousy map is when you make 3 columns on a piece of paper and headline them: Who? Why? Now What? Now this successful lady writes down the person she envies, why she envies her, and what she's going to do about it. Now this lady has a call for action - it's a tool to motivate her.
What the experts say this lady has done is convert malicious envy (the classic sin) into benign envy (a potential win). The potential win is that it should motivate her to improve.
QUOTE from Anne Tyler, author: "People always call it luck when you've acted more sensibly than they have."
My THOUGHTS today are on Deadly Sin #3. Sin #3 is ENVY - DEFINED AS DISCONTENT OR ILL WILL AT ANOTHER'S GOOD FORTUNE BECAUSE ONE WISHES IT HAD BEEN HIS/HERS; DISLIKE FOR A PERSON WHO HAS WHAT ONE WANTS.
A successful lady in San Francisco admitted she was often envious of other women. Then she read a book entitled The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and learned to make a "jealousy map." (What follows is the "silver lining" in converting bad envy into good envy.)
A jealousy map is when you make 3 columns on a piece of paper and headline them: Who? Why? Now What? Now this successful lady writes down the person she envies, why she envies her, and what she's going to do about it. Now this lady has a call for action - it's a tool to motivate her.
What the experts say this lady has done is convert malicious envy (the classic sin) into benign envy (a potential win). The potential win is that it should motivate her to improve.
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