I just checked weather for tomorrow. Now mind you, we are talking of weather only 24 hours in advance, so we aren't talking about a great leap of meteorological magic...
The results:
Tomorrow it will be a cloudy 59 degrees (According to Accuweather)
Tomorrow it will be a partly sunny 55 degrees (According to WNEP 7 day forecast)
Tomorrow it will be partly cloudy 71 degrees (According to Weather.com)
How is all this possible? Aren't these folks the "experts?" There difference of 16 degrees tomorrow. It will either be mostly sunny or cloudy.
Just like the rest of the world...even the experts, paid to predict based on their knowledge, cannot agree what it will be like in 24 hours. This is true of weathermen, Investment bankers, security experts, business consultants and a whole range of paid "experts." Yet we continually look to these folks with the mistaken belief that their information can make problems go away.
I am a firm believer in education, and research. But it is still important to gather information, and then use the common sense you were given to base your decisions. Do not rely on "experts" to make your decisions, they are for you to make.
I ran into a T-shirt in a magazine yesterday. It said in essence: Trust your instincts. The Arc was built by novices, the Titanic by experts.
UPDATE: The weather turned out to be sunny, 66 degrees. They were all wrong.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
That will teach them that cops don't like to walk!
This little gem was found in our local Williamsport Sun Gazette.
Police chief issues at least 90 parking tickets
By R.A. WALKER rwalker@sungazette.comPOSTED: April 17, 2010
Gregory Foresman apparently took it to heart when Mayor Gabriel J. Campana ordered "all" city police officers to walk city neighborhoods for at least 30 minutes of every work shift. The directive included command staff.
After Thursday night's City Council meeting, Foresman was asked about his neighborhood visits so far.
The chief acknowledged as accurate reports by Pennsylvania College of Technology students that he had been seen on foot and issuing tickets on Vine Avenue this week.
He said he also visited the neighborhoods around Lycoming College and reported finding too many violations in the residential neighborhoods with permit parking around both schools.
Violations of permit parking carry a $25 fine, and Foresman said he issued at least 90 tickets just in the first four days of the new policy.
The mayor and police administration began the mandatory neighborhood walks last year but curtailed them over the cold-weather months.
When he revived the effort last week, Campana said he wanted officers to spend time getting to know the city's neighborhoods and their residents. He urged officers to talk with residents whenever possible.
The mayor also said officers were to be given their foot patrol assignments at the start of shifts, and the assignments would be determined by neighborhood needs and crime trends.
After Thursday night's City Council meeting, Foresman was asked about his neighborhood visits so far.
The chief acknowledged as accurate reports by Pennsylvania College of Technology students that he had been seen on foot and issuing tickets on Vine Avenue this week.
He said he also visited the neighborhoods around Lycoming College and reported finding too many violations in the residential neighborhoods with permit parking around both schools.
Violations of permit parking carry a $25 fine, and Foresman said he issued at least 90 tickets just in the first four days of the new policy.
The mayor and police administration began the mandatory neighborhood walks last year but curtailed them over the cold-weather months.
When he revived the effort last week, Campana said he wanted officers to spend time getting to know the city's neighborhoods and their residents. He urged officers to talk with residents whenever possible.
The mayor also said officers were to be given their foot patrol assignments at the start of shifts, and the assignments would be determined by neighborhood needs and crime trends.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Influence of Fathers
I was settled down for another episode of "Undercover Boss" and started noticing a trend on this show, which was, how much people speak of their Fathers. Some of these men were moved to tears just thinking of dear old Dad. Then I started to think about other reality based shows, where people can speak from their hearts. Guess what they speak of? Yup, their Fathers.
What was really amazing is that it doesn't seem to matter how dastardly their Father was, or how admirable...These men's lives were directly influenced by the actions of their Fathers. They all seemed to want to prove something to their Fathers, although most of them had lost their Fathers years ago. Their Father's influence on their lives had not diminished at all! It also seemed that the older the men were, the more they reflected on their Fathers, They finally got to see life from their Father's eyes.
I have often cringed with how Fathers are represented on television, usually stupid, inept, far inferior to their wives. They need molded and changed by women to prevent them from a life of their own stupidity. I have known all along it was not the case, but can't help but wonder if part of the problem in this country is the fact that we present Fathers in such a terrible light on television.
We really need to repaint our picture of Fatherhood. A Father's love, and work ethic and attitude on life will impact a child throughout their lives. My generation did not get to see their "Dad" much. He was expected to go to work, and not get involved in the trivial family matters. Mom took care of the day to day things. He wasn't encouraged to show emotions, but rather "take care of things." Maybe it was this absence that caused us to miss how very important he was.
I lost my Father when I was only 16. I never lost his impact on my life.
It is funny how that works out.
What was really amazing is that it doesn't seem to matter how dastardly their Father was, or how admirable...These men's lives were directly influenced by the actions of their Fathers. They all seemed to want to prove something to their Fathers, although most of them had lost their Fathers years ago. Their Father's influence on their lives had not diminished at all! It also seemed that the older the men were, the more they reflected on their Fathers, They finally got to see life from their Father's eyes.
I have often cringed with how Fathers are represented on television, usually stupid, inept, far inferior to their wives. They need molded and changed by women to prevent them from a life of their own stupidity. I have known all along it was not the case, but can't help but wonder if part of the problem in this country is the fact that we present Fathers in such a terrible light on television.
We really need to repaint our picture of Fatherhood. A Father's love, and work ethic and attitude on life will impact a child throughout their lives. My generation did not get to see their "Dad" much. He was expected to go to work, and not get involved in the trivial family matters. Mom took care of the day to day things. He wasn't encouraged to show emotions, but rather "take care of things." Maybe it was this absence that caused us to miss how very important he was.
I lost my Father when I was only 16. I never lost his impact on my life.
It is funny how that works out.
Friday, April 9, 2010
My Aluminum Can Project
I have been creating things from Aluminum Cans for decades. (Yes I am old.) I thought I would share some pictures. Most of my work can be purchased at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyPA
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Great detective work Lou!
Here is a report of a new species of lizard being discovered.
No, it wasn't found on a remote island. It is heavily populated and largely deforested Luzon Island of Northern Philippines.
It isn't small and obscure. It was a 6 foot, 6 inch freaking long monitor lizard.
It wasn't heavily camouflaged, as it is brightly colored.
It was even unknown. The locals regularly eat them!
But yet, the discovery of the monitor lizard was described as an 'unprecedented surprise' by scientists.
Great detective work there Lou!
No, it wasn't found on a remote island. It is heavily populated and largely deforested Luzon Island of Northern Philippines.
It isn't small and obscure. It was a 6 foot, 6 inch freaking long monitor lizard.
It wasn't heavily camouflaged, as it is brightly colored.
It was even unknown. The locals regularly eat them!
But yet, the discovery of the monitor lizard was described as an 'unprecedented surprise' by scientists.
Great detective work there Lou!
Coronary Disease in the Heartland
Recently, I was scanning through the radio stations, and came upon a station touting that they were in the "Heartland of Pennsylvania". I never really thought of our area as that, but geographically it could be true. If that is the case, I think Pennsylvania might have coronary disease.
I have always been aware of the low pay scale in our area. The medium income is about $37,000. That means half of the folks here earn less. Most that I know earn much less.
I have always been told that the cost of living is so low, that the low wages is all relative. I never could figure that out, as I pay the same for fuel, cars, medical tests, clothes and household goods as the city folks. We probably pay more for food, as our options are limited, and it has to be trucked in. The only thing I can see is our houses cost less. But it costs the same to repair and build those houses...but we get less for it. I pay more for my water and sewage as the small communities are socked with the state mandates, and have less of a customer base to pay for the upgrades. I pay mightily for taxes for our schools, as the salaries of the teachers are negotiated using national average scale. I don't see the lower costs.
What I see are fewer options. Instead of cultural events that are offered, I can go to the mountains. Instead of museums and live performances, I can go to the mountains. Instead of vacations in warmer climates, I can tent in the mountains. I wouldn't think of taking my laundry to the cleaners, or having someone else cut my hair, or fix my house, or car. People who live here do it themselves, not because they can, but because they can't afford to pay someone else to do it. Whenever I see live performances, or cultural events, they are all funded heavily by grants and subsidies of the government. The people in the cities are paying to keep the masses in the center entertained.
What I am amazed at, is even though we live in an area with such low pay scales, is that we are still losing jobs. Companies don't to move here, because there are even lower paying areas out there, for example in the south. They don't even have to pay the higher taxes, nor the energy costs that they do to be in Pennsylvania. So the cycle will continue.
Don't get me wrong, I love my mountains. I chose to raise my family here. I also chose to encourage them all to get a good education and get the hell out of here. If you stay, you will be trying to raise a family in an area that lives on 12 hour shifts...a couple of day on, a couple of days off. The drop out rate at the local school is 30%. Every year, it is those 30% that stay, locked in by poverty and lack of education. The population is declining. The smart move on. I once was told by a friend who went off and got a law degree, and came back to practice. He said "You know what people think a good lawyer is? Any lawyer from outside of the area." Even the native perception is, if you are smart, what are you doing here?
It is sad, but I guess it is the way of all rural areas. But is is like a disease. The area is getting poorer, less opportunities for making good wages, the smart ones are leaving. How many generations until the old heart just gives out. Just like coronary disease. The extremities of the body may function and look good for awhile, but eventually...
I have always been aware of the low pay scale in our area. The medium income is about $37,000. That means half of the folks here earn less. Most that I know earn much less.
I have always been told that the cost of living is so low, that the low wages is all relative. I never could figure that out, as I pay the same for fuel, cars, medical tests, clothes and household goods as the city folks. We probably pay more for food, as our options are limited, and it has to be trucked in. The only thing I can see is our houses cost less. But it costs the same to repair and build those houses...but we get less for it. I pay more for my water and sewage as the small communities are socked with the state mandates, and have less of a customer base to pay for the upgrades. I pay mightily for taxes for our schools, as the salaries of the teachers are negotiated using national average scale. I don't see the lower costs.
What I see are fewer options. Instead of cultural events that are offered, I can go to the mountains. Instead of museums and live performances, I can go to the mountains. Instead of vacations in warmer climates, I can tent in the mountains. I wouldn't think of taking my laundry to the cleaners, or having someone else cut my hair, or fix my house, or car. People who live here do it themselves, not because they can, but because they can't afford to pay someone else to do it. Whenever I see live performances, or cultural events, they are all funded heavily by grants and subsidies of the government. The people in the cities are paying to keep the masses in the center entertained.
What I am amazed at, is even though we live in an area with such low pay scales, is that we are still losing jobs. Companies don't to move here, because there are even lower paying areas out there, for example in the south. They don't even have to pay the higher taxes, nor the energy costs that they do to be in Pennsylvania. So the cycle will continue.
Don't get me wrong, I love my mountains. I chose to raise my family here. I also chose to encourage them all to get a good education and get the hell out of here. If you stay, you will be trying to raise a family in an area that lives on 12 hour shifts...a couple of day on, a couple of days off. The drop out rate at the local school is 30%. Every year, it is those 30% that stay, locked in by poverty and lack of education. The population is declining. The smart move on. I once was told by a friend who went off and got a law degree, and came back to practice. He said "You know what people think a good lawyer is? Any lawyer from outside of the area." Even the native perception is, if you are smart, what are you doing here?
It is sad, but I guess it is the way of all rural areas. But is is like a disease. The area is getting poorer, less opportunities for making good wages, the smart ones are leaving. How many generations until the old heart just gives out. Just like coronary disease. The extremities of the body may function and look good for awhile, but eventually...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Science News Today
Today is science day.
The Hedron Collider managed to successfully smash two atoms together, and the earth didn't get sucked into a black hole. My daughter claims she feels like she has, but I assured her that is was only Tuesday.
Secondly, Toyota has called in NASA Engineers to study the sudden acceleration problem. So who knew it was rocket science all along?
Third, The courts have ruled that sections of DNA cannot be patented. The judge says it is commendable that companies have managed to identify certain sections that indicate cancers, or such but essentially those sections can be found in nature anywhere, therefore, not patentable. I guess I will have to remove my application for the fresh air I discovered when I stood on my porch today.
The Hedron Collider managed to successfully smash two atoms together, and the earth didn't get sucked into a black hole. My daughter claims she feels like she has, but I assured her that is was only Tuesday.
Secondly, Toyota has called in NASA Engineers to study the sudden acceleration problem. So who knew it was rocket science all along?
Third, The courts have ruled that sections of DNA cannot be patented. The judge says it is commendable that companies have managed to identify certain sections that indicate cancers, or such but essentially those sections can be found in nature anywhere, therefore, not patentable. I guess I will have to remove my application for the fresh air I discovered when I stood on my porch today.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What Country? Gift Shop
I recently stopped at a local "Country Gift Shop" that was new to the area that I live. It is an area that has gotten thousands of taxpayer money to create a rails to trails bicycle pathway through beautiful scenic mountains. An Area that is promoting itself as "Pennsylvania Wilds."
Since I make a variety of homemade items, that are rather unique. I have been making the rounds of the local gift shops to see if I can place a few of theses items in their shops.
What is amazing, is not one of the local shops sell local arts and crafts! They all look like cookie cutters of each other, and exactly like what you can find in any mall across America. They all have cookie cutter patchworks done in shades of browns and greens, created in the Philippines, or China. Nothing produced locally. They are are scented with candles made in another country.
What Country are we decorating from? I will be truthful...most of the stuff in these places neither look artistic, nor real. If you place them in a home, it doesn't say, I love my country, and it's rich history, it says "Look, I can get hoodwinked by local merchandisers!"
Seek out your local artisans. Support the shops that support local craft people. Put down that punched tin ornament made in China, and go find the real thing! It is worth the effort.
Oh, and if you are curious, here is where my Central Pennsylvanian crafts can be found. It certainly isn't here in Central Pennsylvania. http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyPA
Since I make a variety of homemade items, that are rather unique. I have been making the rounds of the local gift shops to see if I can place a few of theses items in their shops.
What is amazing, is not one of the local shops sell local arts and crafts! They all look like cookie cutters of each other, and exactly like what you can find in any mall across America. They all have cookie cutter patchworks done in shades of browns and greens, created in the Philippines, or China. Nothing produced locally. They are are scented with candles made in another country.
What Country are we decorating from? I will be truthful...most of the stuff in these places neither look artistic, nor real. If you place them in a home, it doesn't say, I love my country, and it's rich history, it says "Look, I can get hoodwinked by local merchandisers!"
Seek out your local artisans. Support the shops that support local craft people. Put down that punched tin ornament made in China, and go find the real thing! It is worth the effort.
Oh, and if you are curious, here is where my Central Pennsylvanian crafts can be found. It certainly isn't here in Central Pennsylvania. http://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyPA
Friday, March 19, 2010
How to make a garden fence out of sticks
I needed a fence because my dogs have a habit of running without looking where they are heading. So, I didn't really need it to be strong, rather to have a visual impact to the dogs, so they stay out. I am also an organic gardener, so I wanted something that looked natural. The only cost to this fence is for cotton string to bind the intersections.
This is how I did it. I use 4 main pieces, about 2 1/2 feet long as the legs to go into the ground.
Next, I use two smaller pieces of study twigs between each of the 4 longer ones. Then I took long sticks (these are the sucker branches that we trimmed off our apple trees this winter) and threaded them over and under these sticks. I would start and stop wherever there seemed to need bracing. I only would do about 4-5 sticks in each intersection. Then I tied each intersection. Here is the first row done.
I would loop around each side an then knot it at the bigger sticks, as they are the main supports, but just criss-cross tied the intersections of the smaller sticks. Here is an example of the knots.
I added two more rows of sticks, making sure each intersection is tied. I tried to keep them straight as possible, but wasn't too upset if it varied, as I liked the look of a "natural fence"
Here is the finished fence, I used a hammer and pounded the longer sticks into the ground to make it secure.
I hope this gives you ideas on how to use natural materials to help around the garden.
This is how I did it. I use 4 main pieces, about 2 1/2 feet long as the legs to go into the ground.
Next, I use two smaller pieces of study twigs between each of the 4 longer ones. Then I took long sticks (these are the sucker branches that we trimmed off our apple trees this winter) and threaded them over and under these sticks. I would start and stop wherever there seemed to need bracing. I only would do about 4-5 sticks in each intersection. Then I tied each intersection. Here is the first row done.
I would loop around each side an then knot it at the bigger sticks, as they are the main supports, but just criss-cross tied the intersections of the smaller sticks. Here is an example of the knots.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
St. Patrick's Day
They say on St. Patrick's day, everyone is Irish! Many people people think green and beer when thinking of St. Pat's Day. Others think of Corned Beef. When I think of St. Patrick's Day I think onions!
This was the traditional day to plant onions in my Italian neighborhood. Here in Central Pennsylvania, what the weather will be like on St. Patrick's day is pretty much a crap shoot, but I have managed to plant onions on this day every year. I have gone out and poked through the snow to frozen ground and dropped the onions into little indents with the belief of Spring, and have never been disappointed! My husband has laughed at me all bundled up out there trying to find ground to plant the onions, but low and behold, when the thaw finally hit, there were lines of delicious onions ready to serve with the dinner.
This year, like last year, was exceptional in the fact that I was able to actually turn the onion patch over before I had a chance to plant it. Already there is a promise of Spring out there, the crocuses, and pussy willows are already accepting the gift of warmth and sun.
It doesn't take much, just go to a local Agway, or seed store, and get some onion sets. Onions aren't really picky about the soil, but they like sun. If you can't even prepare the soil it is OK. Just poke some holes in the ground a couple of inches deep, and drop the onion sets in. As I used to tell my children when they were little...just make sure the fuzzy side is down. In a couple of weeks, you will have wonderful spring onions to serve in salads, or greens to chop into almost any meal, or just on the dinner table ready to dip in salt and eat fresh!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
This was the traditional day to plant onions in my Italian neighborhood. Here in Central Pennsylvania, what the weather will be like on St. Patrick's day is pretty much a crap shoot, but I have managed to plant onions on this day every year. I have gone out and poked through the snow to frozen ground and dropped the onions into little indents with the belief of Spring, and have never been disappointed! My husband has laughed at me all bundled up out there trying to find ground to plant the onions, but low and behold, when the thaw finally hit, there were lines of delicious onions ready to serve with the dinner.
This year, like last year, was exceptional in the fact that I was able to actually turn the onion patch over before I had a chance to plant it. Already there is a promise of Spring out there, the crocuses, and pussy willows are already accepting the gift of warmth and sun.
It doesn't take much, just go to a local Agway, or seed store, and get some onion sets. Onions aren't really picky about the soil, but they like sun. If you can't even prepare the soil it is OK. Just poke some holes in the ground a couple of inches deep, and drop the onion sets in. As I used to tell my children when they were little...just make sure the fuzzy side is down. In a couple of weeks, you will have wonderful spring onions to serve in salads, or greens to chop into almost any meal, or just on the dinner table ready to dip in salt and eat fresh!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Some Other Planet
I have begun to wonder if perhaps, there are two earths. I know I am supposed to be here on the earth, In the United States, in the heart of Pennsylvania. Then I watch Television. I saw on the news yesterday, where several women were being treated for problems associated with the injection of silicone caulking into their buttocks. They thought they were getting approved buttock enlargements.
My brain began to try to digest all of this information laid out so randomly at once..."What would silicone caulking do to the body?" Then, it sprang into action with "Why would you allow someone to inject caulking into your butt? "People want to have large butts?" "Who thought this was a good thing to do?" "Why are women so stupid?"
I must be on another planet. Don't get me wrong, I feel it is a good thing to want to look good. I thought we were in a recession. People still have money to invest in their butts? Maybe the we haven't gotten poor enough yet.
I have read about earlier American women and corsets. They were so anxious to have an hourglass figure, that they allowed their corsets to alter their bone structure. The reason fainting couches were so popular, was because the corsets were so constrictive that they couldn't breath properly, thus fainting was common. I thought that was behind us....but I guess stupidity and the quest for beauty has never left us. I guess that the only thing behind us is caulk.
My brain began to try to digest all of this information laid out so randomly at once..."What would silicone caulking do to the body?" Then, it sprang into action with "Why would you allow someone to inject caulking into your butt? "People want to have large butts?" "Who thought this was a good thing to do?" "Why are women so stupid?"
I must be on another planet. Don't get me wrong, I feel it is a good thing to want to look good. I thought we were in a recession. People still have money to invest in their butts? Maybe the we haven't gotten poor enough yet.
I have read about earlier American women and corsets. They were so anxious to have an hourglass figure, that they allowed their corsets to alter their bone structure. The reason fainting couches were so popular, was because the corsets were so constrictive that they couldn't breath properly, thus fainting was common. I thought that was behind us....but I guess stupidity and the quest for beauty has never left us. I guess that the only thing behind us is caulk.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Sex Addiction
I saw on the morning news that Tiger Woods was going to be released from a clinic that was treating him for Sex Addiction.
Today, Sex - a basic biological function, is an addition. Which means it is a disease. We already have drug addiction and alcoholism classified as diseases. He didn't need a clinic. He needed a Jewish Mother. Send him to live with a real Jewish Mother for two weeks.
For two weeks he would be told how dirty he was, how disgusting these women were, how horrible his wife has been treated, how messed up he has made his children, and future generations from his children. More importantly, how embarrassed he made his Mother! How she was so ashamed to go to religious services, or the grocery store, or worse, the beauty parlor!
I bet two week with a very talented Jewish mother, and Tiger Woods would have such a complex, he wouldn't be able to get it up for three years! What addiction?!
I caught a commercial (one of my favorite topics) for a weight loss program. It starts "I eat when I am lonely. I eat when I am stressed out". Guess what? Eating is another biological function....we eat because we need to do so to survive. So, although it is not an untruth to say that, everyone eats, and probably everyone has eaten in almost any emotional state you can name. I eat when I am hungry. I can't seem to control that. And yes, we have food addicts.
So I have decided I am a breathing addict. Yes, I know I should be able to control it, I just haven't been able to stop. Maybe I can go to counseling or take some time off work to see if I can stop this habit. I wonder if they have developed a patch for it.
Today, Sex - a basic biological function, is an addition. Which means it is a disease. We already have drug addiction and alcoholism classified as diseases. He didn't need a clinic. He needed a Jewish Mother. Send him to live with a real Jewish Mother for two weeks.
For two weeks he would be told how dirty he was, how disgusting these women were, how horrible his wife has been treated, how messed up he has made his children, and future generations from his children. More importantly, how embarrassed he made his Mother! How she was so ashamed to go to religious services, or the grocery store, or worse, the beauty parlor!
I bet two week with a very talented Jewish mother, and Tiger Woods would have such a complex, he wouldn't be able to get it up for three years! What addiction?!
I caught a commercial (one of my favorite topics) for a weight loss program. It starts "I eat when I am lonely. I eat when I am stressed out". Guess what? Eating is another biological function....we eat because we need to do so to survive. So, although it is not an untruth to say that, everyone eats, and probably everyone has eaten in almost any emotional state you can name. I eat when I am hungry. I can't seem to control that. And yes, we have food addicts.
So I have decided I am a breathing addict. Yes, I know I should be able to control it, I just haven't been able to stop. Maybe I can go to counseling or take some time off work to see if I can stop this habit. I wonder if they have developed a patch for it.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Being "Rich"
Dictionary.com defines"Rich" as "having wealth or great possessions; abundantly supplied with resources, means, or funds; wealthy: a rich man; a rich nation." If you ask most people if they want to be "Rich" they will say "Yes!"
I have spent considerable time defining what "Rich" means to me. I thought this was an important thing to do because once you establish what "Rich" is, it helps you determine what you are willing to do to get "Rich"
Here it is: "Rich" is not holding your breath when they total up your groceries.
Yup, simple isn't it? I have had money, and I have been really poor. And the point at which I think I feel good about where I am, is the point that I supply the basic needs of myself and my loved ones. That's it. Everything else seems to fall into place when you define it this way.
I have seen a whole bunch of unhappy people, define what they think is "Rich" by dollars, possessions or status. As soon as a person defines what "Rich" is, it also defines what they are willing to do to get to "Rich". Since I have set my goal for "Rich" it makes me question how hard I work to keep my job, my time, and my interests to fit the definition. I am forced to question "Is this really necessary for me to do this in order to be "Rich?" It has served as a steady rudder for me.
I have always been amazed what others have set up to consider themselves "Rich." The saddest thing is, how many are unhappy with their lives until they feel they have reached that level.
So I guess I am asking you the reader, to ponder what it is that makes you "Rich", your answer may surprise yourself. Once you clearly define "Rich" by dollars, status, friends, relationships, possessions...then ask yourself how much of what you do actually contributes to that goal.
In the meantime, according to my gauge, I am "Rich", and very thankful for that!
I have spent considerable time defining what "Rich" means to me. I thought this was an important thing to do because once you establish what "Rich" is, it helps you determine what you are willing to do to get "Rich"
Here it is: "Rich" is not holding your breath when they total up your groceries.
Yup, simple isn't it? I have had money, and I have been really poor. And the point at which I think I feel good about where I am, is the point that I supply the basic needs of myself and my loved ones. That's it. Everything else seems to fall into place when you define it this way.
I have seen a whole bunch of unhappy people, define what they think is "Rich" by dollars, possessions or status. As soon as a person defines what "Rich" is, it also defines what they are willing to do to get to "Rich". Since I have set my goal for "Rich" it makes me question how hard I work to keep my job, my time, and my interests to fit the definition. I am forced to question "Is this really necessary for me to do this in order to be "Rich?" It has served as a steady rudder for me.
I have always been amazed what others have set up to consider themselves "Rich." The saddest thing is, how many are unhappy with their lives until they feel they have reached that level.
So I guess I am asking you the reader, to ponder what it is that makes you "Rich", your answer may surprise yourself. Once you clearly define "Rich" by dollars, status, friends, relationships, possessions...then ask yourself how much of what you do actually contributes to that goal.
In the meantime, according to my gauge, I am "Rich", and very thankful for that!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Levels of Driving Danger
Since this has been a pretty hard winter here on the East Coast, I am sure all of you are aware of the dangers of traveling in adverse weather conditions. This is not what I am talking about for driving dangers.
Everyday we hit the highways and commute somewhere. On that trip there are things you see time after time that begin to form an order of danger to you. My list of was developed after years of driving the most dangerous route I ever encountered, the trip to drop the kids off at school each day. I travel highways now daily, but it was the local town roads that seemed the most likely place that I could end up crunching bumpers.
Here were the danger signs I developed.
1. Blond female.
2. Blonde female with a spiral permanent. Since the spiral perms have now gone out of fashion, I have expanded this to teased, or one of those styles where the hair is gathered up in such a way to see how many directions it can point at one time.
3. Blonde spiked female in a red vehicle.
4. The ultimate danger, Blond female with hair in all directions, driving a red car with children, and talking on a cell phone.
It had gotten so bad, that I would just sit at the edge of an intersection if I saw a car with all four levels of danger, and wait for them to make the first move. There is no predictive nature to this type of driver, so it is safer to let them go first.
3. Blonde spiked female in a red vehicle.
4. The ultimate danger, Blond female with hair in all directions, driving a red car with children, and talking on a cell phone.
It had gotten so bad, that I would just sit at the edge of an intersection if I saw a car with all four levels of danger, and wait for them to make the first move. There is no predictive nature to this type of driver, so it is safer to let them go first.
I was discussing this with a friend, who had a different warning level system worked out. He rated the dangers as:
1. Short old man with big ears.
2. Short old man and big ears with a funny hat.
3. Short old man, big ears, with a funny hat and a huge car in which he can barely see over the dash.
1. Short old man with big ears.
2. Short old man and big ears with a funny hat.
3. Short old man, big ears, with a funny hat and a huge car in which he can barely see over the dash.
The other day I encountered a whole new category. I came up behind a beautiful forest green Camaro. It wasn’t long before I realized this car was traveling fifteen miles an hour in a thirty-five mile zone. After closer scrutiny, I discovered a silver haired old man driving it. My daughter suggested that perhaps they are now camouflaging themselves. Wow, I guess I will have to go back and revise the danger list.
It depends on what your daily commute is that makes a person decide what the danger criteria was. It may be SUV drivers, Vans, or anyone that has a cell phone to their head.
What does your warning level system consist of?
It depends on what your daily commute is that makes a person decide what the danger criteria was. It may be SUV drivers, Vans, or anyone that has a cell phone to their head.
What does your warning level system consist of?
Monday, March 1, 2010
Some aquired knowledge
1. Toothpaste will remove a kool-aid mustache.
2. Keep Lestoil around. It is a solvent based cleaner. I use it in my laundry. It removes grass stains, and paint! It works better than spot cleaners on those shirts that get grease spots on them from cooking. They also take crayon and pencil marks off walls and woodwork. Warning: do not use on a surface where oil will leave a stain.
3. Keep those old toothbrushes. They should be at every spot that you have other cleaners. I use them in the laundry to scrub lestoil into stains, and also use the non brush tip to break apart dried paint so the lestoil will work. They clean any item that has grooves. They get the edges of the faucets when you clean them.
4. My favorite cleaner is Dawn and Ammonia. I can clean most every surface of my house with this. If streaking is a concern, such as windows or appliances use more Ammonia than Dawn.
5. Many people wash/rinse their dishes before they put them in the dishwasher. It is a waste of water and time. I just scrape food particles off, and put it in. You may discover one or two items that aren't thoroughly cleaned, but then you are only washing one or two items, not the whole load.
6. Speaking of Dishwashers...when was the last time you cleaned the drain area of your dishwasher? Most dishwashers have an assembly at the bottom that comes apart and you can clear out food and dirt debris that gets left behind. Check your manual if you are unsure. If you keep this cleaned, you will be amazed at how much nicer your dishes clean!
7. Are people complaining of itchy skin in winter at your house? Use a half cup of vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser instead of fabric softener. If you don't have a fabric softener dispenser on your model, add the vinegar in the rinse cycle. This dissolves any remaining soap, and besides not having detergents now rubbing again your skin, it makes the clothes softer because there isn't soap residue on them. I use a dryer sheet in the dryer anyway, to fight static cling.
8. If something is burnt onto a fry pan, before you even try to clean it. Put water in the pot enough to cover the burnt on parts, and put it back on the stove until it comes to a boil. If it is a greasy burned mess, add some dish soap to the water. Once it comes to a boil, let it cool on the stove. Your cleaning will be much easier.
9. Boil Cream of Tarter in a discolored Aluminum pan to remove the stain.
10. If you hang your clothes to dry, hang the whole hem of a shirt over the line by a couple of inches, not clipped at the tails or shoulders. They will take a bit longer to dry, but that line will stretch out immediately when you put the shirt on, but stretched tails on a T-shirt will stay with you all the time you wear it.
2. Keep Lestoil around. It is a solvent based cleaner. I use it in my laundry. It removes grass stains, and paint! It works better than spot cleaners on those shirts that get grease spots on them from cooking. They also take crayon and pencil marks off walls and woodwork. Warning: do not use on a surface where oil will leave a stain.
3. Keep those old toothbrushes. They should be at every spot that you have other cleaners. I use them in the laundry to scrub lestoil into stains, and also use the non brush tip to break apart dried paint so the lestoil will work. They clean any item that has grooves. They get the edges of the faucets when you clean them.
4. My favorite cleaner is Dawn and Ammonia. I can clean most every surface of my house with this. If streaking is a concern, such as windows or appliances use more Ammonia than Dawn.
5. Many people wash/rinse their dishes before they put them in the dishwasher. It is a waste of water and time. I just scrape food particles off, and put it in. You may discover one or two items that aren't thoroughly cleaned, but then you are only washing one or two items, not the whole load.
6. Speaking of Dishwashers...when was the last time you cleaned the drain area of your dishwasher? Most dishwashers have an assembly at the bottom that comes apart and you can clear out food and dirt debris that gets left behind. Check your manual if you are unsure. If you keep this cleaned, you will be amazed at how much nicer your dishes clean!
7. Are people complaining of itchy skin in winter at your house? Use a half cup of vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser instead of fabric softener. If you don't have a fabric softener dispenser on your model, add the vinegar in the rinse cycle. This dissolves any remaining soap, and besides not having detergents now rubbing again your skin, it makes the clothes softer because there isn't soap residue on them. I use a dryer sheet in the dryer anyway, to fight static cling.
8. If something is burnt onto a fry pan, before you even try to clean it. Put water in the pot enough to cover the burnt on parts, and put it back on the stove until it comes to a boil. If it is a greasy burned mess, add some dish soap to the water. Once it comes to a boil, let it cool on the stove. Your cleaning will be much easier.
9. Boil Cream of Tarter in a discolored Aluminum pan to remove the stain.
10. If you hang your clothes to dry, hang the whole hem of a shirt over the line by a couple of inches, not clipped at the tails or shoulders. They will take a bit longer to dry, but that line will stretch out immediately when you put the shirt on, but stretched tails on a T-shirt will stay with you all the time you wear it.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
So you are raising a child?
Raising a child has gone the way of cooking. At the turn of the century, it took at least an average of six hours to prepare a meal in the American household. Now with time saving microwaves, and prepared meals, it takes less than thirty minutes.
Now ponder the time investment of raising a child. Assume a child needs 12 hours of sleep a night when very young, and 10 hours in later childhood. That reduces a day of actual care to a mere 12-14 hours. Most people work 8 hours a day or more. But that doesn’t include lunch, or commuting time. That cuts about 10 hours of the day that the parent is available to be with their child. At best, that leaves 2-4 hours a day you actually get to spend with your child.
At most, four hours is 16% of your day. How can people raise their children, when they are only spending sixteen percent of a waking time with them?
Some people even go farther into whittling this time down by scheduling their children into activities, and themselves into meetings of one type or another. Getting more skills, or serving a social obligation, has a good purpose, or does it?
I know that you think you need to be building that career, but your career will be much longer than you think. Current trends now stretch it into your 70’s. Will a couple of years of refocus on your child really slow you down in a 50-year career?
You and your child get 18 out of your 80 years of life. After that, you are an activity squeezed into their lives.
Maybe we need to refocus the American family. If people earned a living wage, we could go back to a one wage earning family. The drop out rate in American Schools is now over 30%. With Mom and Dad both working 12 hour days, at odd shifts...I can see a corollary. I don't see any improvement soon.
Unfortunately, the most positive outcome of this current recession will be at least we will have a bit of time to spend with our own children.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Register Independent!
The government is broke. I have spent a great deal of time pondering what I can do to make a change. I think I finally found a possible solution.
Register Independent. Currently, no matter how dedicated and good willed a candidate is, once they get into office they are all being forced to vote party lines, either through coercion, or withdrawal of funds, or bribes of funding. What if the party lines were hard to find?
I don't care what party you are currently registered as, you have to be disappointed in the fact that our government is totally gridlocked. Even if something gets passed it is the reflection of only one party, not a cooperative effort. I am tired of the hate, name calling and inefficiency.
If enough people change to "Independent" as voters, some of us lose something. Here in Pennsylvania we give up the right to vote in the primary, but we will gain much more. Everyone who does it will give up being pigeonholed into a stereotype.
If Independents are such a voting block, the major parties will have to float candidates who will attract the independents in order to win a seat. That means the radical left, or the radical right need not apply, because if a party raises them as a candidate, the independent voters still won't seat them. We might actually have to start talking about the real issues. Candidates will no longer be able to only use their party's talking points to gain votes.
I have seen third party candidates come and fail. We are not structured to handle that in this country effectively. But we are well set to handle a larger block of independents.
Finally, even though you are registered as an independent, it will not stop you from contributing, nor supporting your candidate of choice. It simply means you will stop having to be lumped into a massive cauldron of hate in order to voice your opinion.
I urge you to act and tell your friends to act. It is the only non-violent, non-hateful option I can see for the reasonable electorate to do at this point.
Register Independent. Currently, no matter how dedicated and good willed a candidate is, once they get into office they are all being forced to vote party lines, either through coercion, or withdrawal of funds, or bribes of funding. What if the party lines were hard to find?
I don't care what party you are currently registered as, you have to be disappointed in the fact that our government is totally gridlocked. Even if something gets passed it is the reflection of only one party, not a cooperative effort. I am tired of the hate, name calling and inefficiency.
If enough people change to "Independent" as voters, some of us lose something. Here in Pennsylvania we give up the right to vote in the primary, but we will gain much more. Everyone who does it will give up being pigeonholed into a stereotype.
If Independents are such a voting block, the major parties will have to float candidates who will attract the independents in order to win a seat. That means the radical left, or the radical right need not apply, because if a party raises them as a candidate, the independent voters still won't seat them. We might actually have to start talking about the real issues. Candidates will no longer be able to only use their party's talking points to gain votes.
I have seen third party candidates come and fail. We are not structured to handle that in this country effectively. But we are well set to handle a larger block of independents.
Finally, even though you are registered as an independent, it will not stop you from contributing, nor supporting your candidate of choice. It simply means you will stop having to be lumped into a massive cauldron of hate in order to voice your opinion.
I urge you to act and tell your friends to act. It is the only non-violent, non-hateful option I can see for the reasonable electorate to do at this point.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Indicators that companies are dying.
I have spent quite a lot of time as a Temporary worker. The last two experiences have been with companies that have died, or are dying. Previous experiences has shown me clues to companies you want to avoid even trying to work for. There are some things I have noticed that are universal in the experience of watching this as a outsider.
HOW LONG DO PEOPLE STAY THERE?
If you are being interviewed for a permanent job, and they ask are there any questions. Ask how long the average employment with the company is. (Even ask the HR person how long they have been there). This is a good indication of how well a company is being managed. If it is an older company, but the workers only stay there about 2-3 years, it may hint that their respect for their workers, or working conditions are pretty intolerable. People don't want to look for work, I have seen people willing to put up with amazing abuse not to have to step out and look for something better.
DOES THE COMPANY ALWAYS HAVE HELP WANTED ADS?
Even if you are not job hunting, it is advisable to continue to check out the help wanted sites. You will notice a trend of companies locally that seem to be hiring all the time, or even hiring the same positions all the time, it may not be that they are growing, but rather they have a high turnover because their work environment is bad, and people jump ship.
WHAT TYPE OF POSITIONS ARE OPEN IN THE COMPANY?
Another clue to watch for is the job positions that are open in a company. If you see a lot of engineering, marketing and High Level Production people, they are a company that is losing it's brains. You may not be a "brain", but I can guarantee even as a worker drone, life will be pretty miserable if the brains are moving out. The old adage, sh*t rolls downhill applies to the workforce. You can expect unreasonable demands, and deadlines as people come in green to "reform" or "make their mark".
WHEN TO PLAN AN EXIT
Here are some clues that you may need to start polishing your resume.
SHIFTING RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHER LOCATIONS
If the corporations start shifting responsibilities of other locations around. This is the first sign that they are losing control. It is usually fronted with we are expanding, or there are problems there, etc, but what they will do is to pile as much work as possible to certain locations, and will press people into long work hours, but you will notice there is no time line for ending the overburdening. I have seen people put 80 hour weeks into companies that will end up shutting them down in 3 months.
80 hour weeks are not good for you, nor your company. It means that eventually it will cause your personal life, or your health to fail. It also means that the company has not planned their business model (could it be a brain drain?) and/or they do not care about burdening you. You are only a production machine to them.
PEOPLE WHO YOU RESPECT ARE LEAVING OR BEING FIRED
If you see people who you admire at the workplace become disheartened, or get fired. Chances are things are going to change dramatically soon. If their view on life in general matched yours, chances are you are in trouble also. Make sure you already have started a job search.
KEY VACANCIES DO NOT GET FILLED
My last job, had a chief Finance person retire, and an HR position that still had not been filled. These types of positions are high paying positions that require education and experience skills. The company then burdened the lesser trained/experience person in line with their responsibilities. Usually with the front of "Helping out in a pinch"...but then end up leaving those responsibilities with people and not rewarding them with either a position nor pay increases. If you are that worker that gets caught in that situation, be careful! Your health and happiness is in grave danger! If you can not get a time-line or promise of promotion from management, get the resume out while you still have sanity and health to offer!
THERE ARE MANY MORE NEW CORPORATE FACES SHOWING UP
When companies start shifting people from other locations to your location there is only one good reason. They are being sent there to see what you do, and how you do it so they can take on that location's responsibilities and find better ways of performing it.
THE WORKERS ARE NOT WORKING TOGETHER
There is a very strong fear in America's workers that tomorrow they may not have a job. That is because tomorrow you may not have a job. There, it is out there. I have read numerous articles on how to be the one left standing, but really, no one is left standing when they lock the doors. So the months and months of sabotage and bitterness , overwork, and stress that leads up to the end are useless. When you see it starting, you have two choices: Enter the race and in the end you may have a job, but hate the person you have become to get there and so does everyone else you work with, or polish your resume and be ready to bolt. If you have to compete, at least get an exit strategy activated!
THEY START HIRING TEMPS LIKE ME
Yeah, I am the one they call when they are just trying to get things done when they don't want to invest any more resources into a location. I show up, not for the special project, but rather "to help out". They shift parts of your overburdened responsibilities to a temp, but guess what, even though I am diligent, and dependable...my work is reflected as your work! You also get the burden of training the Temp while still trying to complete your responsibilities.
If I screw up, I lose a temp/ no benefit/ position. There are more around. You on the other hand lose pension, health care, seniority, and your lifestyle. Even though it is a relief to have someone helping, if it a temp, it means the company isn't willing to invest into a long term solution. Get the resume template out!
I know the economy is bad, remember I am a temp! But I also have seen some wonderful people who truly care about their jobs, work themselves sick trying to "help" the company that they have been employed with. They "help" that company right to the day they lock the door. They continue to deny that they would ever be the one to be let go. They make no plans, nor do they set any lines in what they won't do to continue to be employed. If you see these signs, don't throw away what you have, but remember to start an exit plan for yourself (It will make the long days seem better), try to hang on to your personal life as these are the people who will help you when the end comes, and learn to start practicing diplomatic ways to say no to additional work. I am amazed how few people ever exercise the right to refuse new responsibilities, because it will look like you are a slacker. The company is dying, your refusal will not change the corporate decision.
HOW LONG DO PEOPLE STAY THERE?
If you are being interviewed for a permanent job, and they ask are there any questions. Ask how long the average employment with the company is. (Even ask the HR person how long they have been there). This is a good indication of how well a company is being managed. If it is an older company, but the workers only stay there about 2-3 years, it may hint that their respect for their workers, or working conditions are pretty intolerable. People don't want to look for work, I have seen people willing to put up with amazing abuse not to have to step out and look for something better.
DOES THE COMPANY ALWAYS HAVE HELP WANTED ADS?
Even if you are not job hunting, it is advisable to continue to check out the help wanted sites. You will notice a trend of companies locally that seem to be hiring all the time, or even hiring the same positions all the time, it may not be that they are growing, but rather they have a high turnover because their work environment is bad, and people jump ship.
WHAT TYPE OF POSITIONS ARE OPEN IN THE COMPANY?
Another clue to watch for is the job positions that are open in a company. If you see a lot of engineering, marketing and High Level Production people, they are a company that is losing it's brains. You may not be a "brain", but I can guarantee even as a worker drone, life will be pretty miserable if the brains are moving out. The old adage, sh*t rolls downhill applies to the workforce. You can expect unreasonable demands, and deadlines as people come in green to "reform" or "make their mark".
WHEN TO PLAN AN EXIT
Here are some clues that you may need to start polishing your resume.
SHIFTING RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHER LOCATIONS
If the corporations start shifting responsibilities of other locations around. This is the first sign that they are losing control. It is usually fronted with we are expanding, or there are problems there, etc, but what they will do is to pile as much work as possible to certain locations, and will press people into long work hours, but you will notice there is no time line for ending the overburdening. I have seen people put 80 hour weeks into companies that will end up shutting them down in 3 months.
80 hour weeks are not good for you, nor your company. It means that eventually it will cause your personal life, or your health to fail. It also means that the company has not planned their business model (could it be a brain drain?) and/or they do not care about burdening you. You are only a production machine to them.
PEOPLE WHO YOU RESPECT ARE LEAVING OR BEING FIRED
If you see people who you admire at the workplace become disheartened, or get fired. Chances are things are going to change dramatically soon. If their view on life in general matched yours, chances are you are in trouble also. Make sure you already have started a job search.
KEY VACANCIES DO NOT GET FILLED
My last job, had a chief Finance person retire, and an HR position that still had not been filled. These types of positions are high paying positions that require education and experience skills. The company then burdened the lesser trained/experience person in line with their responsibilities. Usually with the front of "Helping out in a pinch"...but then end up leaving those responsibilities with people and not rewarding them with either a position nor pay increases. If you are that worker that gets caught in that situation, be careful! Your health and happiness is in grave danger! If you can not get a time-line or promise of promotion from management, get the resume out while you still have sanity and health to offer!
THERE ARE MANY MORE NEW CORPORATE FACES SHOWING UP
When companies start shifting people from other locations to your location there is only one good reason. They are being sent there to see what you do, and how you do it so they can take on that location's responsibilities and find better ways of performing it.
THE WORKERS ARE NOT WORKING TOGETHER
There is a very strong fear in America's workers that tomorrow they may not have a job. That is because tomorrow you may not have a job. There, it is out there. I have read numerous articles on how to be the one left standing, but really, no one is left standing when they lock the doors. So the months and months of sabotage and bitterness , overwork, and stress that leads up to the end are useless. When you see it starting, you have two choices: Enter the race and in the end you may have a job, but hate the person you have become to get there and so does everyone else you work with, or polish your resume and be ready to bolt. If you have to compete, at least get an exit strategy activated!
THEY START HIRING TEMPS LIKE ME
Yeah, I am the one they call when they are just trying to get things done when they don't want to invest any more resources into a location. I show up, not for the special project, but rather "to help out". They shift parts of your overburdened responsibilities to a temp, but guess what, even though I am diligent, and dependable...my work is reflected as your work! You also get the burden of training the Temp while still trying to complete your responsibilities.
If I screw up, I lose a temp/ no benefit/ position. There are more around. You on the other hand lose pension, health care, seniority, and your lifestyle. Even though it is a relief to have someone helping, if it a temp, it means the company isn't willing to invest into a long term solution. Get the resume template out!
I know the economy is bad, remember I am a temp! But I also have seen some wonderful people who truly care about their jobs, work themselves sick trying to "help" the company that they have been employed with. They "help" that company right to the day they lock the door. They continue to deny that they would ever be the one to be let go. They make no plans, nor do they set any lines in what they won't do to continue to be employed. If you see these signs, don't throw away what you have, but remember to start an exit plan for yourself (It will make the long days seem better), try to hang on to your personal life as these are the people who will help you when the end comes, and learn to start practicing diplomatic ways to say no to additional work. I am amazed how few people ever exercise the right to refuse new responsibilities, because it will look like you are a slacker. The company is dying, your refusal will not change the corporate decision.
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