Yet Another New Year's Resolution

So I had another visit with my urologist today in the never ending battle to prevent kidney stones. My fluid intake and output are great, I need to maintain what I am doing in that area. I have lowered my sodium count, but it is not where she would like it, and the daily maintenance medication does not seem to be doing its job, so I no longer have to take that, good news right?

Well not really from my viewpoint. She would like me to cut out high purine foods from my diet which means mainly red meats (and of course the low sodium intake I am already doing). Oh Boy!

I am not the person that eats steaks and massive amounts of roast beasts, but I do love my burgers, all thick and juicy and loaded with various delectable toppings. I don't have to give them up entirely, but it has to stop as being part of my regular weekly diet.

So I will have to join everyone else and start a diet for the New Year. How mainstream...

It will be a resolution that I will have to keep for my own health. Unlike the HBM I started two years ago now, which I still have if I take the time to groom it. Add in exercise and I may lose some more weight. But it all seems so trendy...

So wish me luck...

Carrie Fisher, aka Princess Leia

2016 was a rough year, we have lost a lot this year. 

Bowie, Prince, Ali, Fidel, Gene Wilder, Alan Rickman, "Carol Brady" (why can't I remember her real name), Harper Lee, Arnold Palmer, Glenn Frey, Morley Safer, Leonard Cohen, Kenny Baker (R2D2), Dave Mirra, Ron Glass, Gordie Howe, Kevin Meaney, Ken Howard, Keith Emerson, George Kennedy, Vanity, with all those and more, it is Carrie Fisher that is hitting me the hardest.

I guess being a bit Jedi myself and stuck here on this planet, it may be the disturbance in the force that is throwing me off. 

I grew up in the Star Wars era. From the very first one, seeing it in junior high with my friends, not knowing much about it and walking out of the theatre wanting more. Introducing my kids to the trilogies and now waiting for the last features to slowly roll out, it has had a part of me the entire time and still holds my interest.

Princess Leia is the one of the first important characters we are introduced to in Ep. IV (the original) and was slated to continue to play a pivotal role in the yet to be released (and finished) chapters. Chewy is already angry with the loss of Han Solo, now having to add in Princess Leia...I feel sorry for anyone that gets in that Wookie's way (Kylo Ren are you paying attention, I would run if I were you). 

But seriously, I am close to tears with Miss Fisher's death and I do not even know the woman personally. I have a couple of friend's who have lost fathers very recently, so maybe it is a bottling up of all they grieving and emotion, but it is real. So "Thank You" Carrie Fisher for making my childhood a better experience, you will be missed.

Colorado-isms

So far my travels to see my daughter has truly been an adventure. So here are some things I have come across while in Colorado so far...

• This is the land of the bearded, I have much competition, not that it is a competition.
• If you think following self involved people on the sidewalk is annoying, try downtown Aspen, they are now self involved wearing and walking in ski boots. (Raise the ante because some are carrying their skis and poles and have no special awareness)
• They do not use cardinal directions or map position here, up means up in altitude and down is down in altitude. I am used to down meaning south....so you go up to Aspen even though it is located south of Glenwood Springs.
• There are many old time cigar ads still on the sides of the buildings in Aspen, but it is not a cigar friendly town.
• The people here a very friendly and the locals know everyone and their business...
• Their idea of snow removal is a lot different then back east, roads are made passable and sidewalks are not salted, traverse with caution on both.

Will post more as I come across them.

Yampah Vapor Caves

Glenwood Springs is known for its hot springs, there are several pools in the area with hotels and spas built around them. There is also caves with the geothermal water and minerals bubbling up in them. So we decided to try the Yampah Vapor Caves. http://www.yampahspa.com/

Totally worth the money and time spent. Came out feeling relax and rejuvenated, and didn't e'ven have to have one of the message experience offered. Even my daughter found it relaxing and she is high energy all the time.

The Caves have been in use as a spa for almost two centuries, and have been visited by many well known people including Doc Holiday and Teddy Roosevelt. The caves have not changed much and have marble benches with water worn depressions in them that take many many years to carve, so we're probably used by Doc and Teddy along now with me.

The caves have a sulfur smell to them that you quickly get used to, your first 10 minute session releases all the dead skin and toxins in pores. You can take a break in the solarium where there is pleasant music and bird sounds piped in, along with large urns of ice water to refresh yourself with.

The next round your aches and muscle tension, along with my sinuses were taken care of. Our last session was the relaxation and rejuvenation period. All of this was finished with a shower complete with a lemongrass body wash., and of course followed up with a nice hot cup of tea.

Of course none of this would be complete, with out an anecdote with The Maeve, they have small basin tubs that allow for filling with cold water. Being the independent child she is, she helped herself, but not before turning on the hose and letting it loose spraying herself and those around her with cool refreshing water, no one complained and all had a good laugh.

Traveling Observations Part Two

So yesterday turned a much longer day then I could ever imagine, and something I will remember until senility sets in. Without further ado here is some more of my travel escapades...

• After arriving in Denver 3 and 1/2 hours late, I was lucky enough to be put on another flight to Aspen. It was delayed due to weather in the Aspen area. Once we were allowed to board, we ended up sitting on the tarmac for an additional 90 minutes of wait time, while they unloaded 40+ bags of luggage and rebalanced the weight on the plane. Once airborne we took the 26 minute hop to Aspen, but the weather has changed again and visibility was about nil. The pilot made an attempt to touchdown, but could not get a visual of the runway so the try was aborted. I am not one to worry about flying but I was nervous, his pull-out game was strong, and we did some aerobatics to get out of there without crashing into any peaks all the while flying practically blind through snow clouds (yes you actually see sprarkly crystals like glitter inside the clouds). We made another nerve wrecking run and once again scrapped the mission and headed back to Denver. Of course the flight that was scheduled after us left first and was one of two of the nine  daily flights that actually landed in Aspen yesterday...
• All the other flights to Aspen, were either cancelled or booked (none made it by the way), United decided to bus us to Aspen at 6:00pm. Usually this is a 3, 3 1/2 hour ride (but the weather predicted it was likely to take about 5 hours), we met the storm just outside of Denver that was preventing us from landing in Aspen. This turned into a 10+ hour tour, that included 15-20 mph speeds and treacherous road conditions the majority of the way. Including a slow motion bus accident. And when I say slow motion, I mean both buses were completely stopped and the one bus slid sideways into ours. This held us up an additional hour and forty five minutes waiting for a wrecker to separate us and get a small repair to get us on our way again. From there it still was an insane 3 hour ride from the Vail area to a closed Aspen airport.
• By the time I arrived at Aspen at 4:30 am, all the local buses were shut down and not scheduled to start for another few hours, and then it would be an hour bus ride down valley to Glenwood Springs. I sweet talked the bus driver from Denver who was going to Glenwood Springs for some rest at a cheaper hotel than what is found in Aspen for a ride. So after getting everyone unloaded and back on the road for another hour long trek to my daughter.

Total travel time with the time zone changes was 30 hours door to door from my house to my daughter, total sleep time during that trip...90 minutes.

Travel Observations

While I have a layover might as well pontificate on the "joy" of travel...

• I got through TSA still wearing my stainless steel watch, oops.
• The restrictions for air travel do not allow for survival if the plane crashes on a deserted tropical island ala Lost.
• United forgot to plug in the heater and the water and sewer lines froze.
• While defrosting and flushing that fun time, the hook got wet and froze to the plane...final result 2 and 1/2 hour delay and missed connection.
• Got later flight, but may be cancelled due to weather...

Look for more updates

Anticipation....

Tomorrow I am off to see my daughter for the holidays, I am excited to travel and get away for a while and super excited to spend time with her and see the adventure she has had and is having since moving west.

I am usually a night before (or day of) packer. This time I have been packed for several days now, even have gone and rechecked and double checked the packing. I was up early so I could check-in on line for boarding passes.

There are several things I am looking forward to besides being with my daughter; the home town of Hunter S. Thompson, the Rocky Mountains, the hot springs and vapor caves, and getting a feel for that area as I still am trying very hard to relocate there.

I nervous of the weather for getting out of CT, as we are getting a short Arctic Vortex with extreme low temps, just hope my car starts at 0 dark thirty. Of course there is the travel which can present snags, but I hope everything runs smooth.

Stay tuned for travel and daughter escapades...

A Seasonal Salutation

Seasons- Herb

Still More Random Thoughts Vol. 19 2016

I apologize for not posting anything in a while, so here is some random thoughts, ideas, observations, etc...

• I get that students with special needs need to be included with the population of all students in schools. It is great for everyone, but I have noticed that special need students spend about 2/3s of their time being pulled from the regular classroom environment for various interventional help. So how exactly is this including them in mainstream education? And I find this disruptive to the rest of educational environment.
• The beard and HBM survived the No Shave month.
• I am getting anxious to see my daughter for the upcoming holiday, so much so that I have started packing 12 days in advance. Usually I pack the night before any trip.
• I have also discovered that I will be able to tread the floorboards of one of my writing heroes. Woody Creek Tavern.
  

Hopefully I will have more to share soon...

Random Thoughts Vol 17 2016 Edition

It has been a while since I just spit out the dribble that has been bouncing around in my noggin, so without further ado here it is...

• It is that time of year when students start to take practice tests for the upcoming Common Core standardized testing. I sat in classroom the other day and watched the kids conjure up their own anxiety (I am sure this is more parent driven) over the practice test, then later in the day overheard a conversation from the same group of kids about staying up late and trying time and time again to unlock the next achievement in their latest video game, after they got home from their travel sport practice...if they can compete at highly competitive levels of sports and video games, they can handle the stress of a standardized test. IMHO
• No Shave November is still going well from last year...love living bearded and of course still doing the HBM.
• Yesterday (11/16/16) I got a picture from my daughter of her sitting by the pool (hot springs) in Colorado eating dinner in her bathing suit, today (11/17/16) they getting snow.
• Finishing up a project, I am happy with the outcome, and everyone involved is excited to see this phase come to close. They are also satisfied with the end result. Good job me.

Well that is it for now....

How the Times have Changed

I have seen numerous post on social media and have had many conversations with people in the past few days, that we must accept Donald Trump as our president-elect. Hmmm, interesting...

"Give the guy a chance." 

"Just wait and see, you might be surprised."

"It is un-American to talk about a President like that."

"The 'people' have spoken (voted), you just have to deal with it."

"Whiny libtards, mad because because they didn't get their way."

and much much more (many too vile and rude to share)...

I find this extremely hypocritical, this is coming from many that eight years ago spoke out adamantly and very critically against the then president-elect Barack Obama, and then four years later spoke out again during his re-elect. In case anyone needs a reminder I have compiled a short list of quotes from these time periods.

"Americans, you get the government you deserve. And it pains me to say this, but American right now deserves Barack Obama. You deserve what you voted for. I know half the country didn't vote that way, but American deserves the government that they want and they deserve. Good luck with that." - Sean Hannity

"Buy guns, ammo, stock up on farmland because this president will destroy America or whatever."  - Glenn Beck

-President-elect Donald Trump after the re-election of President Barack Obam

The asking of personal boycotts to Democratic neighbors by Ron Paul aide Eric Dondero, the firing of 22 employees by a small business owner in Las Vegas because of 'taxes and regulations' Obama would instate. Ted Nugent calling the people that voted for Obama "pimps, whores, and welfare brats" on Twitter. The comparison of Obama to Hitler, Al-Qaeda, Ted Bundy, and more by Neal Boortz. David Gelernter declaring civil war in the National Review. I am sure with a quick search on Breitbart I could find many more examples of the hatred toward Obama, because it is currently spinning the negatives toward the people that speaking out against Trump without any remorse. I am not even including all the tweets that were posted by individuals after the '08 and '12 elections, and many are down right deplorable.

As to the out of control protests that are happening...anyone remember the the hundreds of Ole Miss students' violent outbreak and the racial epithets after Obama's election?

So, forgive me if I don't buy into the diatribe and feel the need to jump into the syncretism that everyone on the victor's side is clamoring for. The current president-elect has used a long list of words and actions to incite hatred through sexism, racism, bigotry, xenophobia, and misogyny. Not a word of acceptance from him during his running for the office, but overnight after an electoral win, we are supposed to sit and relax, and welcome him with open arms. Everyone cannot be serious? Now that he is going to be president all that has gone away? No more vitriol, no more instigation from the conservative base, everyone must place nice now, because they have said so... 

It is going to be an interesting four years...

I Promise This To You All

I can survive, I am a white heterosexual male, I will survive. I can keep my mouth shut and and nod and smile and laugh when "appropriate" to avoid any confrontation and in any situation. I can easily dress the part, talk the part, have that polish that will allow me to manage in this world. I have always had that advantage, it was given to me upon my birth as an Anglo-saxon with a y chromosome. But that is not who I am.

This is who I am...

I am afraid for my daughter, who is not white and a female. Her world challenge just got a little tougher. Granted she is Asian, which will ease her journey, but the environment we have just decided for her is not a positive one. I am so sorry sweet girl, but Daddy will keep fighting for you.

I am afraid for my son, who is registered in the draft and can be called into service at any time. He is also a recent college grad, who is trying to make his mark in the world. His prospects of solid employment will not improve in the next 4 years (outside of forced military service). He has an empathetic soul and wants to present his art. The dark times ahead will not be good for his dreams and ambitions. I am sorry intelligent son, but Dad will keep fighting for you.

I am afraid for my mother, who dedicated her life to educating others, taught me to care for others, and be kind. She may not have a lot of years left, and those years will now be financially hard. It is currently a struggle to get what she needs on a fixed income, and an underfunded medicare system, this will not improve and will most definitely get worse for her. I am sorry mom, but your son will keep fighting for you.

I am afraid for my friends that have a different skin color, believe in a different religion, practice a different lifestyle. You have just been placed into a very difficult and troubling time. I have always had acute sense that the bigotry, the racism, the sexism, the xenophobia has never really gone away in this country. We have now unleashed this behemoth from the closet, your constitutional rights have just taken the biggest hit of your lives. Everything everyone has worked for is deteriorating right in front of our eyes. I am so sorry, but as your friend I will continue to fight for what is humanly right for everyone.

I PROMISE THIS TO YOU ALL, I WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR YOU.

WOW

Just wow.

Science versus English

I was covering a Science class the other day, and the kids were doing a few problems about velocity. One of the questions asked to calculate the velocity of a car braking down an exit ramp. The question was phrased using the word "acceleration."

A few of the students said the question should have used the word "deceleration" instead of "acceleration" as the answer is a decrease of speed. I reminded them that the definition of "acceleration" is a change of velocity and that change can be an increase or decrease in velocity, so the term "acceleration" is correct in its usage in the question, and "deceleration" is not a term regularly used in the physics world and by educated scientists.

The students then asked why we have the word "deceleration." I told them it is a word made up by English majors to justify their existence.

HBM and Beard Update

About a year ago I stopped shaving to get a jump on No Shave November. It was an experiment to see if I could grow a beard along with maintaining my handlebar mustache.

At the end of the November, I decided that it was going well and I would extend it out to the end of the year. This led to winter and I opted to keep it through the frosty months, of course by now it was getting thick and St. Paddy's Day was upon us, so it stayed.

By now I was into the early signs of spring and it was going well and I didn't have the heart to shave and ruin what I had going. Before I knew it, summer was approaching and I wanted to see if it was going to be hot and bothersome in the heat of the summer. Turns out that being bearded is not that bad in the heat.

So now I am at the one year mark and like the 'stache, I have grown attached (literally) to being fur faced. Now it is how long I can tolerate and winter is coming...

{The beard has been trimmed and shaped several times, but the length is getting there, not ZZTop length, yet}

A Question About Voter ID

There are many in this country that believe huge amounts of voter fraud are committed in this country every election. Even to the extent that they want to bring Jim Crow laws back to help curb election shenanigans (I think that voter laws are the true fraud, but anyway).

So many states now require ID in a number of forms for proof of residency. Here in lies the dilemma, as everyone becomes part of (actually pushed to) a paperless society, how are we going to produce the required documentation. I know we can just pull out our "smart phones" and produce our utility bills, but who now confirms that that is a legitimate and valid address? No longer do the utility companies get a returned post for being undeliverable.

As we move away from snail mail, we lose that confirmation. Will the loss of this verification, open the door to more fraud at the polls. Everyone clamors for documented citizens, but with a paperless world how is that going to work?

<BTW I believe in an environmentally sound world>

Good Ol' fashioned Business

I work part-time in retail and deal with customers on a regular basis when I am at the shop. The place has been in continuous operation since 1920. There has been very little changes in how things are handled in those 96 years of existence.

If a customer has a complaint, you rectify it to everyone's satisfaction. That builds repeat business, and repeat business allows it to last for 96 years. It is rocket science...(you know, fill a tube full of fuel and light it and watch it go, it is simple really).

About a month ago I ordered a very inexpensive item on the eBayz. It gave me a delivery window. That time slot came and went and no item. Contacted the seller like I should, no response. Followed policy and filed a claim with eBayz, got response from seller along with an excuse, but he assured me that my item was on the way.

Almost two weeks later and still no item. In the meantime I am getting the annoying reminders to rate the transaction.

How do you think I am going to rate it?

Now the seller is mad because he has a negative rating on his inter-web business. I hope he understands how to avoid this in the future...btw, I have not even filed for my satisfaction guaranteed through eBayz. If I do, I wonder how is that going to work out for him?

Epipen is a Prime Example

Mylan ,the maker of the Epipen is one of the many reasons I believe that allopathic medicine is a shame business like the majority of the rest of the medical field. Besides the price gouging that is being perpetrated on the citizenry of this here United States of America, they also have a very short shelf-life.

So after paying out almost a paycheck to have a remedy on standby in case of an emergency (reaction) to an allergen, these things will supposedly go bad on you after 24 months (2 years for those that do not have toddlers anymore). There have been some limited studies conducted that state the pens are still good after they have expired, but lose its effectiveness by a coefficient of P <.05 or a 0.63 loss of epinephrine bioavailibility in the injector.

You would think that anything that is synthesized, would be altered for a longer shelf life, but where is the profit in that? Especially when you mom is in charge of the school health program on the federal level and dad is a senator. Twinkies have a longer shelf life and they might actually contain natural ingredients (...I said might). Just throw some mercury and/or formaldehyde in it like all vaccines and it should extend the life for awhile (pick up your "no GMOs" bumpersticker on the way out the door and get the kids an organic lollipop at Whole Foods afterwards).

Now the medical industry convinces everyone we need one on the ready, because your kid had one bronchial attack mostly like caused by anxiety and fear of being stung...whatever happened to breathing into a paper bag? Many of us survived our childhood with that technique.

Still glad I have just as big a reaction to epinephrine as I do to Apoidea...

Good Ol' Fashion Hardware Store

What ever happened to the old time hardware store, where you could walk in and get a single piece of hardware. You know; nuts, bolts, washers, screws, nails, and any other sort of fastener. You go to the big boxes and you can buy them in multi-packs, either by count or weight, but if you need just one, no frickin' way...

I have a pair of hand grass clippers that lost one nut, instead of throwing them out, I decided that I am frugal enough to just go ahead and repair it myself. After several stops and not finding the 1/4" by 20 nut (that is the size it turned out to be, once I was allowed to open a package and trying it- they don't let you do that at the big boxes) I needed, I finally went to the auto parts store (still a chain, but nice enough to let me open a few packets) and found the part. I still had to buy the entire bubble container of them, but there was only three in the box...<insert needle across the record or skidding sound>...

Now it has me wondering why packets of three? Why not in pairs, or half or full dozens? Counts of 10? But 3, seriously?

What if I needed four? I would now have to buy two packs of three and get two left over. Are they expecting me to lose one right away, so they actually pack them in sets of two and throw in the extra at no charge? This reminds me of the hot dog in packs of 10 and hot dog rolls come in packs of 8, you have to but 4 packs of hot dogs and 5 packs of rolls to get it to balance out evenly.

The bottom line is, they are not expecting many people to actually fix and repair anything in this throw away society...so they go with the inconvenient packaging and counts to discourage my frugalness.

An Open Letter to Mr. Kaepernick

Dear Mr. Kaepernick (and others in the NFL)

How dare you exercise your first amendment rights in a peaceful manner. If you want to continue your protest of the unfair, unjust, and uncivilized treatment of minorities in this country, you need to take it to the streets (just not my street, it is quiet and idyllic, and needs to remain that way). We need to see looting, riots, and confrontations with authority. This passivity of not standing or kneeling during the playing of a symbolic song is unpatriotic. Millions of true patriots have placed flags outside their houses, put stickers on their cars (I support the troops), and expressed outrage at their government (thanks Obama), so you have no right to protest what they have built with the jingoism they have expressed (god bless America).

If you want to be a real patriot, you need to take note of the actions of real Americans like the Bundys. They have taken government subsidies, used government land for their own personal ends, taken up arms against a tyrannical government, and taken over government property in their protest. That is how true loyalists operate.

Mr. Kaepernick, your non-aggressive sissy approach is just not the American way of doing things. Man up and physically get into someone's face, the least you could do is make hate speeches against certain sects of people in an attempt to make this country great again.

So stop making us feel uncomfortable when we try and relax and take in some football, no one deserves to feel unsafe or threatened in any way, no matter what team we are on or root for....

Sarcastically yours,
Herbert Bush

Incompetency, I Hate it.

<RANT ALERT>

I hate incompetency, especially when it affects me directly or involves people around me. I guess it bothers everyone, but I guess I over look other things and let this be that one peeve that I have no tolerance for.

What makes incompetence even worse is if you make an attempt but only get half of it done, why bother? Might as well have done nothing as it does not get what is necessary accomplished.

I may not get done what is needed immediately, but if and when I do it, it will be done to the best of my ability and completely.

Ok, rant over...

Freedom and Liberty

• freedom (noun)- the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hinderance or resistance.
• liberty (noun)- the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.

Do we really have it in this country (US)? Do we have freedoms and liberties? I say no, we are controlled for everything.

I bring this up for a number of reasons. Mostly to point the hypocrisy that many cry about their freedoms, while oppressing others' liberties. In other words, "as long as I got my liberties, I don't care about yours."

I could write a long laundry list of examples of the insincerity of the people in the US about their freedoms and lack of empathy towards others and their freedoms. I am going to go with following as the lone example;

Colin Kaepernick (I had to look up the spelling), a quarterback for San Francisco 49ers, is expressing himself (using his liberties) to not rise for the playing of the National Anthem because of the inequalities that still exist in this country. Kaepernick is taking a lot of criticism for his actions and will most likely be punished (fined) by the NFL for continuing to follow through with his actions.

I personally think he is being disrespectful, as I will stand for other countries' anthems out of respect. I found what Usain Bolt did during a live interview at the Olympics very noble and he gained much admiration from me for his act in suspending that interview for an anthem being played during a podium presentation (it just happened to be the US).

IMHO, Kaepernick needs to find another mechanism in which to express his displeasure with the state of our country. I support Mr. Kaepernick and believe he is correct, in that there still exists a huge divide in the treatment and equity of certain minority groups in this country. He has a right to express himself anyway he feels to promote his cause. What bothers me even more than his mode of rebellion, are the outspoken critics against him and trying to quash his stand against injustice, proving his point even further.

So, no, we do not have freedoms and liberties in this country, society will not allow it to happen. Society will stomp out anything that expresses opposition to the 'norm', no deviations allowed, it makes everyone uncomfortable.

A Hidden Agenda

I am not a big believer in conspiracies or the theories that coincide with them, but every once and a while something pops into my head and makes me question what is really going on.

As I scroll through social media, I am bombarded with posts and memes about the astronomical prices associated with certain pharmaceuticals here in the US, latest is the EpiPen for allergic reactions.

This has set off a maelstrom of comparisons for a lot of other drugs and their costs here in the US in contrast to various other countries.

Many allopathic remedies here are two to seven times the cost in other countries, this has led me to thinking that there is a secret hidden agenda amongst the powers that control the corrupt free market in this country. That secret hidden agenda is to fight immigrants coming to this country for cheap medical care...

Now hear me out, please... There are many that believe all the "illegals" in this country come for "free" handouts including medical, so are the powers that be in the "free market" driving costs of medicines up to make the US unlivable for those that seek a better lifestyle, including the citizens already here (we are just collateral damage)? If medical is cheaper elsewhere, won't those seeking that flock to those elsewhere places? There have been crazier schemes put into action...

I am allergic to Vespidae stings, but I also have reaction issues to epinephrine, so I avoid the use of self field injections and have found that a simple homeopathic remedy works just as well and as quickly with no side reactions, that and a good nap and I am usually fine in a couple of hours...

Potential Nightmare

I am not one to complain about government efficiency, good or bad. The powers are going to operate as they do and there is very little we can do to change that. You can't fight city hall...

With the relocation of my daughter, she had to register for school and some paperwork was missing to get her properly sign in. So I went to get a copy of part of her adoption from the local probate. I gave them the details, including the date of the proceeding, and they could not locate the document I was asking for. After an exhausting 90 minute search the decree was found (under her brother's name), and paying just a mere $10, I was given a certified copy.

We are good right? Well, we need to prevent this from happening again.

So..., I asked about why the state never certified her foreign adoption and that the state said the probate court was the hold up. Once again after a shorter exasperating search we found the cover of the documents, but no accompanying paperwork. Because someone misplaced the necessary documents it was never processed. It should also be noted that the court never notified us that we were missing important parts for this to be completed.

Move ahead one week...while cleaning out a box of papers, I found the original rejection from the state for certifying her foreign birth and adoption. I also read the cover document that I was given and noticed that the box was checked that all appropriate paperwork was filed and it had a stamp received with a date one month or more prior to our hearing. If it was incomplete why would they have moved forward with the hearing?

Back down to the court, point out the issue, along with presentation of state filing. Still need the paperwork that is missing, even though they accepted and have misplaced, and then I can start the process all over again 9 years later and for a low low fee of $225, instead of the previous $45 that was paid the first time...

To be continued...

<In case anyone is wondering why this is important for my daughter, without it she may not be able to get a driver's license, financial aid for college, a marriage license, any professional license for that matter...irony of it all, she has a US Passport and became a US citizen the moment she landed on US territory>

WTF, Monday? What did I do?

I am not one to complain about it being Monday, but every once in a while you have one of those days that it seems that nothing is going to go your way. For me it just happened to be a Monday. Don't worry Monday I will not discriminate against you, you did nothing wrong.

I will not going into details as some is very personal and the other involves confidential business matters. I had four very huge "fires" I had to deal with, and while all the "fires" seem to be out, none had a favorable outcomes. At least not at the moment, but things have a way of sometimes working out...

To basically sum it up....it is like riding a bike, except the bike was on fire and you are on fire and everything was on fire and you are in hell...and you survive.

New FDA Rules

On Monday (8/8/16), some of the new Food and Drug Administration regulations came online for cigar and pipe tobaccos. I will not go into the details of it all; one, because it is complex and I do not understand it all and two, it is complex and I don't understand it all.

In a synopsis, the FDA was given the power to regulate tobacco (no longer the ATF. I wonder when the power to regulate guns will be passed on?... Lets not go there right now) by The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. Some are trying to blame President Obama, but he did not co-sponsor this act and as a smoker himself, not sure how personally he was behind the Act. It was passed by Congress 298-112 and 57-43, so it had enough votes to override any veto, so it was cost and time saving for Mr. Obama to just sign and move on. So lets point fingers where they belong, at your representatives...

The thrust of the measure was to prevent children and young adults from smoking. There has been strong regulation in place for awhile on cigarettes and advertising of cigarettes. This new act is aimed more at the vaping and e-cigs, but they threw a tent over the whole issue and included cigars and pipes. The FDA reasoning was manufacturers and retailers were targeting children and adolescence.

I can understand that with vape and e-cigs there are a gazillion different flavors like pina-colada mango bubblegum hazelnut or juicy steak lime popcorn, and the powers are worried that this is 'enticing' to the impressionable ones. There are also may infused gas station smokes in small cigars that maybe a lure to today's youth. As a seasoned cigar and pipe user, I am not sure why any of these flavors are palatable let alone a draw into the smoking world, but OK...so go after the things that are 'appealing' to the demographic you are trying to protect.

I work at a brick and mortar tobacco establishment, have been there almost five years, and I can count on one hand the number of times an obviously under age person has come in looking for high end cigars (we card anyone that looks under 27, even have a sign above the register that says exactly that, so yea we have caught a few that are a few months short of the legal age), that would be nothing, nada, zilch, zero...same with pipes and pipe tobacco. Granted I work in the top shop in my state and carry most of the pricey stuff and children can just not afford what we have to offer...so why regulate this part of the industry where there is not a shred of evidence to support the stiff oversight.

Now here is the real irony, a beautiful candy store located across the street from an open campus high school which carries a plethora of old fashioned candies is still allowed to display and sell candy cigarettes, chocolate cigars, and bubble pipes. This is not the gateway into dangerous habits? Didn't the FDA already have jurisdiction over candy before the Tobacco Act of 2009? Where is the overreach in the candy industry? Let that all sink in...

I See What You Did There...Well Played.

I just wanted to take a few minutes and point out a couple of things that are happening but you may not be aware of it.

• Everyone always goes to the store and tries to find a place as close to the entrance as possible because we are basically lazy. But has anyone observed where they place the cart return corrals in the parking lot? That is right, further out in the lot so you have to walk (if you are playing nice and actually return the cart to safe place and care for the protection of others vehicles) some distance from your lucky spot close to the entrance. Forcing us to get exercise whether we want it or not.
• I recently had to update my "smartphone", along with going back into a two year contract in order to get a nifty pocket computer. Part of the upgrade included some wicked cool apps, but they expire unless I feel like continuing them at a "small" nominal monthly fee. One of those features is Caller ID, are you serious, that was once a regular feature on most modern phones and included as part of a package of features (call waiting, three way calls, speed dial, etc...) that normally come with any phone service. Now we have to pay extra for this feature...first of all, I usually don't answer the phone if I do not recognize the number and sometimes will choose to ignore a call even if I do recognize the number. So without the Caller ID, I guess I will be letting all the calls go directly to voicemail. BTW, I can also pay for an extra feature that will read my texts and type out my voice mails into text messages, no thanks. At least I still get unlimited calls and texts, but I am sure we will be going back to roaming charges soon as no one actually talks on their cell phones.

I did a cool feature at no extra charge, the new smart device has new setting for when I am driving similar to airplane mode, except it replays with a programmed message that tells the caller/texter that I am driving and will return any messages or calls once I am in a safe and convenient place. 

Writing

I have a job interview coming up in a few weeks and as part of the process I have to respond to a writing prompt. One of the reasons I started this blog was to have a reason to write and try to improve my voice in the written word. Having worked in the science/engineering world, I was trained to be a technical writer and not overly verbose (see example below).

My concern of writing the directed prompt is that I will be too short and concise, that I will not put enough color and redundancy into the piece, leaving the reader/grader thinking I lack basic writing skills and vocabulary.

I just have to relax and utilize the 30 minutes that will be allotted me to complete the task and what is necessary...although it is for a technical position, so maybe a to the point bulleted structure is the way to go...

Still Undecided and Definitely Not Happy

So I finally watched some of the political convention speeches last night (actually had no choice because everyone at work kept switching from the MLS All-stars v. Arsenal to the coverage...Arsenal won 2-1).

Although I did not watch the 'historic' acceptance of the Presidential nomination, I did see many of the speakers leading up to the 'keynote.' I will admit there were some very dynamic speakers that I agree with and share similar views, three in-particularly that really stood out, and if their message is heard and the nominee heeds their words we may be alright and there is still hope for the USA.

The first is Reverend William Barber, while I am not religious in one bit, this man brought it and delivered a message for the majority of the issues facing Americans today, by the end of his commentary I was a believer (still not religious though), hope the nominee got the same take-away I did and follows through with what needs to be done.

The second was Khizr Khan, this astute gentleman and father of a soldier killed in action, handed the other party's nominee his ass (pardon my language), not that that is a hard thing to do. And hopefully the nominees understand that we must end the fighting and senseless killing and hatred all over the world.

The last was Sheriff Lupe Valdez, she spoke of the violence and distrust between citizens and law enforcement. Her appearance on the stage also shut down the extreme right's claim that the other side of the aisle does not support and honor those killed in the line of duty.

While none of this was enough to win me over as an open supporter of the nominee, I am still forced to elect the lesser of two evils, I can not even consider the other party and their platform.

So the nominee has been given a decent platform, please follow through and learn some empathy.

Half Staff

I just noticed that the flags are being flown at half staff, so I had to go home and look up the reason, as I do not recall any dignitaries or war heroes passing this week. It may have been lost in the circus of the GOP...

The flags are being for the victims of Baton Rouge, not dignitaries or war heroes, but LEOs shot in the line of duty. So will the flag remain at half staff for the innocent soldiers killed in action over the last 230 years? If we are going to lower the flag for every person killed while on duty, the flag will never be a full staff again.

One side of the political agenda has pushed and propagated fear so much that the leaders of this country make decisions like this, disrespecting those that have served and been true heroes and dignitaries, in fear of negative criticism by arm chair patriots and jingoists.

Anyone that was a scout and/or served in the military knows when and why a flag is lowered in honor of the fallen. Instead of worrying that the kids are not saying 'under god' in the pledge, may be we should teach some basic citizenry. It is not for workers that have lost their lives while working. What is next? Half staff for a steel worker that has fallen off a beam? A fisherman that has fallen overboard?

I understand that there is a serious issue with the relentless killing of people in this country, so instead of doing something about that and trying to remedy the situation, let us create more symbolic honorifics and say our prayers, because that will rectify it all.

You want to Make America Great Safe Again, try stepping up and doing something and stop the fear mongering and proliferation of violence against each other...

Just Like That, It Was Gone

I had (key word is 'had') what I thought was a great post in my head yesterday. But I was too busy to stop and write it down. Didn't even jot down some simple notes; let alone scribble the whole premise on a piece of scrap paper.

This morning woke up and can't remember what it was at all, not even the topic.

Maybe it never existed at all and I only think I had something to write about. But I remember doing this a number times before, a few times the thought has seeped back to me, so maybe I will get lucky and it will return. I am blaming old age and the early onset of senility.

So in the mean time here are some random brain musings, quick before I forget them...

• I found my old shaving mug with soap and boars bristle brush, trying to decide if I should pack it or not. Currently I have no use for it, as I am 'stached and bearded, but this may not last forever.
• The weather has been good so far this summer, no prolonged heat waves yet, could use some more rain for the gardens, hope it holds for when I have to travel.
• Yesterday I shopped at three different places, all three transactions ended in even dollar amounts (50.00, 11.00, and 24.00), not sure what the harbinger of that is...
• Struck the nerve of someone I respect the other day. Not sorry that I did it, sometimes something needs to be said, and based on the reaction, what I said bothers them too. I do feel cheap that I went there, but they were trying to pin me in a corner, so the animal instinct kicked in and I used it.

Well here is to that other post idea coming back to me, Cheers

Adventures at DMV, End of an Era, and a Milestone

Adventures

I had to go to CT Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) to transfer registration and ownership. I was warned ahead of time that the wait was horrendous and that I should be in line at least 30 minutes before opening and to still expect to wait 2 hours.

Arrived at 8:45 for 9:15 opening, number at 9:22, served at 9:53, and completed with everything at 10:13. So in and out in 90 minutes, not bad...

Era

The end of the era is I no longer own and drive a Saab, and will probably not have the chance to again. Maintenance was getting too much, along with expense. Also the mileage was getting up there. They also stopped making them in 2013. I have now gone back to a Subaru wagon. Older, but very low miles, and easier to get parts and repairs done.

<This was the reason for the adventure at DMV>

Milestone

So the blog has had its 3,000 visitor, not extraordinarily robust in the traffic in the 3 plus years of existence, but hey I will take what I can get.

Thanks for stopping by and paying attention, I appreciate it.

Shoe Laces

So I need to replace laces on my favorite pair of boat shoes.

Figured I go to the local big box store and find what I needed. I was wrong.

After trying several other stores including a few shoe stores I could not find anything suitable to replace the worn and broken laces. So now I had to resort to the large online market places and still can not find anything satisfactory.

Seriously?

The soles are still in great condition, the leather uppers are just getting that perfect broken feel. The pair is truly agreeable with my feet, and I should be able to get another several years out of them.

Has the world we live in advanced so far down the path to a complete throw away society that one can not find simple shoe laces? Am I supposed to just throw out the shoes and buy a new pair? How do we expect to be kind to the mothership Earth, if we have to dispose of items that can refurbished, renewed, or replace simple parts to extend the life and use of a product? This is just sad, no wait, pitiful...

Consumerism, and more specifically capitalism, is ruining this world. It is the little things like this that is driving the human race to extinction. Built in obsolescence, this will soon become us, we will be obsolete (not that we not already become obsolete) and that the planet will not need humans, probably this big orb does not need us or really has never needed us. It existed prior to us and will most likely exist after we are gone.

I hope everyone is happy with our creation...

WARNING: Proceed with Caution

My kids just left with their female parental unit (FPU). Off for a few days in The DC area for the holiday and then onto Colorado. My son will return in about two weeks, but I will not see my daughter until I finish up some business here both professionally and personally, which hopefully will take a little over 5 weeks.

This will be the longest time I have spent away from my daughter since leaving her for a couple weeks and coming home early from her adoption in Viet Nam. I usually get to see her everyday and only go a few days without physical contact if she goes on short vacation with FPU. My son is different as he is older and has gone away and completed college, but I still miss him, even though he is off to start his 'adulthood.'

My usual mode of dealing with loss and sorrow is to get really sarcastic, and be outright mean to anyone and everyone. It is a mechanism that I have had from an early age, maybe it was the way I was raised, or maybe it is just natural programming. I do not know. I have not figured out how to avoid this behavior or how to change it. Maybe it can't be avoided.

So with that I apologize for any and every thing I will say until this hardship has passed.

People none of it is personal. And you can be just as whipped tongued back at me...I will not take it personally either.

Hopefully I can find things to keep me occupied and the time passes quickly, and I do not burn too many bridges....

Underrated IMHO

So the other day I posted the new RHCP (Red Hot Chili Peppers) video and someone commented that they are a very underrated band in the sense of their innovative style and longevity in the industry, so this got me thinking that maybe I should do a list of who I think are bands or musicians that are underrated, IMHO. With further ado....(in no particular order).

• So yes, the RHCP, solid musically and have remained true to their style and continue to produce great music. Never became that main stream, but many are aware of their songs.
• The Gorillaz, great concept (truly cutting edge in every way), and range over a variety of music genre. Hip-Hop, Rap, Techno, EDM, Jazz, Blues, and Rock. Again, not main stream, but people recognize their sounds.
  
• Traveling Wilburys, comprised of legends in the industry; Dylan, Orbison, Harrison, Lynne, and Petty. Short lived, but had all the right talent. And the collaborations from this grouping, unreal.
• Joan Jett, okay I am biased as I have met her and partied with her, but she was and still is one of the greatest female rockers of all time. Who doesn't love Rock-n-Roll.
• Living Colour, once again I am partial to these guys, as I have met them, partied with them, and I am in one of their videos. When the opened for the Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels tour, they blew everyone away.
• Taylor Swift, just kidding...
• Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), underrated in so many ways, his anthology of music is huge and many are not aware of his sound track work, along with solo career and of course the Nottingham Hillbillies. 
• Violent Femmes, everyone knows a VF song, they just forget it until it is played and memories come flooding back.
• Stray Cats, nothing needs to be said here, pure hep cats.

I know I probably have more and everyone has their own opinion, but these are mine for now. Maybe I will do the most overrated IMHO next time...

Whose the #2?

These two scare me, children and most pets.

With the Hillz and the Trumpz the presumptive nominees for the respective parties, why hasn't either one of them announced or hinted at their running mate?

Trumpz is probably going with that element of surprise, and we all know how well that worked out for Ironsides McCain. We still can not get rid of that nightmare...I think he needs a political insider to gain the confidence of the party, but he doesn't listen and knows best, so it will be yuge...

The Hillz is another story, she needs a powerful partner. To rally the splintered party right now, it would be wise for her to join forces with Bernie or Warren, but we need to keep those two in the senate right now to counter and keep in check the establishment meat puppet that is the Hillz. O'Malley is way too smart to work for the Hillz and is not an establishment type. It would be a shame to waste and tarnish a young gun like Castro (although this would finish the Trumpz before the gates were even opened with the Latino vote) and tie him into the Hillz administration. So who does that leave...

• Sherrod Brown, see O'Malley and the fact that he has openly said no way..
• Corey Booker, see Castro, Sanders, Warren and O'Malley
• Charlie Crist, this would attract some of the GOPers that are jumping ship, and solidify the Hillz as a traditional Dixiecrat.
• Biden, too much friction in the past.
• Bill Clinton....(hehehehe) also too smart for the Hillz.
• Mark Warner, clean cut businessman, he is quiet, scandel free, this may work.
• John Hickenlooper, too liberal for the party right now.

Any thoughts people, let me know.

What is a Cubit?

The other day I made a snide comment and used the term cubit. I have known what a cubit is, but I thought I would share with everyone what it is and where it came from.

The term predates the bible and was used as a measurement by the Egyptians. Not sure if they used it for the erection of the pyramids, but probably for building at a smaller scale as it is not a large measurement.

The original Royal cubit was the length of the foreman's arm plus the palm of his hand. It was eventually standardized by the Pharaoh (not sure which one) and a black granite block was made and kept. All measuring tools were then calibrated to this instrument. The block measures out to about 20.67 inches in today's standard or 52.5 centimeters in the metric system.

Noah was told to build and ark and god gave Noah the dimensions as 300 cubits (length) by 50 cubits (width) by 30 cubits (height). Translating this out into modern dimensions, it would be 520' 8" long or 158.7m by 86'9.3" or 26.45m wide by 52' .8" or 15.87m high. And Noah had 7 days to build it. Noah was an Israelite and spoke Hebrew, why did god give him measurements in Egyptian? Noah was used to the finger-length, palm, span, ell, mil, and parasang in the measurement system of his time. Not only was the deadline tight, he was required to do some research and conversions, oy vey.

The Sumerians tell a similar flood story with a large boat that predates the bible, and there is no scientific evidence a flood of biblical proportions ever happening....

Please Send Prayers and Thoughts

With the most recent madman rampage in Orlando marking the milestone of 1,000 mass killings since Sandy Hook on December 14th, 2012 (that is just 3 1/2 years), many are asking for "prayers and thoughts." Let us bow our heads...amen.

Have those "prayers and thoughts" prevented any of those 1,000 mass killings? Maybe there were supposed to be twice as many in god's plan and we should be thankful that the number was reduced to a 1,000 because of "prayers and thoughts." Thank you everyone for not letting that number be 2,000, it was your selfless act of prayer that has kept that number to just 1,000. Everyone give a quick genuflect and we can continue to keep those numbers down...just few thousand more likes on social media for "prayers and thoughts" and Jesus and his father will reduce the number of mass killings.

Maybe your next selfless act should be to vote people into office that will be willing to truly make a difference in protecting people's life with sensible gun control via strict background checks, removing assault rifles and large capacity magazines from public availability, at least make the deranged psychopath stop and reload. Along with better training requirements for gun ownership and holding all gun manufacturers and dealers accountable for their products and distribution. Regulations and requirements of special taxes and insurance for gun ownership, nothing in the second amendment does it say those guns are free.

Well I guess I should go try some of that "prayers and thoughts" and save a few lives...btw people, you are welcome...

Random Observations...

Not really enough to do a whole blog (not that my stuff is ever long anyway), so here are some observations...

• Another hats off to the local police department (not my home town, but a neighboring one) for almost getting me hurt (again). Stop for traffic around construction, have my blinker on to make a left turn, police officer directs me to make the turn, as I make the turn across traffic his partner waves traffic through from the other direction and a near miss was created. Have a plan or at least a little communication.
• Rarely do I set up the female parental unit of my children, but I did today (not on purpose, but it felt good). Her turn to take the Maeve to riding, told my daughter to hurry up so there would be time for the 'pre-ride Coolata.' Other parental unit says she does not do that, that is my responsibility...nope not driving, not responsibility...the Maeve would not let it go and was demanding the 'pre-ride Coolata.' Not sure how that will turn out.
• Last full day with the 4th grade, scared them into thinking they had to take a spelling/vocab test on all the words they had this year...shear panic was seen in their eyes.

That is all I got for now.

Overheard

I took my mother (and daughter) out for lunch today and overheard (actually forced as they were talking so loud) a conversation between two older women. They seemed to have solved all the local, state and federal issues with the exception for a few.

One of them understands that there is a huge data warehouse in Utah that has collected and stored all the texts, emails, and electronic communications. The positive thing is that the government does not have the capability to 'sift' through it, so no one is paying attention to what is being transmitted. But maybe someday...

They were also discussing the political race and are excited about Hillary getting into the political office, but are amazed "that a black man got elected President before a woman, but then again black males were allowed to own property and vote before women, so..."

This then spun into a long winded loud tirade of the struggle of being a woman....and some how ended up with their history in high school and dating altar boys from the local catholic churches. Thanks for the chuckles ladies...

NIMBY

As I peruse Facebook and drive through the local communities, I see a lot of people in snits about what is being purposed to be built in their neighborhoods. Pure NIMBYISTS (NIMBY=Not In My Back Yard)

Lately it is a gun range or natural gas station. Everyone wants the protection of a well-trained police force and cheaper energy as long as they don't have to see it or be near it.

I think the 'everyone gets a trophy' ideologue has been with some of the older people for longer than they would like to admit, and not just with today's kids. . "I want all the benefits, but I don't want to put in the time, effort, and sacrifice." <BUAAA!>. In other words, don't build that in my neighborhood, build it somewhere else, my neighborhood is too good for that kind of thing.

I am not going to get into the political stance of either of these issues, I have my opinions and everyone has theirs. I understand the necessity and vital need for both. I can empathize (and sympathize) with those with projects that environmental impact will outweigh the benefit (i.e., Keystone XL) and not wanting it in their backyard, but neither of the aforementioned issues will have an environmental impact.

Some are more then just NIMBY, there are some that are CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything).

I am neither pro-build or anti-build, I am more of...here is the regulations, stay within the guidelines, and build it right. No matter the cost of the project there is a proper way of doing it, it is the cost of doing business. I guess that same philosophy can be applied to the two issues above, it is the cost of doing business and if done right, it will benefit everyone.

I guess we can always build a wall and hope some else will pay for it.

Now What...

I usually do a daily crossword or two online everyday. Research has shown, that simple brain stimulation like word puzzles helps stave off dementia and other brain age disorders, so this was my combat to that. Yahoo used to have a few good puzzles available everyday. On Friday, Yahoo ended their games page and the crossword puzzles are no longer available.

I have tried a few apps and other websites, but have not found anything that runs efficiently and doesn't cost. Anyone have any suggestions? Quickly before I forget...

Thanks

Random Thoughts and Other Musings

It has been a while since I just unloaded my brain with everything that is bouncing around up there, so here you go and in no particular order...

• The HBM and accompanying beard are doing great, about a month before I attend my first beard and mustache competition. I doubt I will be competing, but it will be nice to be in the company of like featured people.
• April ended with a good record for my baseball team, hope they keep up the hard play and compete in the rest of the season as they have so far.
• I had a cigar the other day that was fantastic, may have to adjust my top ten list soon, but that will be a separate post.
• My son graduates college in a few weeks, where has the time gone...
• The presidential race is turned into a mindless circus, and everyone has been suckered into the tent. Do you want Theocracy, Fascism, Oligarchy, or Social Democracy?
• My knee is slowly getting better, at my age I think this will take awhile and it may bother me for the rest of my life.

That is all for now.

Yoga Shoes?

Got an advert that yoga shoes are on sale...wait, you need special shoes for yoga?

I have gone to one yoga class (I probably should do more), and everyone was barefoot, now you need yoga shoes? Is this just purely a marketing thing? Someone's new way to make millions?

I appreciate the yoga pants trend, really I do. So now everyone will all be wearing yoga shoes to the local coffee shop to get their spiced hot chai latte. 

Will Nike release an Air Guru? Adidas, a Climiguru? Will you need a special sock to wear with the yoga shoes? Will there be special shoes made for pronators and supinators? A special instep grip for cobra? Will you need different soles depending on the yoga mat you use? Maybe some quick drying ones with an anti-microbe lining for use in hot yoga...

I wish I had thought of this...

Political Parties

I am a political junkie, I follow politics and have no problem voicing my opinion. I do my due diligence on the issues and then look at which candidate aligns closest to my beliefs and ideology. My views may change from time to time, depending on what I have learned, experienced, and have for needs. I consider my self wizen, and I also have an understanding of cause and effect, and follow history. With this, I have become astute to the political climate.

I am also a believer that the party system is antiquated and needs to be done away with, or that more parties need to join the mix. I am not a sheeple and usually do not the herd.

With the current boondoggle that is our upcoming election, I have had no choice but to move my affiliation from independent to a recognized political party. Not in the necessity to get a certain candidate elected, but more in desperation to keep other candidates from gaining the nomination.

I have always had liberal and centrist leanings, but have my conservatives stances, too. Because of that, I have thought of myself as a free thinker without need of a party platform. I have been a registered voter since I was 18, and after 34 years of voting in all major elections, and most of the local ones, I have chosen a political party, although after the primary I may switch back to being an independent. I enjoy my free thinking ways.

Get out the vote.

Pharmaceuticals

My doctor sent in a prescription for a NSAID for my recent knee injury to help with the recovery sans surgery. Now I am not going to name names or list products so to protect the so-called "innocent" in the medical world, but here is what transpired...


First they were backordered on the first RX sent in by the doctor, so the pharmacist suggested an alternative, but my insurance would not cover her suggestion (I was informed I could pay for this out of my pocket--wonder who is getting some kickbacks on this one?) My doctor's office was contacted and another RX was recommended, also out, so another alternative was found. (Relax, we will eventually find something that fill the need)

The alternative they found causes reactions similar to reactions that coincide with aspirin allergies, which I have been told I have. The conversation between the pharmacist and I went something like this...

Pharmacist: "Our records show that you have an allergy to aspirin."
Me: "Yes.'
Pharmacist: "What happens when you take aspirin?"
Me: "Don't know, it is an allergy that dates back to my early childhood."
Pharmacist: "So you haven't taken aspirin recently?"
Me: "No, I avoid it, because I have an allergy to it."
<thinking to myself, she did not just ask that question, like I occasionally test my own allergic reactions>
Pharmacist: "Do you use ibuprofen?"
Me: "Yes."

She then goes through a long scary list like the television commercials of all the possible side affects and outcomes of use of this medicine, including death. Staples the instructions to the bag and hands it to me and tells me to call my doctor if there are any issues.

I tried the NSAID and have had no adverse reaction, and it has helped with the inflammation. But the medical field can not possible be run like this with a try it and see method, or have all the great minds avoided the field and gone elsewhere...

End of a Good Run: A Double Entendre

I have been a biped for 50 years now (first couple I was happy with being carried or crawling), give or take a few months. During that time I have played competitive sports for at least 35 years, officiated for 25 years, and have never had a serious knee injury. Well that streak ended today.

I have had plenty of other serious injuries in my life; wrist, shoulder, hand, ankle, ribs, and toes, but nothing knee related. Thought I had knee troubles, but it turned out to be Lyme disease.

I slipped down three steps but my left leg decided to stay on the top step and I torqued the knee sideways doing damage to my MCL. Currently in a brace and waiting to see what the final verdict will be...

I can officially say my plans for any kind of a come back have been put on hold...

Do Apologies Still Have Value?

I have had to seriously apologize on three different occasions this week, but I have noticed that the apology does not hold value like it used to, or that is the way it seems. Have we become that anthropocentric in the microcosms of ourselves to embrace something from a heartfelt position?

I will admit that I am not one to apologize often, it is just not who I am, with the exception of if I stepped on your toe or bumped into you by accident or dropped your Ming vase...I am much more calculated with the things I say or do, so there is not much room an apology.

I am not going to name names or mention details about what I had to apologize for these past few days (have to protect the innocent, as they say), but on all incidences the berating continued after the apology for the offense, even with strong cause and effect to support the malefaction. So what good is the apology if you are going to be chastised for the infraction against someone? They brought it to your attention and why they were offended, you apologized for the transgression, everyone moves on. Don't treat me like a child who repeatedly went against the norm or pet who pooped on the rug. I am a fairly intelligent person, I get that I vexed you in some way, end of story....I should have just kept my mouth shut and taken the tongue lashing...does that hold more value nowadays, does that solve or correct anything?

Sad thing I was trying to be sincere, (Those that know me are probably chuckling at this point.), but I was truly unfeigned in my attempt to eat humble pie. And they say nice guys finish first...

Society is f*cked, and I am not going to apologize for mentioning that, honesty is no longer a value, your word holds nothing, integrity is gone and now so is remorse. Just look around us, bigotry and racism is on the rise, "common sense" is on the decline, reasoning has been gone for a while...we now sit and wonder why there is so much hatred in everything we do. Once again civility is f*cked. No apologies...