tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4433365234254510692024-01-29T03:31:12.737-05:00R. Jacob Postraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.comBlogger1196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-11822203544781612912017-01-25T06:33:00.001-05:002017-01-25T06:33:00.884-05:00Tell Your Children You Love Them...Part 2My daughter Dana is fond of saying that her parents are the hardest working people she knows. Thank you Dana. But I think it is a family trait.<br />
<br />
My children learned early on that the only way that they could get the "goodies" they wanted was to go to work. And work they did. Because like many parents we are as stretched as possible trying to make ends meet and take care of the basics and reacting to the financial surprises that life springs upon us.<br />
<br />
They get it. And it is not just for themselves. They are giving, helping others in need. And sometimes those in need just might be their parents! I get gifts at Christmas or birthdays stuff that I want but would never think to buy for my self because of one bill or another that is deemed more important. They understand we take on the bulk of life's problems because that is what we do and we do it willingly.<br />
Their turn will come soon enough as with my daughter Kristine who has her own house and the bills that come with ownership, she deals with that as well.<br />
<br />
The giving never stops. I tell my children that mom and dad are on speed dial and if any problem arises to call or ask for help. My pledge to them, as long as I am breathing I am willing to help them. We will figure it out together.<br />
<br />
The purpose for writing these two posts is to let them know how much we love and care for our children and to let them know now, not later when someone is not here to hear or read about it. Be grateful for your family.<br />
<br />
Tell your children you love them.raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-51046484348904405032017-01-24T08:43:00.000-05:002017-01-24T08:44:59.984-05:00Tell Your Children You Love ThemThey are your legacy after all. I had thought writing about this since Christmas. It is wonderful for me to be with all my children at least for a day. Life being what it is, get togethers are few and far between. Children, nah, they are older now but they will always be my kids. They are smart, good looking and bring something of worth to the world. Proud parents we are.<br />
<br />
Nicholas, the youngest is now 27.He annoys his sisters that he managed to pass all his math and science courses without ever studying. He is quiet around the house but I know he is a cutup with his friends. He works on his car, complicated stuff by watching a few videos and a bit of reading. I have no clue to where it comes from but he makes it look easy. He has a graphic artist certificate which he needs to put to use, when he gets around to it. I have published some of his work here and on facebook. Wonderful stuff. I enjoyed watching football with him on Christmas, joking, eating and drinking. A great time, wish there was more.<br />
<br />
Dana, the younger sister is now 29. A force to be reckoned with. She has her bachelors in exercise science, a master's degree in nutrition and will soon start on her Phd. Someday she will be a professor teaching somewhere. She is a reader, something we share. She has a clear vision of where she wants to go and is not afraid of the journey. We talk a lot and share experiences. She has credited her scholastic success to a few teachers in high school who taught her the basics on how to prepare for higher education and to be ahead of her fellow students. It took awhile to figure out what was right for her, once done, it was pedal to the medal. Her Phd will be a huge challenge but she is up to it!<br />
<br />
Kristine the oldest is now 31. She is a communications officer for many years with Palm Beach county or 911 as most would call it. Another smart sibling , she makes a very difficult job look easy, a highly stressful job that most people can't handle which proves itself on a daily basis. Some of the horrific stories she has told happen on a daily basis. She works very long hours but puts that overtime to good use, she has owned her own home for three years and I told her by age 40 she will be a millionaire.! She has goals for the future and can make the changes on the fly. She is very determined and I know she will succeed.<br />
<br />
I know this post sounds like bragging and I am. Mom and I have done our best and our expectations continue to be exceeded. How much we have contributed to their success I am not sure but we have tried. To say we love them all doesn't begin to express how much. We are not the only parents to be so lucky but I am glad we are in the running.<br />
<br />
Tell your children you love them<br />
<br />
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-40510352121843292142015-08-12T08:09:00.003-04:002015-08-12T08:09:51.179-04:00Waning interest in writing and readers tuning inI saw the word waning on a blog recently and that word seems to say it all. I am stopping writing for awhile, except for any business news updates, for posterity it seems.<br />
<br />
My enthusiasm has dropped off and my readership has disappeared. Everything runs in cycles, this cycle has no where to go but up.<br />
<br />
To all of you that have followed or read my stuff over the years, thank you.<br />
<br />
Be back when I deem it necessary.<br />
<br />
Rayraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-90649762860159461682015-07-11T06:38:00.002-04:002015-07-11T06:38:58.379-04:007-11-15 thoughtsI read about a sign in a taxi cab that said "Thank you for not running for president!"<br />
<br />
Blogger are tired of writing. It's true.<br />
<br />
I am having a going out of business sale on my ideas this year. Meaning, instead of wondering if I have a good idea, let's find out. I am not getting any younger.<br />
<br />
If you didn't know, my first provisional patent has been approved. It took me ten months to figure out what I wanted to do and put the idea down on paper. I hope the second one is simpler. It is only a starting point. Now to bring it to market. If successful I realized I need to help people directly and indirectly. A big task.<br />
<br />
I got into a discussion on religion with someone at work. Once you take the emotion out of the equation it can be quite boring. He was the expert and yet would run to google to verify what I just said. funny.<br />
<br />
Listening to candidates talk shows how narrow minded their thinking is and how small their following is. Hate mongering has its limits.<br />
<br />
I hope.<br />
<br />
When is the last time you used white-out?<br />
<br />
If Rip Van Winkle woke up from a deep sleep after 20 years, would he be surprised that Bush and Clinton are still running for president?<br />
<br />
Too many people work too many hours for too little pay.<br />
<br />
Why cant the USA be known for the biggest and best education and health care system instead of having the largest military in the world?<br />
<br />
We are fighting this century wars with last century ideas.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel that countries spend most of their time rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.<br />
<br />
Our countries infrastructure is falling apart and yet no one is doing anything to fix any of it. Remember that the next time you drive over that bridge on the way to work.<br />
<br />
until next time.<br />
coffee?<br />
<br />
ray<br />
raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-2374377668117467892015-05-31T04:26:00.000-04:002015-05-31T04:26:11.742-04:00What leads to success?This question must be bothering me a lot because I woke up very early in the morning thinking about it. Thinking about past success here and there and wondering why there aren't more of them, what is holding me back.<br />
<br />
Relating to sports, the perfect swing, the throw, the winning shot, the big save, the extra effort, why doesn't it happen more often? What holds one back?<br />
<br />
Fear of winning versus fear of losing? Being good enough versus being great more often than not.<br />
<br />
What do others perceive of me? Because of course perception is reality. There are different sign posts for other people to determine achievements in life.<br />
<br />
In no particular order:<br />
<br />
Job<br />
<br />
Money<br />
<br />
Career<br />
<br />
Education<br />
<br />
Home<br />
<br />
Car<br />
<br />
Friends<br />
<br />
Children<br />
<br />
Status in the community<br />
<br />
Major accomplishments<br />
<br />
and so on, feel free to add to the list<br />
<br />
The question is nothing to lose sleep over except that I am.<br />
<br />
Satisfaction is fleeting, it is like trying to grab a handful of smoke.<br />
<br />
If one is lucky, life is a marathon and there is a long way to go.<br />
<br />
Ray<br />
<br />
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-27242100004398053022015-03-31T08:26:00.002-04:002015-03-31T08:26:54.908-04:00People's thoughts on religion leave me dumbfoundedLate Sunday night, I had a last minute sale that took a lot of time to finish up and took me 20 minutes past closing before it was done..<br />
<br />
While waiting with the customer, one of the managers said something to another, ( I found out it was goodnight in Arabic) and the customer took offense. Her husband was Muslin and she went off on a tirade about being offensive, out of place and disrespectful and so on.<br />
How offended her son would be if he had heard it. He might only be offended because they taught him to be offended.<br />
Personally I wanted to close the sale and go home.<br />
<br />
It wasn't said to her, the translation was no big deal and she looked like a white New Yorker who was wrapped a little to tight.<br />
<br />
WTF.<br />
<br />
To me it was another example of religion being used as a divisive tool against someone else.<br />
And she went on and on and on..<br />
<br />
I wanted to walk away. And leave the sale. Unsold.<br />
<br />
Don't look to me for sympathy. Don't try to validate your actions with indignation. I am not buying it.<br />
If everyone kept their religious preferences private what a quiet world it would be.<br />
<br />
rayraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-73541293682580217342015-03-26T07:05:00.001-04:002015-03-26T07:05:37.369-04:00The College scam or how the NCAA makes billions and gets players for free!Okay, maybe just a billion dollars. The March Madness will pull in about a billion dollars this year and the players get nothing.<br />
<br />
Student athletes, right.<br />
<br />
Growing up we always wondered how the players had time to study, laughed at basket weaving courses and the like. It has gotten worse.<br />
<br />
Now for basketball they have a new once and done where in agreement with the NBA they have to stay in school for one year before moving on. In reality most will not play anymore. They, like Mungo "only pawn in life."<br />
<br />
The highest pay goes to the coaches some a million, some ten million while the players live on ramen noodles.<br />
<br />
The NCAA gets a nod nod wink wink to it all because schools have hitched their financial success on the almighty sports dollar and the TV money that keeps rolling in to their coffers.<br />
<br />
College sports is an addiction that many can not out grow. For others it is a reprieve from the fact that done right a college education will support and nurture you for a lifetime, but man, it's hard work.<br />
<br />
Either way the madness is almost done and then it is back to the reality grind.<br />
<br />
enjoy.<br />
<br />
rayraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-70273264310263291992015-03-20T04:37:00.002-04:002015-03-20T04:37:56.808-04:00The Miracle on Ice or how my love of hockey faded awayI have not followed hockey for many years and yet I grew up in Chicago, home of the Blackhawks and my early years and well into my twenties, my love of the game was insatiable. And it all faded away.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
I was watching a documentary on the Russian team and their point of view on losing to the USA team in 1980, a huge upset. Honestly, if they played one hundred times more, the USA team would have lost one hundred times. Their team concept of play, speed, strength, passing, shot making ability was next to none. If they played full time in the NHL, they would have been multiple Stanley Cup champions. They were that good.<br />
<br />
By then the NHl had developed into a game of thuggery, where fights were a constant. Every team needed an enforcer to protect the star players. Sometimes fights would break out right at the beginning of the game and they hadn't dropped the puck yet.<br />
<br />
A game that was a showcase for considerable skills on ice was a game had become boring and predictable and like a jilted lover, I walked away and never looked back.<br />
<br />
This was from a guy whose ear was glued to the radio listening to the away games, who yelled at the TV so loud, Mom came downstairs to see who I was talking to, who once got so mad at an outcome of a game that I broke the on-off switch with my hand in frustration. This is from a guy who along with others would travel for hours to play at 4:00 am in the morning in an enclosed arena where we would rent the ice to play like our heroes as opposed to bringing a shovel to the park to help clear the ice so we could play.<br />
<br />
This is from a guy, like others loved to hit and knock people down, who were respected for our relentlessness effort of our play, whose shoulders still hurt from knocking into people wearing full equipment and pads while we just wore a jersey. yep, the Chicago way. This from a guy who had great stick handling skills but limited skating skills who became a goaltender because that is what crazy people did.<br />
<br />
and walked away from it all, till this day.raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-33419420447944044792015-03-11T06:45:00.000-04:002015-03-11T06:45:05.516-04:003 Storeys in Each Day, China's New Normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is not just the speed of the building going on </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but the planning and the precision of the building</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that most impresses me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next time you have a remodeling job going on </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and it seems to take forever, remember this video.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and laugh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/veNf-bz99cI/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/veNf-bz99cI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-48297142909570812092015-03-09T06:25:00.000-04:002015-03-09T06:25:32.838-04:00Maybe, Just maybe let sleeping golf balls lieMy story starts with an overcast day, a little bit of rain and an offer of free golf and beer. After a morning of working at my daughter's house I had a late tee time of 2:06 last Friday.<br />
<br />
I was already tired and normally don't play so late in the day because of the heat and darkness factor, but what the heck, exception time.<br />
<br />
It was a first time for me at this course and did not know what to expect. I met my friend from work and off we went. For such a late start time the course was full and the race against the clock was not looking good. We added on a third which was not uncommon but in a rare occurrence he was a pain and would not play with him again. But that is a story for another time.<br />
<br />
Being that I had not swung a club since mid November of 2014 I was a bit anxious but I hit it nicely<br />
down the center of the fairway and off we went. In fact I was pleased with most of the front nine ball striking and we were having fun.<br />
<br />
And then the trouble began on the back nine.<br />
<br />
First the rain came, lasted for a couple of holes. But we play golf and rain won't stop us. Then after one swing I felt my left knee give way and knew that it would cause me problems later on and as expected it began to stiffen.<br />
<br />
Then a shot of mine rolled down the slope and stopped just on the edge of the water. It was not playable and I was to pick it up, take a penalty stroke and continue on.<br />
<br />
And the I saw it. A brand new, pristine golf ball sitting by its self within reach, a new golf ball for the taking. And even though I had stopped fishing for golf balls many years ago, what the heck. And after a few attempts out popped the ball on to dry land and then it happened.<br />
<br />
Reaching down to pick it up I felt myself start to lose balance. Sensing the inevitable I tried to at least to try not to get hurt. First the right foot, than the left, both hands in, down to my knees and hands, scraping my left knee in the process. I arose from the water sheepishly and trudged back to my playing partner who was laughing hysterically. Luckily he did not get it on his camera phone. Splish , splosh. We ended our outing soon after, I was no longer in the mood. I left for the day to lick my wounds and to dry out.<br />
<br />
The next day on arriving at work, everyone took their turn asking me about my swimming lessons on the golf course. Sigh... All in good fun.<br />
<br />
and yes, I did keep the golf ball. Thankfully an alligator did not show up!<br />
<br />
coffee time<br />
achy ray<br />
<br />
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-19377882065912965472015-02-22T21:26:00.000-05:002015-02-22T21:26:36.635-05:00Converse Dr. J Commercial-still the best!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/qI84bYrIl9w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qI84bYrIl9w?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-62633906614410510112015-01-25T07:59:00.002-05:002015-01-25T07:59:43.427-05:00RJ's deep thoughts 1-25-15 editionAnything controversial going on, must we add "gate" to it? That is so Nixon era, boring!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't think "GOD" meant for religion to be so destructive toward people and yet death continues to be an overachiever. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It appears that the economy of China is finally winding down after a 28 year run. But what do most people think of the products made in China? Cheap, and dangerous junk.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Japan went through the same thing in the 70's and 80's. Now they give us Lexus instead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Made in Africa will be on the lips of everyone in the years to come.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Climate change continues to happen and many will deny it right until the very end.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are so many company founders reaching multi-millionaire status as of late, it is starting to remind me of the dot.com bubble era.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the plus side, many unique ideas are reaching the market at warp speed.They are pushing the envelope and upsetting the apple cart of heavily entrenched businesses.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you took away credit cards, the economy would come to a screeching halt.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Many markets around the world are in constant turmoil because paper money has no value.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The richest 1% in the world are in Davos this last week. Pleasure mixed with business as they work out the details on what they are doing next with our money.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Many still have hopes of being part of that group. Chances are slim and nonexistent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next space race is not to the moon but to Mars. And if Martians do exist, they will say when we show up "There goes the neighborhood!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is a dire need to rebuild the infrastructure in the USA. There will be a record number of bridge and highway failures and the end result will be a lot of hand wringing and finger pointing and nothing will get done.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The electrical grid system has needed an overhaul for the last 40 years. It is weak and inefficient and susceptible to massive failure. If it where to go out, within a week, there would be massive riots, fights over food and water and preppers would be happy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Netfix has a documentary called "The United States of Secrets" I suggest you watch it and then hide under your bed! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
coffee time </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ray</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-92162002896811485432015-01-02T08:54:00.001-05:002015-01-02T08:54:44.918-05:00Like a bad movie, the calendar pages are ripping of the wallIt's true. This last year was the fastest ever of my life. I suspect age has something to do wit it. And work. Sales is a constant blur, a harsh taskmaster and never ending.<br />
Daily sales, weekly sales, monthly sales, yearly sales. A sprint and a marathon all in one.<br />
<br />
It maybe my work week being in retail and all.<br />
<br />
I work<br />
Sunday 10-8<br />
Monday 1-9:40<br />
Tuesday 9:30- 9:40<br />
Wednesday off<br />
Thursday 9:30-5:00<br />
Friday off<br />
Saturday 9:00-9:40<br />
much longer days during holiday season<br />
<br />
and the it starts again<br />
<br />
I am in survival mode. Like an aging athlete getting the call to come off the bench into the big game, I am doing what I can.<br />
Just slow down the clock, would you?<br />
<br />
tired ancient Rayraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-88220232307790949402014-12-24T12:47:00.001-05:002014-12-24T12:47:22.429-05:00The Collapse of The American Dream Explained in Animation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mII9NZ8MMVM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-53834150701153691412014-12-18T05:42:00.001-05:002014-12-18T05:42:26.725-05:00My music is the best...No mine is!!!!You hear this all the time whether it is the 60's, 70's 80's and so on. It all depends on you doesn't it. Music connects with memories and emotions and events at the time you hear music. It is a bonding thing much like the smell of apple pie or favorite food.<br />
<br />
But if you love music you will expand your selections trying a bit of this and that from blues and r&b to classical to hip hop to jazz. Try different artists along the way. Chances are you will be surprised even if it you like only one song or two.<br />
<br />
It is like learning another language. You may not get it right but people will appreciate the effort, especially someone younger or from a different race or country.<br />
<br />
And if you do like then do one more thing , dance! Like no one is looking even if they are. Enjoy the moment!<br />
<br />
ray<br />
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-8940250710386355892014-12-12T05:05:00.000-05:002014-12-12T05:05:19.712-05:00Hey! I am not old so what is with all the wrinkles?Nobody thinks of themselves as old, even if the calendar begs to differ. Laying in bed the other morning I rolled over and happened to take a look at my arm and this thought popped into my mind.<br />
WTF!!<br />
The skin looked like something from the history channel. Sigh...<br />
And the arm itself was kind of jiggly. Why I look like I am 62! Wait, I am.<br />
<br />
I am still pretty strong, can still lift and move things, knees not withstanding, can still hit a golf ball pretty far and so on.<br />
<br />
But time marches on doesn't it. The elasticity of the body just wears out and the snap just isn't there anymore.<br />
<br />
Try this. Lay your hand flat and pull on the skin. Watch how quickly it goes back. Someone young, well, it goes back quickly while mine relaxes back in place,<br />
<br />
One is not supposed to mention anything related to age as our culture worships the young but it is what it is. If you think you are not getting older remember the average life span in the USA is around 70.<br />
If you are older than 35, well, welcome to middle age!<br />
<br />
on that happy note...<br />
<br />
rayraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-40664476228502515512014-12-02T06:54:00.003-05:002014-12-02T06:54:20.604-05:00thoughts 12-2-14people who I think are smarter then me ask me all the time my opinion on a variety of things. scary.<br />
<br />
the smell of cut cucumbers is so incredibly good.<br />
<br />
the love of a dog is a wonderful thing<br />
<br />
only matched by the love of your children<br />
<br />
people rarely hang out with people with different view points<br />
<br />
racism is really hard to disguise<br />
<br />
one must be introduced to the arts at an early age to appreciate the world around us<br />
<br />
reading must be encouraged with children but it only works if you read too<br />
<br />
the line most used " successful people are not fearful of failure" is only partly true, they hate it too but have the grit to try again<br />
<br />
many things do not have the option of failure-learning to walk, dress yourself, ride a bike and so on<br />
<br />
apps are a wonderful thing but only work because of the internet and electricity, take that away and they have no value<br />
<br />
anyone can be perceived as clever if what they do makes them money<br />
<br />
rock and roll will never die until all the rock and rollers are dead<br />
<br />
are there any news people left that are trusted to report the news as news<br />
<br />
the difference between religion and a cult is the number of members<br />
<br />
what ever happened to living in harmony with nature<br />
<br />
the fight for the lowest price is a victory of sorts for shoppers but will soon be forgotten if the service isn't there to back up the sale<br />
<br />
some people don't realize that life does not have a straight line to success, it is a series of zig zags<br />
<br />
most people don't care about the effort and decisions that it took to get the final results<br />
<br />
everything you do in life counts for something<br />
<br />
everything you don't do counts for something<br />
<br />
a new years resolution starts the day you decide to start, not January first<br />
<br />
be aware of things and events around you, listen to your mind and body,<br />
tweak things here and there, you will surprise your self<br />
<br />
enough for today<br />
<br />
old ray<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-64171256444987735122014-11-23T10:50:00.000-05:002014-11-23T10:50:00.621-05:00Why should we care about them, they work in retail don't they?They're not real people anyway. I have been in retail for 35 plus years or so. We are real people. We have homes, families and we we work hard for our paycheck like anyone else.<br />
<br />
We are not to be compared to policeman, fireman, hospital workers, essential people who work year round ensuring our health and welfare.<br />
<br />
We are not to be looked down upon for wanting to celebrate a holiday with loved ones. I have seen the comments from people who dislike and look down upon them as lowly people. All so that you can wait with thousands of others to buy, yes buy that unbelievably priced doll, game or TV. Limit 5 per store.<br />
<br />
For whatever reason, Thanksgiving is the last day of the year that means a lot and means nothing, No presents are expected, guests may or may not attend, If you are lucky the table will be filled with edible goodies, the TV on with the sounds of football playing, belts being loosened.<br />
A day of joy and relaxation, a day away from the daily grind. Save money, don't buy anything.<br />
<br />
We may not work in an office, have a cubicle, wear a suit and tie but in our own way we are essential.<br />
<br />
Please don't Scrooge up another day. Thank us instead. Without us you would not be able to buy that Tap dancing Elmo!<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving<br />
<br />
rayraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-48152939079226265612014-11-21T07:20:00.001-05:002014-11-21T07:20:54.819-05:00What you see when the company has a partyLast Sunday our company had a little party after work. Most employees attended. I almost skipped it as it was a long work day. I was glad I went, some close work friends were there and it was a fun couple of hours.<br />
<br />
We do have a diverse work place with people from 19 to 72 years old. What surprised me was how people dressed for the occasion. If you think you are up on the current fashion trends and styles, let me tell you, you have no clue. I certainly don't.<br />
<br />
It was hip hop heaven. I was totally surprised by the fashion statements, not that it was bad, but I was blown away.<br />
<br />
As I looked around I felt very old.<br />
<br />
But now for the funny part. You would not believe how many guys in their forties and fifties were trying to blend in. It was funny and yet a bit sad. I understand we wear shirts and ties all day long and this is a chance to look different, but still.<br />
<br />
I still wish I had thought to bring my new Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd t-shirt.<br />
<br />
Now that would be age appropriate!<br />
<br />
old Rayraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-85928932718567322312014-11-15T14:40:00.003-05:002014-11-15T14:40:51.887-05:00happy birthday to me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pKQbg19VvY8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-33847521119917315292014-11-06T07:42:00.000-05:002014-11-06T07:42:34.960-05:00Jon Stewart Interview<br />
A very interesting man.<br />
<br />
<br />
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/10/jon-stewart-rosewater-in-conversation.html?wpsrc=nymagraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-58931956382342363242014-10-31T07:13:00.002-04:002014-10-31T07:13:53.365-04:00Simple things make me happy<div style="text-align: center;">
sometimes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it doesn't take much</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
being alone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nothing pending</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sitting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
book in hand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
playing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
old tunes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tickling the ears</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
soft breeze</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
caressing the face</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
feet up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
relaxing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sun streaked skies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
natures palette</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sounds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gently cascading</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
downward</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
four paws</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
come</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
closer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
head scratch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
looking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for tidbits</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
game of catch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sipping</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the drink </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the moment</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eyes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
grow heavy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
close for a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
moment</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
smile</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-18932522814787099662014-10-29T07:36:00.001-04:002014-10-29T07:36:43.561-04:00Send out the clowns and the tigers too!It is almost 2015 and it is time to stop the use of a couple of relics of the past.<br />
<br />
The Zoo<br />
<br />
Really, do we need to see animals in captivity any more? The world has changed much over the years and what was once a curiosity about the world around us is very passe. More and more reports come out on how devastating it is to the animals to live in captivity. I would add in Sea World also. Orca and the gang need hundreds of square miles to roam and hunt and instead they are held captive in the equivalent of a bathtub to live their lives out in.<br />
<br />
There was an episode of Twilight Zone where the main character is kidnapped by aliens and transported to their planet. He awakens in what appears to be a house. It turns out to be a display of his normal habitat. He is an attraction in a zoo. Touche!<br />
<br />
The Circus<br />
How many more reports of animal cruelty do we need before they are ordered to shut down. Elephants balancing on a ball? Abusive treatment to keep them in line? Whips to train the lions and tigers? I always root for the animals.<br />
The circus coming to town was a big diversion years ago, adding a bit excitement and side shows designed to separate the money from the marks.<br />
<br />
Vote with your feet and wallet. Don't go.<br />
<br />
rayraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-33682210927459598422014-10-16T07:36:00.003-04:002014-10-16T07:36:44.844-04:00He used to write a lot remember?first year<br />
2009<br />
<br />
237 posts<br />
<br />
second year<br />
2010<br />
<br />
237 posts not planned, just worked out that way<br />
<br />
third year<br />
2011<br />
<br />
308 posts<br />
<br />
fourth year<br />
2012<br />
<br />
246 posts<br />
<br />
fifth year<br />
2013<br />
<br />
78 posts<br />
<br />
sixth year<br />
2014<br />
<br />
67 and counting<br />
<br />
It is not that I have run out of ideas, it is just, I don't know....something, work, health, maybe.<br />
On the plus side, six years is a long time and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon!<br />
<br />
coffee time<br />
<br />
ray<br />
xoraydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443336523425451069.post-44562712289429566872014-10-12T08:11:00.000-04:002014-10-12T08:11:47.974-04:00Gore VidalI recently watched a documentary on Gore Vidal on Netflix. If you never read any of his writings you owe it to yourself to pick one up and read it. He went toe to toe with William F. Buckley in a debate of sorts and left Buckley gasping for air, brilliant stuff. The following are some of his best quotes.<br />
<br />
<div id="main-content-picture" itemprop="image" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871444702148px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;">
<img alt="Gore Vidal during a Los Angeles interview in 1974." data-pin-description="Gore Vidal: 'Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn'. Photograph: AP" height="276" itemprop="contentUrl representativeOfPage" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/8/1/1343798886241/Gore-Vidal-during-a-Los-A-008.jpg" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="460" /><div class="caption" itemprop="caption" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Gore Vidal: 'Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn'. Photograph: AP</div>
</div>
<div id="article-body-blocks" style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.9871444702148px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"I never miss a chance to have sex or appear on television."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"A narcissist is someone better looking than you are."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically by definition be disqualified from ever doing so."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Democracy is supposed to give you the feeling of choice like, Painkiller X and Painkiller Y. But they're both just aspirin."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Envy is the central fact of American life."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Every time a friend succeeds, I die a little."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"The United States was founded by the brightest people in the country — and we haven't seen them since."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Every four years the naive half who vote are encouraged to believe that if we can elect a really nice man or woman President everything will be all right. But it won't be."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Andy Warhol is the only genius I've ever known with an IQ of 60"</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"A good deed never goes unpunished."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting to encounter yourself."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Apparently, a democracy is a place where numerous elections are held at great cost without issues and with interchangeable candidates."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Fifty percent of people won't vote, and fifty percent don't read newspapers. I hope it's the same fifty percent."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Some writers take to drink, others take to audiences."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"The genius of our ruling class is that it has kept a majority of the people from ever questioning the inequity of a system where most people drudge along, paying heavy taxes for which they get nothing in return"</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"The more money an American accumulates, the less interesting he becomes."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"The four most beautiful words in our common language: I told you so."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Congress no longer declares war or makes budgets. So that's the end of the constitution as a working machine."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"We should stop going around babbling about how we're the greatest democracy on earth, when we're not even a democracy. We are a sort of militarised republic."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"As the age of television progresses the Reagans will be the rule, not<br style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />the exception. To be perfect for television is all a President has to<br style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />be these days."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Sex is. There is nothing more to be done about it. Sex builds no roads, writes no novels and sex certainly gives no meaning to anything in life but itself."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"Think of the earth as a living organism that is being attacked by billions of bacteria whose numbers double every forty years. Either the host dies, or the virus dies, or both die."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"There is no such thing as a homosexual or a heterosexual person. There are only homo- or heterosexual acts. Most people are a mixture of impulses if not practices."</h2>
<h2 style="background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 17px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;">
"There is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise."</h2>
</div>
raydenzel1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16212342091537737561noreply@blogger.com0