Today's e-mail to the condominium association. I'm not a knowledgeable homeowner but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!
"By now you've probably noticed that the shingles are completely installed, and residents may resume parking in our lot. I submitted the following known follow-up items to McEntire on Friday:
1. Gutter piles on the west side and southeast corner - should be picked up today.
2. Sawhorse/work materials in courtyard - the siding that extends above the roof ("flashings") had been tarred into place rather than being nailed. The tearing that naturally resulted has required some additional work on their part (free of charge), and they are hoping to wrap that up soon.
3. Patches of brown grass throughout - should recover with rains
4. Concrete parking block on west side moved out of place
5. Railroad tie, bricks and handrail on west side steps
6. Cracked concrete outside unit #16 (caused by truck)
7. Water damage to ceiling of unit #7 - they can supply the painter, if we choose the paint
We now have CertainTeed 50-year shingles for a cost of $56,134.43. By locking in the price last fall, we saved about $50/square or $12,500 in total. The final part of the bill will be for the large dumpsters that they brought in.
McEntire will be out of town all next week. During that time, I'd like it if residents could submit any additional items they notice that need attention so that the above list can be completed. I think that they will work with us, they seem very interested in their reputation from this project.
Rainbow Gutters visited this morning, and they are flexible. Mike (son-in-law of Gary, the owner) has been in the business for about 17 years. He thought that 5" gutters should suffice for a roofing system our size. He also thought that gutter screens, in time, would pay for themselves, as it might cost a couple hundred dollars per visit for someone to clean them otherwise. The per-foot rates of $2.90 for gutters and $2.20 per screen are discounted from their normal rates (which sounds legitimate, given how competitive their prices were relative to the other bid we'd received). Like McEntire (also from Lincoln), I think they're trying to establish good word-of-mouth in the area.
The existing gutters and downspouts appeared in good enough shape (about half of the gutters and all of the downspouts are still in place). If we want them, screens are probably only needed on about half of the gutters, since many have no nearby trees. They are also in the business of gutter-cleaning, so my initial thought was:
Put up 600 feet of 5" gutters where none currently exist: $1,740
Put up 600 feet of screen (units 1-13, 20-21, 28-29, 32): $1,320
Clean gutters/downspouts: No additional charge (!)
Tighten up brackets on some loose gutters (about 6 units): No additional charge
Replace a handful of crushed downspouts, such as unit #16
Clearly (see unit #31 from the courtyard) there are some places where the wood has rotted. As Mike comes across these, he'd let us know and he would fix them for an extra charge. We didn't spy many instances like these while circling the complex a few times.
It would seem that the job would cost under $4,000. As time passes we could see how effective the combination of screens/downspout cleaning worked and take additional steps as necessary. I think that they would be able to get out here within a week or two if we approve, and complete the work in less than 2 days.
The assessments collected totaled $83,200. This would appear to be enough to cover the two planned and one unplanned expenses:
Roof: $56,134.43 + ? for dumpsters
Gutters: $4,000.00
Pool: $18,256.84"
Saturday, June 28, 2008
The Value of Forgiveness
From Lou Tice:
Against whom are you carrying a grudge? Is there someone who has done you a wrong, in some way, and whom you just can't forgive? Have you, yourself, done things that you can't forgive? Today I hope to impress upon you the incredible damage you can do to yourself, if you don't let go of these hurts. You must learn to forgive and forget.
Confucius said that, "To be wronged is nothing unless you remember it."
He was absolutely right, and here's why. Every time you remember something bad that happens to you, some wrong that was done to you, you feel those bad feelings all over again. You record the event in the neuron structure of your brain, and it plants itself in your subconscious.
Now your subconscious doesn't know the difference between a vividly imagined or remembered event and the real thing. It is all "real" to your subconscious. When you subject yourself over and over again to painful, angry memories, eventually your system begins to break down.
The poison of the not forgiven hurt and anger attacks you from the inside out.
12-step programs emphasize the importance of forgiveness, because they recognize that forgiveness is the key to action and freedom. When you forgive, you open yourself to wonderful new possibilities. Why not begin today?
Against whom are you carrying a grudge? Is there someone who has done you a wrong, in some way, and whom you just can't forgive? Have you, yourself, done things that you can't forgive? Today I hope to impress upon you the incredible damage you can do to yourself, if you don't let go of these hurts. You must learn to forgive and forget.
Confucius said that, "To be wronged is nothing unless you remember it."
He was absolutely right, and here's why. Every time you remember something bad that happens to you, some wrong that was done to you, you feel those bad feelings all over again. You record the event in the neuron structure of your brain, and it plants itself in your subconscious.
Now your subconscious doesn't know the difference between a vividly imagined or remembered event and the real thing. It is all "real" to your subconscious. When you subject yourself over and over again to painful, angry memories, eventually your system begins to break down.
The poison of the not forgiven hurt and anger attacks you from the inside out.
12-step programs emphasize the importance of forgiveness, because they recognize that forgiveness is the key to action and freedom. When you forgive, you open yourself to wonderful new possibilities. Why not begin today?
Friday, June 27, 2008
What's The Opposite Of Steroids?
The 1908 White Sox hit only three home runs during the entire season.
Good Bye, Life Tax!
It’s been a great week, all things considered, as my seven year membership in the Life Tax Department comes to an end today. The gang took me out to lunch and got me an excellent basket of about two dozen gifts. Knowing the beach bum that I am, I got a new towel, swim trunks, flip-flops, goofy glasses, snacks, even a sand pail and shovel. Later I gave them a fashion show! What always means the most though are the words that people share. They bought me a book of reflections and signed the inside, and a card with personal notes of thanks that say I made a difference to them. Many people have dropped by to tell how happy they’ve been to work with me. One or two asked if I was feeling okay, since they can tell that I’m sad for the change.
In Joy This Advice
“In basketball – as in life – true joy comes from being fully present in each and every moment, not just when things are going your way. Of course, it’s no accident that things are more likely to go your way when you stop worrying about whether you’re going to win or lose and focus your full attention on what’s happening right at this moment.” – Phil Jackson
Hazardous to Your Wealth?
I’m not quite sure how the term “surgeon general” originated. The thought of a rock-jawed, medal-laden, corncob-pipe-chewing, mustachioed mountain-hero of a man barking out medical orders must have been irresistible for some presidential administration years ago. “Just imagine what kind of leadership a guy like that could give the nation through cigarette packaging,” they must have said with breathy excitement.
America has thrived under his guidance ever since, as the cancer-inducing tale of tobacco has been told time and time again, hammering it almost entirely out of mainstream advertising. The Marlboro man has only his grandkids to entertain with stories of the good old days. Joe Camel has been put down.
Yesterday as I was driving home, I heard a commercial about a nearby casino. New, improved slot machines with better chances of winning than ever! The excitement! The fun!
I was inspired by the vision of a new position, which I call Mathematician-in-Chief. “In-Chief” suggests that her position outranks the Surgeon General just like the President serves as our commander-in-chief and outranks a military general. If Abe Lincoln were here, he’d say, “it is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.” For while tobacco is likely to worsen your health, and guaranteed to make you stinkier, it is not always fatal. Prolonged gambling, though, it mathematically certain to make a person poorer. Try it and see! But be alert for the rectangular signs with old-fashioned font soon to be hanging in the off-track betting parlors, bingo halls, and convenience-store lottery counters of this land:
WARNING: The Mathematician-in-Chief has determined that gambling is hazardous to your wealth. If you do this, you will lose money. If you lose money, you will have to steal your cigarettes. This will piss off the Surgeon General. How are you not getting this?
America has thrived under his guidance ever since, as the cancer-inducing tale of tobacco has been told time and time again, hammering it almost entirely out of mainstream advertising. The Marlboro man has only his grandkids to entertain with stories of the good old days. Joe Camel has been put down.
Yesterday as I was driving home, I heard a commercial about a nearby casino. New, improved slot machines with better chances of winning than ever! The excitement! The fun!
I was inspired by the vision of a new position, which I call Mathematician-in-Chief. “In-Chief” suggests that her position outranks the Surgeon General just like the President serves as our commander-in-chief and outranks a military general. If Abe Lincoln were here, he’d say, “it is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.” For while tobacco is likely to worsen your health, and guaranteed to make you stinkier, it is not always fatal. Prolonged gambling, though, it mathematically certain to make a person poorer. Try it and see! But be alert for the rectangular signs with old-fashioned font soon to be hanging in the off-track betting parlors, bingo halls, and convenience-store lottery counters of this land:
WARNING: The Mathematician-in-Chief has determined that gambling is hazardous to your wealth. If you do this, you will lose money. If you lose money, you will have to steal your cigarettes. This will piss off the Surgeon General. How are you not getting this?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Foot Care Myths and Facts
They get a bad rap, but I think that our feet get way too little attention for as important as they are. If you agree, please read on (and put away that duct tape)!
From the web:
Summer is here, and many of you will be kicking off your shoes at home, at the beach or in the park. But is that a good thing?
To sort the myths from the facts about your feet, Dr. Tracey Vlahovic, associate professor of podiatric medicine and orthopedics at Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine, offers this information about your tootsies with a caveat -- always check with your doctor before starting any treatment:
Myth: Flats, flip-flops and going barefoot are good for your feet.
Fact: "This is a common misconception, because we always hear about the problems with high heels," Vlahovic said in a prepared statement. "But these three present their own types of problems." Flip-flops provide no support, which can cause plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and tendonitis. Wearing flats can lead to severe heel pain and blisters, crowding toes and conditions such as hammertoes and bunions. Walking barefoot leaves feet open to cuts, scrapes, bruises, and puncture wounds along with skin issues or nail injuries.
Diagnosis: Flip-flops or flats are fine for a few hours, but you should stretch your Achilles tendon for a bit if you wear them for longer than that, Vlahovic said. Save walking barefoot for around your own home, unless you are at risk for diabetes or have peripheral vascular disease. In those cases, always wear shoes in and out of the house.
Myth: Over-the-counter scrubs and soaks for corns are safe and effective.
Fact: "At-home soaks or scrubs would just exfoliate, not remove corns," Vlahovic said.
Diagnosis: A corn is a buildup of skin with a hard center. This often is caused by a hammertoe in which the toe knuckle rubs against the shoe. To permanently remove a corn, the hammertoe must be corrected so that it stops rubbing against the shoe. Or, just wear shoes with a wider toe box.
Myth: Feet don't need sunscreen.
Fact: "Skin cancer on the legs and feet actually has a high mortality rate due to people forgetting to do skin checks on that area. It's often caught too late," Vlahovic said. "This is due in large part to the fact that many people simply forget to apply or reapply sunscreen to the lower extremities."
Diagnosis: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and with both UVB and UVA protection every two to three hours to the feet. Apply more often if you're going to be at the beach, in and out of the water, or sweating.
Myth: All pedicure salons use sterile instruments, so it's fine to use theirs.
Fact: "Unfortunately, this is not the case with all nail salons," Vlahovic said. "As a result, the instruments can spread germs that can cause nail fungus and bacterial infections."
Diagnosis: Invest in your own nail files, clippers and cuticle sticks, unless you can be sure your nail salon sterilizes its instruments after each use. Also ask the technician if they have a clean bowl or basin or one with individual liners before sticking your feet in the motorized tub.
Myth: It's best to trim your toenails straight across.
Fact: Doing this, and cutting them too short, can lead to ingrown toenails, a true danger for diabetics. Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to infection and possibly an abscess requiring corrective surgery.
Diagnosis: Leave the nail slightly longer, trimming along the natural curve of your toe.
Myth: Soaking your feet in vinegar clears up toenail fungus.
Fact: "Vinegar can't penetrate the layers of the nail to get to the infection site. And without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other nails," Vlahovic said.
Diagnosis: See your dermatologist or podiatrist so they can perform a culture to see if it is definitely a fungal infection. Follow their instructions to the letter to avoid a recurrence.
Myth: Athlete's foot and warts aren't contagious.
Fact: Both are highly contagious, and easily spread in environments such as locker rooms or showers. They are often picked up through small breaks in the skin of the foot bottom.
Diagnosis: Keep your feet clean and dry, don't wear dirty socks and thoroughly clean your bath or shower area. "If one person in the household has it, everyone should be cautious and take proper precautions," Vlahovic said. If you must use a public shower, wear flip-flops.
Myth: Duct tape removes plantar warts.
Fact: Studies have shown duct tape to be one of the many ways to treat warts, but Vlahovic noted that several studies have shown duct tape in no better than a placebo.
Diagnosis: "If you have a plantar wart, don't pick or perform bathroom surgery on it," Vlahovic said "Don't put duct tape on it and expect it to go away, since there is a specific protocol for using it. See your dermatologist or podiatrist for this and other treatment options."
From the web:
Summer is here, and many of you will be kicking off your shoes at home, at the beach or in the park. But is that a good thing?
To sort the myths from the facts about your feet, Dr. Tracey Vlahovic, associate professor of podiatric medicine and orthopedics at Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine, offers this information about your tootsies with a caveat -- always check with your doctor before starting any treatment:
Myth: Flats, flip-flops and going barefoot are good for your feet.
Fact: "This is a common misconception, because we always hear about the problems with high heels," Vlahovic said in a prepared statement. "But these three present their own types of problems." Flip-flops provide no support, which can cause plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and tendonitis. Wearing flats can lead to severe heel pain and blisters, crowding toes and conditions such as hammertoes and bunions. Walking barefoot leaves feet open to cuts, scrapes, bruises, and puncture wounds along with skin issues or nail injuries.
Diagnosis: Flip-flops or flats are fine for a few hours, but you should stretch your Achilles tendon for a bit if you wear them for longer than that, Vlahovic said. Save walking barefoot for around your own home, unless you are at risk for diabetes or have peripheral vascular disease. In those cases, always wear shoes in and out of the house.
Myth: Over-the-counter scrubs and soaks for corns are safe and effective.
Fact: "At-home soaks or scrubs would just exfoliate, not remove corns," Vlahovic said.
Diagnosis: A corn is a buildup of skin with a hard center. This often is caused by a hammertoe in which the toe knuckle rubs against the shoe. To permanently remove a corn, the hammertoe must be corrected so that it stops rubbing against the shoe. Or, just wear shoes with a wider toe box.
Myth: Feet don't need sunscreen.
Fact: "Skin cancer on the legs and feet actually has a high mortality rate due to people forgetting to do skin checks on that area. It's often caught too late," Vlahovic said. "This is due in large part to the fact that many people simply forget to apply or reapply sunscreen to the lower extremities."
Diagnosis: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and with both UVB and UVA protection every two to three hours to the feet. Apply more often if you're going to be at the beach, in and out of the water, or sweating.
Myth: All pedicure salons use sterile instruments, so it's fine to use theirs.
Fact: "Unfortunately, this is not the case with all nail salons," Vlahovic said. "As a result, the instruments can spread germs that can cause nail fungus and bacterial infections."
Diagnosis: Invest in your own nail files, clippers and cuticle sticks, unless you can be sure your nail salon sterilizes its instruments after each use. Also ask the technician if they have a clean bowl or basin or one with individual liners before sticking your feet in the motorized tub.
Myth: It's best to trim your toenails straight across.
Fact: Doing this, and cutting them too short, can lead to ingrown toenails, a true danger for diabetics. Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to infection and possibly an abscess requiring corrective surgery.
Diagnosis: Leave the nail slightly longer, trimming along the natural curve of your toe.
Myth: Soaking your feet in vinegar clears up toenail fungus.
Fact: "Vinegar can't penetrate the layers of the nail to get to the infection site. And without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other nails," Vlahovic said.
Diagnosis: See your dermatologist or podiatrist so they can perform a culture to see if it is definitely a fungal infection. Follow their instructions to the letter to avoid a recurrence.
Myth: Athlete's foot and warts aren't contagious.
Fact: Both are highly contagious, and easily spread in environments such as locker rooms or showers. They are often picked up through small breaks in the skin of the foot bottom.
Diagnosis: Keep your feet clean and dry, don't wear dirty socks and thoroughly clean your bath or shower area. "If one person in the household has it, everyone should be cautious and take proper precautions," Vlahovic said. If you must use a public shower, wear flip-flops.
Myth: Duct tape removes plantar warts.
Fact: Studies have shown duct tape to be one of the many ways to treat warts, but Vlahovic noted that several studies have shown duct tape in no better than a placebo.
Diagnosis: "If you have a plantar wart, don't pick or perform bathroom surgery on it," Vlahovic said "Don't put duct tape on it and expect it to go away, since there is a specific protocol for using it. See your dermatologist or podiatrist for this and other treatment options."
Monday, June 23, 2008
"Home Run" Highlights Perfect Loss
Joe McDonald's 4-for-4 performance -- including a three-run "home run" -- made light a 14-9 loss to the 1st place team in Normal's Sunday night co-ed softball league.
The team's 36-year old leadoff hitter and left-center fielder beat out a ground ball to third base to open the game, then outraced an attempted force play at second base on the next play.
Two innings later he came to bat with two runners aboard and two out. Seeing the third baseman playing off the bag, he tried to pull it down the left-field line to knock two runs home. Instead, he hit a sinking liner toward left. Stumbling out of the batters box, he barely avoided tumbling as he loped toward first for the apparent single.
Then he heard the screams.
Looking up, he saw the left fielder chasing the ball as it rolled speedily on the short grass toward the fence. Sensing the chance, he motored around the bases before a throw could be made home, giving his team a 4-2 lead and his teammates good reason to pound his back in celebration.
All ten of the fans cheered wildly, none more pleased than world-renowned artist-saint Dena McDonald.
The next time up, he took a pitch on the outside corner and dumped it down the right field line, which landed fair before spinning into foul territory. Following the double, he trotted home when his team's pitcher drove a ball into the gap in left field.
A 7-run inning sealed the victory for the opponents, but not before McDonald smacked a leadoff double in the last inning. When the next hitter grounded to third, he dashed to third as the throw went to first. When the first baseman threw back to third to try to nab him, it trickled toward the dugout and he sprinted easily home.
After the game he cheerily dusted off his newly-torn, dirt-caked sweats en route to an Avanti's dinner date. Despite the highlight reel, his personal favorite accomplishment was this:
"My back feels just fine!" Clearly, the pregame stretching and toning routine prescribed by his physical therapist has brought great progress, the kind that may keep him sliding into bases for years to come.
The team's 36-year old leadoff hitter and left-center fielder beat out a ground ball to third base to open the game, then outraced an attempted force play at second base on the next play.
Two innings later he came to bat with two runners aboard and two out. Seeing the third baseman playing off the bag, he tried to pull it down the left-field line to knock two runs home. Instead, he hit a sinking liner toward left. Stumbling out of the batters box, he barely avoided tumbling as he loped toward first for the apparent single.
Then he heard the screams.
Looking up, he saw the left fielder chasing the ball as it rolled speedily on the short grass toward the fence. Sensing the chance, he motored around the bases before a throw could be made home, giving his team a 4-2 lead and his teammates good reason to pound his back in celebration.
All ten of the fans cheered wildly, none more pleased than world-renowned artist-saint Dena McDonald.
The next time up, he took a pitch on the outside corner and dumped it down the right field line, which landed fair before spinning into foul territory. Following the double, he trotted home when his team's pitcher drove a ball into the gap in left field.
A 7-run inning sealed the victory for the opponents, but not before McDonald smacked a leadoff double in the last inning. When the next hitter grounded to third, he dashed to third as the throw went to first. When the first baseman threw back to third to try to nab him, it trickled toward the dugout and he sprinted easily home.
After the game he cheerily dusted off his newly-torn, dirt-caked sweats en route to an Avanti's dinner date. Despite the highlight reel, his personal favorite accomplishment was this:
"My back feels just fine!" Clearly, the pregame stretching and toning routine prescribed by his physical therapist has brought great progress, the kind that may keep him sliding into bases for years to come.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Children Sick of Health Care
From the Onion:
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/study_most_children_strongly
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/study_most_children_strongly
Do You Nazi My Point?
I thought I heard Dena ask me "How are we on Jews?" In fact, she'd asked if we needed to buy any more orange juice.
I Love You All Differently
"At one point in my career, I also told players I would treat them all the same way. This is what I told my own two children. I thought treating everyone the same was being fair and impartial. Gradually I began to suspect that it was neither fair nor impartial. In fact, it was just the opposite. That's when I began announcing that team members wouldn't be treated the same or alike; rather, each one would receive the treatment they earned and deserved. This practice may sound discriminatory or sugggest partiality, but it is neither."
I agree. The longer I live, the more evidence mounts that people are different, satisfied by different things, and to strive for equality is to frustrate most all involved. Treating each person according to what makes them uniquely happy is rewarding.
I agree. The longer I live, the more evidence mounts that people are different, satisfied by different things, and to strive for equality is to frustrate most all involved. Treating each person according to what makes them uniquely happy is rewarding.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
It Would Take A Little Longer Today
Baseball umpires in the 1880's wore top hats and asked players and spectators their opinions on controversial calls.
Get Smart
This movie was better than I expected.
I expected Steve Carrell to mimic the ultra-geek of the old T.V. show and its cartoon semi-spinoff Inspector Gadget - high-pitched bumblers who achieved everything in life by accident.
Agent Maxwell Smart definitely had his techno-nerdy side, and his share of gaffes. But at least as much, he was a sharp analytical mind with volumes of useful information. And he definitely had physical skills! Martial arts, marksmanship, and uncanny grace/strength as a dancer.
I noticed that Mel Brooks and Buck Henry were creative consultants for this one. Someone must have done a fine job of holding Brooks in check though, because the witty writing was devoid of the corny puns and Jewish jokes that always seem to pop up in his creations.
We're going to see it again tonight!
I expected Steve Carrell to mimic the ultra-geek of the old T.V. show and its cartoon semi-spinoff Inspector Gadget - high-pitched bumblers who achieved everything in life by accident.
Agent Maxwell Smart definitely had his techno-nerdy side, and his share of gaffes. But at least as much, he was a sharp analytical mind with volumes of useful information. And he definitely had physical skills! Martial arts, marksmanship, and uncanny grace/strength as a dancer.
I noticed that Mel Brooks and Buck Henry were creative consultants for this one. Someone must have done a fine job of holding Brooks in check though, because the witty writing was devoid of the corny puns and Jewish jokes that always seem to pop up in his creations.
We're going to see it again tonight!
WJBC Radio Ad
Leadership McLean County will begin playing a commercial on WJBC, 1230 AM, on June 23. It's my debut writing and producing a commercial. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
The Best Infection
In a study which measured how well test subjects could influence other people to do things, one observation was:
"If the charismatic person started out depressed, and the inexpressive person started out happy, by the end of the two minutes the inexpressive person was depressed as well. But it didn't work the other way. Only the charismatic person could infect the other people in the room with his or her emotion."
"The thing that strikes me most about my encounter with [the charismatic person] was his voice. He had the range of an opera singer. At times, he would sound stern. At times, he would drawl, lazily and easily. At other times, he would chuckle as he spoke, making his words sing with laughter." -- Malcolm Gladwell
A theory is that people of all ages have short attention spans. So it takes inflection to gain infection!
"If the charismatic person started out depressed, and the inexpressive person started out happy, by the end of the two minutes the inexpressive person was depressed as well. But it didn't work the other way. Only the charismatic person could infect the other people in the room with his or her emotion."
"The thing that strikes me most about my encounter with [the charismatic person] was his voice. He had the range of an opera singer. At times, he would sound stern. At times, he would drawl, lazily and easily. At other times, he would chuckle as he spoke, making his words sing with laughter." -- Malcolm Gladwell
A theory is that people of all ages have short attention spans. So it takes inflection to gain infection!
The Naming of the Band
Ironically, on this Sunday that Calvary United Methodist Church's band asked me to sub in, the sermon theme is "Flood," at the same time that levees are straining and breaking all up and down the Mississippi River in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. All four songs involve water:
Rain Down
Let Your Mercy Rain
Praise You in this Storm
Grace Like Rain
The band's name? Higher Ground.
Rain Down
Let Your Mercy Rain
Praise You in this Storm
Grace Like Rain
The band's name? Higher Ground.
Want Versus Will
"A willingness to be selfless suggests a begrudging aspect of doing what is required for the team. I wanted each player to be eager to sacrifice personal interests for the good of the group." -- John Wooden
That's easier typed than done. In last week's soccer victory, my happiness was tempered by the fact that I seemed to have disproportionately less playing time than others. We do a rotation on the honor system... come out when you're tired, or after you've been in a while. I'm in the physical condition such that "tired" always seems to come first. So as some players lingered on the field huffing and puffing, the temptation swelled to give in to frustration. But taking a deep breath and realizing that others in better shape are contributing more to the team that I can at the moment, and that the team contribution led to victory, restores the peace.
That's easier typed than done. In last week's soccer victory, my happiness was tempered by the fact that I seemed to have disproportionately less playing time than others. We do a rotation on the honor system... come out when you're tired, or after you've been in a while. I'm in the physical condition such that "tired" always seems to come first. So as some players lingered on the field huffing and puffing, the temptation swelled to give in to frustration. But taking a deep breath and realizing that others in better shape are contributing more to the team that I can at the moment, and that the team contribution led to victory, restores the peace.
Him Moral
"I believe that to achieve one's potential as a leader in any organization you need mental and moral strength. in fact, you cannot attain proper physical fitness unless it's preceded by mental and moral condition. How does one attain moral condition? Long lists of rules are the usual prescription, but I've offered a common-sense method for decades: Practice moderation and balance in all tht you do."
-- John Wooden
-- John Wooden
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Win One, Lose One
Last night I pitched my softball team to a 14-2, four inning loss by slaughter rule. The bright side: With a record of 0-1, it was technically speaking the best game I've pitched all season.
Tonight I rattled off 12 straight points via sand volleyball serve as we cruised to a 3-0 sweep. We are a force to be reckoned with in the lowest possible level of competition!
Tonight I rattled off 12 straight points via sand volleyball serve as we cruised to a 3-0 sweep. We are a force to be reckoned with in the lowest possible level of competition!
In-Force Product Management
From: Rusty Hendren
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 1:09 PM
To: LifeHealthACT-Doug-LH-HOME; LifeHealthACT-Rusty-LH-HOME; LifeHealthACT-SHEILA-LH-HOME
Cc: Joe McDonald; Gerry Brogla; Nancy Behrens; Lynn Battice; Rusty Schopp; Corinne Brand
Subject: In-Force Product Management
As was announced last week… Joe McDonald is joining the In-Force Product Management team in our department. I am very excited that Joe is joining us… and look forward to working with him in the future!!!!!
Joe will be responsible for our “Service” area. This will include oversight of “Illustrations/Inquires” and our “Ratefiling/Ratebooks” teams. Both Betty and Tina will be reporting to Joe. Joe will also be assuming the Legislative/Regulatory review responsibilities, as well as managing the review of marketing and training materials. Tyson Mohr will report to Joe to assist in these areas, as well as some tax projects that Joe will bring with him from his former role. Joe, along with Tony and Samantha, will ensure that we are responsive and knowledgeable of tax issues surrounding our life, annuity and health products.
So… we welcome Joe!!!!
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 1:09 PM
To: LifeHealthACT-Doug-LH-HOME; LifeHealthACT-Rusty-LH-HOME; LifeHealthACT-SHEILA-LH-HOME
Cc: Joe McDonald; Gerry Brogla; Nancy Behrens; Lynn Battice; Rusty Schopp; Corinne Brand
Subject: In-Force Product Management
As was announced last week… Joe McDonald is joining the In-Force Product Management team in our department. I am very excited that Joe is joining us… and look forward to working with him in the future!!!!!
Joe will be responsible for our “Service” area. This will include oversight of “Illustrations/Inquires” and our “Ratefiling/Ratebooks” teams. Both Betty and Tina will be reporting to Joe. Joe will also be assuming the Legislative/Regulatory review responsibilities, as well as managing the review of marketing and training materials. Tyson Mohr will report to Joe to assist in these areas, as well as some tax projects that Joe will bring with him from his former role. Joe, along with Tony and Samantha, will ensure that we are responsive and knowledgeable of tax issues surrounding our life, annuity and health products.
So… we welcome Joe!!!!
Tax Department Changes
From: Rusty Schopp
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 11:57 AM
To: Life-Control-Group-AUTO-HOME; CORPORATETAX-ACCT-HOME
Cc: Gerry Brogla; Rusty Hendren; LifeHealthDepartmentHeads-LH-HOME; FinanceOperationsStaff-ACCT-HOME; Michael Remmes
Subject: Tax Department Changes
Effective at the end of this month we will bring together the company tax functions by having Tax Manager Scott Robb and his Life Company Tax unit report to Bob Brucker in Corporate Tax. This move will facilitate better enterprise focus for our highly specialized tax accounting, tax compliance, tax planning and tax audit functions.
The Life Policyholder Tax unit, led by Tax Manager Carol Gilmore, will continue to be a part of the Life Financial Operations. Carol will report directly to me.
As a result of these moves, and a need for experienced actuarial resources in the Life Company, Joe McDonald, currently Tax Director in Life Tax, will return to the Life/Health Actuarial Department. Joe will continue to provide life policyholder and company tax actuarial expertise to our tax department in addition to his new responsibilities. We appreciate Joe's many contributions to Financial Operations and look forward to continuing this great relationship as a business partner moving forward.
Rusty
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 11:57 AM
To: Life-Control-Group-AUTO-HOME; CORPORATETAX-ACCT-HOME
Cc: Gerry Brogla; Rusty Hendren; LifeHealthDepartmentHeads-LH-HOME; FinanceOperationsStaff-ACCT-HOME; Michael Remmes
Subject: Tax Department Changes
Effective at the end of this month we will bring together the company tax functions by having Tax Manager Scott Robb and his Life Company Tax unit report to Bob Brucker in Corporate Tax. This move will facilitate better enterprise focus for our highly specialized tax accounting, tax compliance, tax planning and tax audit functions.
The Life Policyholder Tax unit, led by Tax Manager Carol Gilmore, will continue to be a part of the Life Financial Operations. Carol will report directly to me.
As a result of these moves, and a need for experienced actuarial resources in the Life Company, Joe McDonald, currently Tax Director in Life Tax, will return to the Life/Health Actuarial Department. Joe will continue to provide life policyholder and company tax actuarial expertise to our tax department in addition to his new responsibilities. We appreciate Joe's many contributions to Financial Operations and look forward to continuing this great relationship as a business partner moving forward.
Rusty
Monday, June 16, 2008
Management by Lying Around
From Dona:
More than 27 percent of hiring managers say they are skeptical of employees' excuses for showing up late. It turns out their doubt is warranted: 24 percent of all employees decide to make up a fake excuse rather than tell the truth.
What does this mean to you?
If you're sitting in a traffic jam watching the minutes tick away and you've decided honesty isn't the best policy for you, think of a believable and acceptable reason you're walking in late. After all, if you were a hiring manager who heard any of these 10 real-life excuses for being late, you'd be suspicious, too.
1. While rowing across the river to work, I got lost in the fog.
2. Someone stole all my daffodils.
3. I had to go audition for American Idol.
4. My ex-husband stole my car so I couldn't drive to work.
5. My route to work was shut down by a presidential motorcade.
6. I have transient amnesia and couldn't remember my job.
7. I was indicted for securities fraud this morning.
8. The line was too long at Starbucks.
9. I was trying to get my gun back from the police.
10. I didn't have money for gas because all of the pawnshops were closed.
More than 27 percent of hiring managers say they are skeptical of employees' excuses for showing up late. It turns out their doubt is warranted: 24 percent of all employees decide to make up a fake excuse rather than tell the truth.
What does this mean to you?
If you're sitting in a traffic jam watching the minutes tick away and you've decided honesty isn't the best policy for you, think of a believable and acceptable reason you're walking in late. After all, if you were a hiring manager who heard any of these 10 real-life excuses for being late, you'd be suspicious, too.
1. While rowing across the river to work, I got lost in the fog.
2. Someone stole all my daffodils.
3. I had to go audition for American Idol.
4. My ex-husband stole my car so I couldn't drive to work.
5. My route to work was shut down by a presidential motorcade.
6. I have transient amnesia and couldn't remember my job.
7. I was indicted for securities fraud this morning.
8. The line was too long at Starbucks.
9. I was trying to get my gun back from the police.
10. I didn't have money for gas because all of the pawnshops were closed.
Fear the Mullet Logs First Regulation Win, 3-1
State Farm intramural soccer team Fear the Mullet won its first game in regulation Monday evening, topping Running on Fumes thanks to some unusually coordinated play and an assist from non-star Joe McDonald.
Prior to the game, the multi-talented but oft-defeated Mullets held a twenty minute meeting on strategy and basic soccer fundamentals to generate some chemistry on a team featuring several new players. Player Kevin Byrd, who's coached children's soccer, gave a tutorial on striking and dribbling as well as defensive positioning.
"He's no Troy Young," said McDonald, "but he'll do in a pinch."
Most key was the decision to employ a 1-3-2 formation for the short field, discarding the "chickens-with-heads-cut-off" strategy that had yielded long stretches of scorelessness all year long. The improvement was instant and obvious. On multiple occasions FTM found itself in 2-on-1 and 3-on-1 fast breaks thanks to adequate spacing and crisp passing.
It was at the tail end of one of those 3-on-1 situations when the final goal was tallied. The forward struck at the goal from 20 yards away as two midfielders streaked toward the goal from the wings. When the goalie fumbled the ball, McDonald poked it through his legs to the brink of the goal line, from where a teammate booted it in.
McDonald was typically modest, and rightfully so. On one occasion he visibly flinched and whirled out of the way as the goalie charged the ball for a kick, no doubt subconsciously mindful of his "stop-ball-with-face" move from the prior match. Meanwhile, the 5-foot female defender on his own team ran boldly into frontal collisions with multiple 6-foot male opponents throughout the contest.
"It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you look after the game," he noted.
Prior to the game, the multi-talented but oft-defeated Mullets held a twenty minute meeting on strategy and basic soccer fundamentals to generate some chemistry on a team featuring several new players. Player Kevin Byrd, who's coached children's soccer, gave a tutorial on striking and dribbling as well as defensive positioning.
"He's no Troy Young," said McDonald, "but he'll do in a pinch."
Most key was the decision to employ a 1-3-2 formation for the short field, discarding the "chickens-with-heads-cut-off" strategy that had yielded long stretches of scorelessness all year long. The improvement was instant and obvious. On multiple occasions FTM found itself in 2-on-1 and 3-on-1 fast breaks thanks to adequate spacing and crisp passing.
It was at the tail end of one of those 3-on-1 situations when the final goal was tallied. The forward struck at the goal from 20 yards away as two midfielders streaked toward the goal from the wings. When the goalie fumbled the ball, McDonald poked it through his legs to the brink of the goal line, from where a teammate booted it in.
McDonald was typically modest, and rightfully so. On one occasion he visibly flinched and whirled out of the way as the goalie charged the ball for a kick, no doubt subconsciously mindful of his "stop-ball-with-face" move from the prior match. Meanwhile, the 5-foot female defender on his own team ran boldly into frontal collisions with multiple 6-foot male opponents throughout the contest.
"It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you look after the game," he noted.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Run Soldier Run
A silly game that makes you feel surprisingly patriotic! Someone try to beat my high score of 12977.
http://www.bored.com/games/arcade/1/run_soldier_run/
http://www.bored.com/games/arcade/1/run_soldier_run/
Magic Ratchet Set
"A man is paralyzed mentally by a beautiful woman, and advertisers really take advantage of this. Don't you love those ads where you see the woman in the bikini next to the 32-piece ratchet set? And we'll be looking at the girl in the bikini, then looking at the ratchet set, going, "All right, well if she's right next to the ratchet set, and I had that ratchet set... I wonder if that would mean that... I better just buy the ratchet set." -- Seinfeld
The Ant's Ant
Today while meditating outside I spotted a movement that turned out to be a tiny insect crawling along the pavement. It was so small that even an ant could have stepped on it.
Many things in life are a speck of dust to someone, and a boulder to another.
Many things in life are a speck of dust to someone, and a boulder to another.
The Wheel of Life
Ever felt the frustrations of things beyond your control?
"Unceasing change turns the wheel of life, and so reality is shown in all its many forms. Peaceful dwelling as change itself liberates all suffering sentient beings and brings them great joy." -- Buddha
In other words, it's often possible to look at any change as a natural shift, which moves us in some way toward a situation that has elements that are better than the last one. Those positives bring a sense of peace, if we can master looking at it that way.
"Unceasing change turns the wheel of life, and so reality is shown in all its many forms. Peaceful dwelling as change itself liberates all suffering sentient beings and brings them great joy." -- Buddha
In other words, it's often possible to look at any change as a natural shift, which moves us in some way toward a situation that has elements that are better than the last one. Those positives bring a sense of peace, if we can master looking at it that way.
What Wins Championships?
"In the transformation of the Chicago Bulls from contenders to champions, Phil Jackson emphasized foremost tough defense and passing skills. It was teamwork in its purest form." -- Senator Bill Bradley, Jackson's former teammate on the New York Knicks
Coaching Formula
Reporters often asked champion basketball coach John Wooden whether he had a formula for teaching basketball. His answer: "Yes: condition, fundamentals, and unity."
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Happening
See this movie.
Suspenseful but not overly gruesome, the mysterious plague that sweeps through the U.S. is solved by science teacher Mark Wahlberg. A little romance and comedy keeps the pace moving. What is it that causes people to lose speech, become disoriented, and then destroy themselves? Can the human race be saved? Warning: one of the "creative" doomed souls makes use of a nearby lawnmower to do the deed. Look away!
Suspenseful but not overly gruesome, the mysterious plague that sweeps through the U.S. is solved by science teacher Mark Wahlberg. A little romance and comedy keeps the pace moving. What is it that causes people to lose speech, become disoriented, and then destroy themselves? Can the human race be saved? Warning: one of the "creative" doomed souls makes use of a nearby lawnmower to do the deed. Look away!
Emotions Outside-In
"We normally think of the expressions on our face as the reflection of our inner state. But the opposite is also true. If I can make you smile, I can make you happy. Emotion, in this sense, goes outside-in." -- Malcom Gladwell
That's why I think humor is so useful, and comedy such a healthy profession. Laughter is a powerful medicine, and those who can inspire it in others are like saints.
That's why I think humor is so useful, and comedy such a healthy profession. Laughter is a powerful medicine, and those who can inspire it in others are like saints.
I Threw My Keys in the Dumpster
Need I say more?
Accidentally tossing one's keys into the dumpster with the garbage ranks just behind dropping your wedding ring down the sink on the horror-embarassment scale. So when Dena stormed into the house uttering those very words, I leaped into action. Fortunately, the stinking thing was practically empty, so with some creativity and a hanger the problem was soon solved.
Accidentally tossing one's keys into the dumpster with the garbage ranks just behind dropping your wedding ring down the sink on the horror-embarassment scale. So when Dena stormed into the house uttering those very words, I leaped into action. Fortunately, the stinking thing was practically empty, so with some creativity and a hanger the problem was soon solved.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Are Squirrel Lovers Nuts?
This week the town of Goodfield was plunged into semi-darkness when a hapless squirrel crawled inside an electric transformer for a high-voltage last meal. This stirred Dona and I into the following observations about squirrels, the people who love them (see www.thesquirrelloversclub.com), and the people like us who take issue with the entire squirrel nation.
"I looked at the squirrel site...what the.....
Disclaimer
Interacting with wild squirrels can lead to accidental bites and scratches. Do not repeat any of my antics with wild squirrels (eg. feeding them directly from my hand and allowing them to run up my chest). Even though I have taken the time to study squirrels and their behavior, I still run the risk of being accidently bitten at any time. BE HEAD SMART!
Accidental bites and scratches......don't they realize the squirrel probably MEANS to bite and scratch? Humans and squirrels should NOT co-habitate. Except on the ark.
And who I mean...WHO in the world takes time to study squirrels and their behavior??? I think time would be more well spent unrolling toilet paper, transferring it to an empty roll just to say you did it!"
"I looked at the squirrel site...what the.....
Disclaimer
Interacting with wild squirrels can lead to accidental bites and scratches. Do not repeat any of my antics with wild squirrels (eg. feeding them directly from my hand and allowing them to run up my chest). Even though I have taken the time to study squirrels and their behavior, I still run the risk of being accidently bitten at any time. BE HEAD SMART!
Accidental bites and scratches......don't they realize the squirrel probably MEANS to bite and scratch? Humans and squirrels should NOT co-habitate. Except on the ark.
And who I mean...WHO in the world takes time to study squirrels and their behavior??? I think time would be more well spent unrolling toilet paper, transferring it to an empty roll just to say you did it!"
A Friendly Game of Musical Scars
A friend of mine is learning to play the guitar, but not quickly enough. As she put it:
"I left my lesson last week feeling that my teacher would of preferred to have sat with a fork in her eye for an hour rather than listen to me since I had played so bad."
"I left my lesson last week feeling that my teacher would of preferred to have sat with a fork in her eye for an hour rather than listen to me since I had played so bad."
Able, Without Cane
How's the hip replacement healing Mom? When last Hidden Blog readers checked, you were needing a leg lifter device even to get yourself into bed.
I still have to use the leg lifter to get into bed, but I don't scream when I do it now. :-)
Can now take a shower downstairs, an improvement I must say. Am occasionally walking without aid when upstairs in the hallway, I just forget my cane. Still am not allowed to bend over or pick things up from the floor. Had to have my physical therapist pick up a container of spaghetti today that I dropped on the floor yesterday. Georgette is usually my picker-upper but he got here first today. Marv has been picking up the mail and bringing it to me and Georgette or Bert are putting the garbage out for me. Thank goodness for neighbors.
I still have to use the leg lifter to get into bed, but I don't scream when I do it now. :-)
Can now take a shower downstairs, an improvement I must say. Am occasionally walking without aid when upstairs in the hallway, I just forget my cane. Still am not allowed to bend over or pick things up from the floor. Had to have my physical therapist pick up a container of spaghetti today that I dropped on the floor yesterday. Georgette is usually my picker-upper but he got here first today. Marv has been picking up the mail and bringing it to me and Georgette or Bert are putting the garbage out for me. Thank goodness for neighbors.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Face Facts
A detailed study involving several test subject observations once concluded that famous anchorman Peter Jennings' facial expressions showed a bias toward Ronald Reagan over Walter Mondale. A cross-examining study found that nearly 75% of people who chose Peter Jennings as their evening newsman from among the three major networks voted for Reagan, versus 50% split on the other two.
There could be (surely are) other factors that affected the viewers or could explain the results. But I'm convinced that people are surprisingly, almost subliminally, susceptible to the influence body language. "Smile, and the world smiles with you" is nearly a scientific fact! Walk down a crowded hallway making smiling eye contact. The results are predictable. Even forced smiles, in time, become genuine. The very act of smiling seems to make one feel better.
There could be (surely are) other factors that affected the viewers or could explain the results. But I'm convinced that people are surprisingly, almost subliminally, susceptible to the influence body language. "Smile, and the world smiles with you" is nearly a scientific fact! Walk down a crowded hallway making smiling eye contact. The results are predictable. Even forced smiles, in time, become genuine. The very act of smiling seems to make one feel better.
Go Forth and Err
"Mistakes are a part of winning. Make sure they're the right kind of mistakes." -- John Wooden
He rarely, if ever, criticized a player who tried in an intelligent way to make things happen out on the court, even when he failed.
And "mistake" doesn't necessarily mean "disagrees with my better judgment." The more often I let someone try an idea that's different from my preference, the more often I discover a better idea!
He rarely, if ever, criticized a player who tried in an intelligent way to make things happen out on the court, even when he failed.
And "mistake" doesn't necessarily mean "disagrees with my better judgment." The more often I let someone try an idea that's different from my preference, the more often I discover a better idea!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Oh Say, Can You Speak?
Saw this in Reader's Digest:
Dayna Steele was attending a basketball game and standing at attention during the Star-Spangled Banner when she was distracted by nearby people chatting and guzzling beer. The song was especially personal to Steele, who knew of a Jamaican national in Iraq who always choked up at the sound of the American anthem.
"How lucky we are that so many have given their lives to protect our freedom."
She hatched a plan in which U.S. servicemen in Iraq would videotape a "pro-anthem" message. Her website, operationnationalanthem.com, now offers the videos free for use before any public event at which the anthem will be played.
Dayna Steele was attending a basketball game and standing at attention during the Star-Spangled Banner when she was distracted by nearby people chatting and guzzling beer. The song was especially personal to Steele, who knew of a Jamaican national in Iraq who always choked up at the sound of the American anthem.
"How lucky we are that so many have given their lives to protect our freedom."
She hatched a plan in which U.S. servicemen in Iraq would videotape a "pro-anthem" message. Her website, operationnationalanthem.com, now offers the videos free for use before any public event at which the anthem will be played.
Baseball Bits
Just finished reading "Baseball Bits" by Dan Schlossberg. The 238-page soft-cover book is terrific for the person with an interest in baseball and history. "Bits" is right -- each segment is just a few sentences long.
Did you know that the first professional baseball team played its games in 1869? They were so good that they won 69 games in a row (after all, every other team they played were amateurs). But to me the more standout fact is some of those players undoubtedly knew people who had been in the Civil War. In fact the first reference to baseball as the "national pastime" was put in print in 1857, four years prior to the start of the war. Had the conflict ended differently, baseball may have been the national pastime of two countries (at least until NASCAR surpassed it in the Confederacy)!
Did you know that the first professional baseball team played its games in 1869? They were so good that they won 69 games in a row (after all, every other team they played were amateurs). But to me the more standout fact is some of those players undoubtedly knew people who had been in the Civil War. In fact the first reference to baseball as the "national pastime" was put in print in 1857, four years prior to the start of the war. Had the conflict ended differently, baseball may have been the national pastime of two countries (at least until NASCAR surpassed it in the Confederacy)!
My Favorite Month
My favorite month actually has no name, since it crosses two calendar months and is 33 days long.
May 20: My birthday; the day Dena and I started dating; the day I proposed.
May 31: My State Farm anniversary.
June 1: State Farm's new vacation year begins.
June 21: Summer solstice; longest day of the year.
During this month the Illinois weather shifts from a schizophrenic mix of winter/spring into full-blown summer warmth. Somewhere in there Memorial Day weekend falls, and around that time the heated condo pool opens. I find my sanctuary poolside, leisurely reading every book and magazine I can find, and chatting up friendships with neighbors both new and familiar. With the sun visiting until 8:30 at night, one can even head out after work to unwind after a busy day.
Maybe I should call this month Heaven!
May 20: My birthday; the day Dena and I started dating; the day I proposed.
May 31: My State Farm anniversary.
June 1: State Farm's new vacation year begins.
June 21: Summer solstice; longest day of the year.
During this month the Illinois weather shifts from a schizophrenic mix of winter/spring into full-blown summer warmth. Somewhere in there Memorial Day weekend falls, and around that time the heated condo pool opens. I find my sanctuary poolside, leisurely reading every book and magazine I can find, and chatting up friendships with neighbors both new and familiar. With the sun visiting until 8:30 at night, one can even head out after work to unwind after a busy day.
Maybe I should call this month Heaven!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Pranks a Lot
Our department has had some great practical jokes through the years. I finally got a chance to participate in one.
We had a meeting in another department with Ken and a handful of other co-workers from our area. Ken's a fun and excitable guy. He left his drinking mug behind because he was dashing off to another nearby meeting. While he was still up there I sent a phony e-mail which appeared to be from Sal, the director of the other department, to all of his employees. Sal's the model even-tempered professional and corporate soldier who devotes uncommonly long hours to the job. The e-mail claimed that a mug had been found, and placed on his secretary's desk. I forwarded it on to my department and, fortunately, Ken had just come down and was asking around to see if anyone had found his mug. Several people told him about "Sal's" e-mail (I'd told his cube neighbors what I was planning to do), and he spun on his heel and bolted upstairs, first searching the secretary's desk to no avail, and finally going to Sal's office and asking him (I had NOT told Sal what I was planning to do). I'm sure they had a nice chat, right?
We had a meeting in another department with Ken and a handful of other co-workers from our area. Ken's a fun and excitable guy. He left his drinking mug behind because he was dashing off to another nearby meeting. While he was still up there I sent a phony e-mail which appeared to be from Sal, the director of the other department, to all of his employees. Sal's the model even-tempered professional and corporate soldier who devotes uncommonly long hours to the job. The e-mail claimed that a mug had been found, and placed on his secretary's desk. I forwarded it on to my department and, fortunately, Ken had just come down and was asking around to see if anyone had found his mug. Several people told him about "Sal's" e-mail (I'd told his cube neighbors what I was planning to do), and he spun on his heel and bolted upstairs, first searching the secretary's desk to no avail, and finally going to Sal's office and asking him (I had NOT told Sal what I was planning to do). I'm sure they had a nice chat, right?
Facebook Strategy Pays
One of my co-workers found Hidden Blog during some late-night surfing on Facebook! Fully justifying a 3 a.m. hour of sleepness spent setting it up.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Staring Contest
With Barack Obama now a lock for the Democratic presidential candidacy, the secret to some of his success becomes known:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/obama_practices_looking_off_into
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/obama_practices_looking_off_into
Love Shack
The MySpace page (link to the left) now has a music track... Love Shack by the B-52's. See, when I was a bachelor living in the condo, I had about a half-dozen roommates over the years. Just about every one of them either met their future spouse while living with me, or moved out due to getting married. So if you're feeling lonely -- well, sorry, the inn is full.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Optimism and Health
From Lou Tice:
Do you know how important optimism is when it comes to fighting illness and maintaining good health? It's probably more important than you think.
In fact, it seems like every day a new study is published, reporting solid evidence that the thoughts we think, and the emotions we feel, affect our bodies and our physical health. We now know that the immune system is strengthened by happy, positive feelings of being in control and weakened by chronic anxiety, depression and feelings of helplessness. We don't know exactly how this happens, but there is no
longer any doubt that it does.
We also know that feelings of depression and helplessness are almost always a direct result, not so much of the events that happen to us, but of the way we habitually interpret and respond to those events. In other words, we have learned ways to behave and respond to life that are literally making us sick.
The good news is that since this behavior is learned, it can also be unlearned. It is possible to turn yourself into an optimist by learning techniques that help you control your thoughts, substituting self-esteem building messages, for the negative thoughts.
Do you know how important optimism is when it comes to fighting illness and maintaining good health? It's probably more important than you think.
In fact, it seems like every day a new study is published, reporting solid evidence that the thoughts we think, and the emotions we feel, affect our bodies and our physical health. We now know that the immune system is strengthened by happy, positive feelings of being in control and weakened by chronic anxiety, depression and feelings of helplessness. We don't know exactly how this happens, but there is no
longer any doubt that it does.
We also know that feelings of depression and helplessness are almost always a direct result, not so much of the events that happen to us, but of the way we habitually interpret and respond to those events. In other words, we have learned ways to behave and respond to life that are literally making us sick.
The good news is that since this behavior is learned, it can also be unlearned. It is possible to turn yourself into an optimist by learning techniques that help you control your thoughts, substituting self-esteem building messages, for the negative thoughts.
Should We Bull-eve This?
From the Chicago Tribune:
"Would the Bulls give up the No. 1 draft position to the Heat in exchange for Dwyane Wade and the No. 2 overall selection? Or some combination of other players and picks?
'I have heard my name being talked about, and I can't worry about it,' Wade said Monday at the Attack Athletics training facility on the West Side. 'There is one thing in this league that you have no control over. If another organization wants you, then you should feel good to be wanted.'
Wade grew up idolizing Michael Jordan while starring at Richards High School and then Marquette.
'I have a lot of history with the Bulls,' Wade said. 'And for them to come out with the first pick like that (with a 1.7 percent lottery chance) ... it was fitting that they would do something like that. Nobody thought that would happen. To be in that position and sit back and listen to anything and go back to a team and say: 'How about this? and 'How about that?' ... If [the Bulls] don't make any big moves like that, they're still going to have a great player.'
Memphis guard Derrick Rose and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley are expected to go 1-2 in the draft."
In this blogger's opinion, it just depends on the players involved. Mainly, I struggle to see what Miami would get out of the deal. I presume that the Bulls would only make the move if it would result in getting Wade and then Michael Beasley as the #2 pick. That kind of combo, along with Kirk Hinrich at point, could be a strong nucleus... and it would matter who the Bulls have to give up. Surely multiple key players like Ben Gordon or Andres Nocioni. Does that really compensate Miami for yielding the player that carried them to the championship a couple years ago, and still in his prime? Back in Chicago, you'd still have the ultra-expensive Larry Hughes sitting on the bench behind Wade. Is there someone out there who needs this guy and could spare a forward?
"Would the Bulls give up the No. 1 draft position to the Heat in exchange for Dwyane Wade and the No. 2 overall selection? Or some combination of other players and picks?
'I have heard my name being talked about, and I can't worry about it,' Wade said Monday at the Attack Athletics training facility on the West Side. 'There is one thing in this league that you have no control over. If another organization wants you, then you should feel good to be wanted.'
Wade grew up idolizing Michael Jordan while starring at Richards High School and then Marquette.
'I have a lot of history with the Bulls,' Wade said. 'And for them to come out with the first pick like that (with a 1.7 percent lottery chance) ... it was fitting that they would do something like that. Nobody thought that would happen. To be in that position and sit back and listen to anything and go back to a team and say: 'How about this? and 'How about that?' ... If [the Bulls] don't make any big moves like that, they're still going to have a great player.'
Memphis guard Derrick Rose and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley are expected to go 1-2 in the draft."
In this blogger's opinion, it just depends on the players involved. Mainly, I struggle to see what Miami would get out of the deal. I presume that the Bulls would only make the move if it would result in getting Wade and then Michael Beasley as the #2 pick. That kind of combo, along with Kirk Hinrich at point, could be a strong nucleus... and it would matter who the Bulls have to give up. Surely multiple key players like Ben Gordon or Andres Nocioni. Does that really compensate Miami for yielding the player that carried them to the championship a couple years ago, and still in his prime? Back in Chicago, you'd still have the ultra-expensive Larry Hughes sitting on the bench behind Wade. Is there someone out there who needs this guy and could spare a forward?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Paramedics Party
When you leave your mother recovering from hip surgery, you like to hear follow-up stories like "was able to walk ten steps pain-free today!" How's it going, Mom?
"Things are better now, but ended up back in the hospital on Tuesday evening. Had to call the paramedics, who were able to break into the house thanks to the fact that Joe didn't lock the bedroom window, because while upstairs walking from the bathroom to the bedroom I was in so much pain I thought I was going to pass out. Luckily, while sitting on the bed, my nurse called and she directed me to call 911. They thought it might have been a blood clot, ran tests on me at the hospital and decided that I just was overdoing it. They gave me a shot of something in the hip and sent me home in an ambulance so that I'd have help getting into bed. Felt better the next morning and have been progressively better since."
Alrighty, then... "haven't had any blood clots this week" will have to do.
"Things are better now, but ended up back in the hospital on Tuesday evening. Had to call the paramedics, who were able to break into the house thanks to the fact that Joe didn't lock the bedroom window, because while upstairs walking from the bathroom to the bedroom I was in so much pain I thought I was going to pass out. Luckily, while sitting on the bed, my nurse called and she directed me to call 911. They thought it might have been a blood clot, ran tests on me at the hospital and decided that I just was overdoing it. They gave me a shot of something in the hip and sent me home in an ambulance so that I'd have help getting into bed. Felt better the next morning and have been progressively better since."
Alrighty, then... "haven't had any blood clots this week" will have to do.
McDonald Scores Crucial Goal, Crushed in Face
We were winning 1-0 when the other team did a corner kick. Right off my leg and into my own goal.
Later in the game, we had figured out that their style was to dribble past us rather than doing much passing. I could tell that their wing was bracing for a crossing kick to their forward. I cleverly positioned myself between him and the streaking teammate, hoping that the shot would ricochet off my body.
What it did, is ricochet squarely off my face.
I don't know what happened in the next few seconds, but I believe that if I didn't have skin holding my skeleton together then my jaw would have landed on the next field. By the time my eyes worked again, I noticed that every player was frozen, staring in a state of shock.
"Are you OK?" someone asked. "Mrmph," I said convincingly. I noticed at this point that the guy who kicked the ball was now holding the ball waist-high. Must have been great comedy. Wished I'd have seen it.
Later in the game, we had figured out that their style was to dribble past us rather than doing much passing. I could tell that their wing was bracing for a crossing kick to their forward. I cleverly positioned myself between him and the streaking teammate, hoping that the shot would ricochet off my body.
What it did, is ricochet squarely off my face.
I don't know what happened in the next few seconds, but I believe that if I didn't have skin holding my skeleton together then my jaw would have landed on the next field. By the time my eyes worked again, I noticed that every player was frozen, staring in a state of shock.
"Are you OK?" someone asked. "Mrmph," I said convincingly. I noticed at this point that the guy who kicked the ball was now holding the ball waist-high. Must have been great comedy. Wished I'd have seen it.
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