R. Jacob Post

Is This the Most Beautiful Street in the World?

2012-02-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

click on the title of the post for the link to the article

How cool is this!

If all streets were like this, would it still be as wonderful to see?

Wouldn't it be nice to find out?

As you will read in the story, someone wanted to really "pave paradise and put up a parking lot" and the people said no!

http://www.treehugger.com/culture/most-beautiful-street-world.html?campaign=daily_nl

A Golf Poem

2012-01-31T08:11:00.000-05:00

author unknown

I wish I had written this.

A Golf Poem

In My Hand I Hold A Ball,
White And Dimpled, And Rather Small.
Oh, How Bland It Does Appear,

This Harmless Looking Little Sphere.

By Its Size I Could Not Guess

The Awesome Strength It Does Possess.

But Since I Fell Beneath Its Spell,

I've Wandered Through The Fires Of Hell.

My Life Has Not Been Quite The Same

Since I Chose To Play This Stupid Game.

It Rules My Mind For Hours On End;

A Fortune It Has Made Me Spend.

It Has Made Me Curse And Made Me Cry,

And Hate Myself And Want To Die.

It Promises Me A Thing Called Par,

If I Hit It Straight And Far.

To Master Such A Tiny Ball,

Should Not Be Very Hard At All.

But My Desires The Ball Refuses,

And Does Exactly As It Chooses.

It Hooks And Slices, Dribbles And Dies,

And Disappears Before My Eyes.

Often It Will Have A Whim,

To Hit A Tree Or Take A Swim.

With Miles Of Grass On Which To Land,

It Finds A Tiny Patch Of Sand.

Then Has Me Offering Up My Soul,

If Only It Would Find The Hole.

It's Made Me Whimper Like A Pup,

And Swear That I Will Give It Up.

And Take To Drink To Ease My Sorrow,

But The Ball Knows ... I'll Be Back Tomorrow.

------------------------------------------------------

Stand proud you noble swingers of clubs and losers of balls!

A recent study found that the average golfer walks about 900 miles a year.

Another study found that golfers drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.

This means that, on average, golfers get about 41 miles to the gallon!

Kind of makes you proud. Almost makes you feel like a hybrid . . .

This Needed Telling Part Three

2012-01-30T07:42:00.000-05:00

Let's see, I won't be posting music videos anymore.

I may still comment on music, but posting a video that interests me, might only interest me, besides musical tastes are very subjective and my personal tastes might be very old or stale or not fashionable.

And I might be very old and stale and not fashionable too!

If I come across lyrics to a song that I find interesting, that I will post, as they seem to get lost sometimes while listening to the song.

So that would make the video I posted "Let's Stay Together, by Al Green" the last one I will do.

How fitting...

a large melodic cup of coffee is in need at this time

5-6-7-8

ray

This Needed Telling Part Two

2012-01-29T10:04:00.000-05:00

Let's see, I won't be doing anymore posts on what is in your food. You know, or choose to ignore the content of what companies put in your food.

I have pointed out you can find tri-sodium phosphates, titanium dioxides, foaming agents, petroleum products, Round-Up pesticides, food dyes, natural and artificial flavorings in your food and you still eat it.

Many of the names I just mentioned can be found in the paint department in cleaners, paint and pipe cleaners in the plumbing department to clean the pipes in the sink.

A lot of restaurants use food suppliers that all use the same types of food.

I love to make my own meals. I have gone back to the old style of making my own soup, doing my own baking and so on. I am slowly going organic because even though it does cost more in some cases, not all, I think I am worth it.

To put it another way, convenience kills, albeit slowly. Vending machines are harmful and very costly. Diet foods, another oxymoron, make you fat.

There are chemical companies that will make something taste like whatever you want. Chemical companies! And yet, still you eat it.

I have talked about chicken nuggets, strawberry milk shakes, chemical crusted chips.
Yogurt with more sugar then a handful of candy bars, orange juice with chemical flavoring added, and the list goes on.

You all are adults. You make your own decisions. I give up.

Sometimes the problem with being an adult is you stop asking questions and are supposed to make decisions based on the untruths of advertising.

For those that want to know more, sign up for some news letters at Men's Health or sign up with Dr. Mercola and his news letter emails. You will be surprised at the range of topics covered on both.

This is not to say that there won't be a mention here and there on something. But it will be a mention. That is all.

thanks

coffee time

ray

This Needed Telling Part One

2012-01-28T22:42:00.001-05:00

I am re-examining what I write or post. I will be making a tweak or two along the way. Sometimes change is good.
I was at http://coyoteprime-runningcauseicantfly.blogspot.com and came upon this article, giving credit where credit is due and to the author. So here we go.

I like the philosophy and thought I would post it.

And yes, it is time for a well deserved beer.

ray

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

"10 Commandments for a Good Life"

"10 Commandments for a Good Life"
by Marc

"A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often and realize how fortunate you are right now. It’s about the simple pleasures that make you happy, the compassionate deeds you perform, the personal goals you strive to achieve, the relationships you nurture and the legacy you leave behind. So starting today, choose to take control. Here are ten commandments to help you live a good life.

    "And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.
    It’s the life in your years."
    - Abraham Lincoln

I. I am not perfect and I will not try to be. Think of how many things don’t get done in this world simply because people are waiting for the perfect time, place and circumstance. The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists. It rewards people who get things done. And the only way to get things done is to be imperfect 99% of the time.

ll. I cannot, and will not try, to please everyone. No matter what you do or how you do it, there will always be people that disagree with what you’re doing. That’s life. So don’t try please everyone. Simply do what I know is right. And remember, it doesn’t matter how many people don’t get it, it matters how many people do.

III. I will take part in something I believe in. This could be anything. Some people take an active role in their city council, some find refuge in religious faith, some join social clubs supporting causes they believe in and others find passion in their careers. In each case the psychological outcome is the same. They engage themselves in something they strongly believe in. This engagement brings happiness and meaning into their lives.

IV. I will prioritize my obligations and do important things first. Set priorities for yourself and act accordingly. It’s the only way to get things done. It’s the only way to turn a dream into a reality.

V. I will choose my friends wisely. Your friends are family you choose. So make sure you choose friends who are worthy of your time and attention. Surround yourself with people who reflect the person you want to be. Choose friends who you are proud to know, people you admire, who love and respect you – people who make your day a little brighter simply by being in it.

VI. I will help others when I am able. In life, you get what you put in. When you make a positive impact in someone else’s life, you also make a positive impact in your own life. The more you help others, the more they will want to help you.

VII. I will focus on the positive. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. The mind must believe it can do something before it is capable of actually doing it. The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful. Listen to your self-talk and replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Regardless of how a situation seems, focus on the next positive step forward.

VIII. I can only be me. Judy Garland once said, “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else.” Live by this statement. There is no such thing as living in someone else’s shoes. The only shoes you can occupy are your own. If you aren’t being yourself, you aren’t truly living – you’re merely existing. And ask yourself this: If you don’t like who you really are, why should I like you? Trying to be somebody you’re not is not sexy. Be you. That’s when you’re beautiful.

IX. I will be here now. Life is happening right now. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, practice being and living in the present moment. Remember, right now is the only moment guaranteed to you. Right now is life. Don’t miss it.

X. Life never gets any better, only my perception of it does. The world around you changes when you change. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right. The opposite is also true. The choice is yours to make."

- http://www.marcandangel.com/

Tina Turner Al Green Let's Stay Together Live 2005

2012-01-28T08:16:00.000-05:00

inspired by debbie from venting to viggio

However, It Is My Job To Tell You How To...

2012-01-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

A follow up to yesterdays post.

I work for a national home improvement company. I have done the homeowner type employment since the early 1980's. I have managed flooring stores, worked in paint departments, measured floors for high end carpet and wood, problem inspector for things that have gone wrong in the home that we installed, worked with contractors of all kinds, worked as a project supervisor, ( working with the contractor and the customer), for high end installs, worked in fashion plumbing, and currently manage an appliance department where we sell a full range of appliances and cabinets. Added to that, I have now the storage department for closets and such.

I am precise when I do floor measures, square feet, square yards, pattern match, linear feet, what works here, what won't work. I have repaired carpet that seemed ruined with snags or tears. I can tell you if a job was done correctly. I can tell you why a carpet looks damaged but isn't. I can tell you why the wood floor is going bad, and who or what is at fault.

But I am not an installer. I am a homeowner.

I can tell you what parts you need to do repairs or replacement around the house. I will look at your cart of stuff as you go by and tell you what you are missing to finish the job.

I will tell you where in the store to find what you are looking for, down to the aisle, right or left side, how high up to reach, or I will take you to it. We have over 40,000 items in the store.

I will not however tell you how to beat building codes or shortcuts that may cause damage

to you and your home. Anyone in the store will run into a customer that won't listen to reason.

Guys in the department will defer to me when a problem comes up for the home because I usually know the answer and am glad to help.

The above is not bragging. It is what I do.

The list of things I don't know is long too! Mostly it involves stuff I haven't done such as roofing. Different construction applications. Outside pumps and irrigation comes to mind. I can do minor repairs but don't have the patience to learn somethings. Somethings I can learn how to do, but I ask questions too.

My job is to listen to your problem and your needs and advise you how to take care of it. I will hand off to someone with more experience, for example, what wire or breakers to use for electric repairs. Or rough plumbing pipe questions, or septic tanks, or whole house water filtration. We have people in our garden center who are more knowledgeable then me on what to use and where to use it.

I have to visualize what you are talking about and how to solve it. It is expected of me and I do it well. It makes the customer happy and gives me satisfaction in helping.

Outside the work place is another matter. That was covered in yesterdays post.

Everyone has expertise in something. One is expected to learn something all the time and add to one's knowledge base, not do the same thing for 20 years.

Life would be boring, yes?

I don't know it all, will never claim to, but I know where to get the help you need.

My job is to give advice.

and now I will take a coffee break

ray

Do You Want A Bit Of Advice?

2012-01-26T08:20:00.000-05:00

ad·vice/ədˈvīs/

Noun:

Guidance or recommendations concerning prudent future action, typically given by someone regarded as knowledgeable or authoritative.

Giving or getting advice can be tricky. It can be felt as a sign of weakness or lack of ability or not knowing how to do something intuitively.

I know for example that taking some golf lessons would help me tremendously but I don't take them. I will listen to someone better then me during the course of a round of golf but I won't go to see the local pro for help. I know I would feel embarrassed to have him watch me swing a club.

Sometimes a neighbor will ask me about something. I always pause a moment and think, do they want an answer or will they just do what they want to do anyway?

Intelligence, however, can get confused with knowledge. There are enough people in the world that if you were to ask a question about anything, anything at all, someone would know the answer. That person or persons would be looked upon as authoritative, for the moment.

Sometimes people think getting advice is unwarranted, or meddlesome. Nothing can be further from the truth. I have a neighbor who, as far as I know, has never painted his house. I noticed that when it rains, the walls of the house are wet. This will lead to internal moisture problems and mold. I wrestled with telling him about it, him being a lawyer and such. Finally I did tell him. He was non responsive. The house has not been painted. I tried. If something goes wrong, at least I did my part, did what I could.

It is easy to miss something when you are attempting something difficult or learning how to do something for the first time. A little tweak here and there can be very helpful.

But help and advice can be unwanted. If rejected, there is little chance I will offer again. I hate to be a bother. I won't watch in silence. I won't watch.

The look I get sometimes is if you are so smart...

So there you go, if you need any advice and I know how, please don't ask.

and now for a giant cup of coffee

to soothe my ruffled feelings

ray

Why Do I Like Brown Eyes The Most?

2012-01-24T19:50:00.000-05:00

I really had to think about it. And I realized it went back to my childhood. One of my friends, whose house we hung around, had wonderful parents, almost like a second set of parents to many of us.
The mom was warm, funny, friendly, and caring. She accepted her role as the neighborhood mom. She was pretty, not movie star pretty but pretty enough. She was a nice influence on all of us.
She had those big, warm, brown eyes and dark brown hair And I know it influenced me in my search for the woman in my life.

The mystery has been revealed.

and now time for a revealing beer!
or two!

ray

I Am Changing Doctors And This Is Why...

2012-01-24T11:05:00.001-05:00

Email Of The Week!

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true? A: Heart only good for so many beats, and that it... Don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: Oh no. Wine made from fruit. Brandy distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two body, your ratio two to one.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy: No pain...good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food fried in vegetable oil. How getting more vegetable be bad?
Q : Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle? A: Oh no! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me? A: You crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure? A: If swimming good for figure, explain whale to me.
Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle? A: Hey! 'Round' is shape!
Well... I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"
AND.....
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans...
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like.   Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

And now, following the doctors advice
time for a cold beer!

ray

Cyber Friendships

2012-01-23T08:10:00.000-05:00

The internet is a strange and wonderful place. It is far reaching, encompassing the world as we know it and yet, it missing something, something that is not easily obtained.

The face to face interaction that a human being needs to thrive and exist. To talk to, see, and touch, the basics of knowing someone, meeting someone, it is all necessary.

It is nice to have cyber friends. When someone posts that they are meeting a fellow blogger, there is an air of excitement, one hopes that they will like each other in person. From the ones that have met, they have all been successful, at least from what I have read.

However, sometimes mini relationships on line can get strained and sometimes there is a parting of the ways.
Usually over something silly that in real life would be fixed with a look
or a touch. But alas, online doesn't give that option.

But knowing someone on line doesn't have any type of commitment. Words are flexible, one reads into them as they want.
Someday I will be a good writer, not great, but good. I work on bringing my thoughts and emotions clearly and succinctly to what I want to express.

All in all, meeting people on line, blog by blog, has been rewarding. I hope it doesn't stop.
The ones I know, I treasure them all.

and now of course
it is time for a cup of coffee
brought to you by 11111's and 00000's

ray

Hey! Why Do You Drive On The Wrong Side Of The Road?

2012-01-20T22:17:00.000-05:00

Please click on the title of the post for the link!

I was watching a TV show and they happened to explain why the English drive on the left hand side of the road. back in the old days most horseman were right handed and riding on the left allowed then to draw their swords and attack.

Of course this led me to more questions and I found the following. I hope you enjoy the information.

time for a nightcap!

ray

Please go to the website for a list of all the countries that drive on the left or the right!

History and origin

About a quarter of the world drives on the left, and the countries that do are mostly old British colonies. This strange quirk perplexes the rest of the world; but there is a perfectly good reason.

In the past, almost everybody travelled on the left side of the road because that was the most sensible option for feudal, violent societies. Since most people are right-handed, swordsmen preferred to keep to the left in order to have their right arm nearer to an opponent and their scabbard further from him. Moreover, it reduced the chance of the scabbard (worn on the left) hitting other people.

Furthermore, a right-handed person finds it easier to mount a horse from the left side of the horse, and it would be very difficult to do otherwise if wearing a sword (which would be worn on the left). It is safer to mount and dismount towards the side of the road, rather than in the middle of traffic, so if one mounts on the left, then the horse should be ridden on the left side of the road.

In the late 1700s, however, teamsters in France and the United States began hauling farm products in big wagons pulled by several pairs of horses. These wagons had no driver's seat; instead the driver sat on the left rear horse, so he could keep his right arm free to lash the team. Since he was sitting on the left, he naturally wanted everybody to pass on the left so he could look down and make sure he kept clear of the oncoming wagon’s wheels. Therefore he kept to the right side of the road.

In addition, the French Revolution of 1789 gave a huge impetus to right-hand travel in Europe. The fact is, before the Revolution, the aristocracy travelled on the left of the road, forcing the peasantry over to the right, but after the storming of the Bastille and the subsequent events, aristocrats preferred to keep a low profile and joined the peasants on the right. An official keep-right rule was introduced in Paris in 1794, more or less parallel to Denmark, where driving on the right had been made compulsory in 1793.

Later, Napoleon's conquests spread the new rightism to the Low Countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Russia and many parts of Spain and Italy. The states that had resisted Napoleon kept left – Britain, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Portugal. This European division, between the left- and right-hand nations would remain fixed for more than 100 years, until after the First World War.

Although left-driving Sweden ceded Finland to right-driving Russia after the Russo-Swedish War (1808-1809), Swedish law – including traffic regulations – remained valid in Finland for another 50 years. It wasn’t until 1858 that an Imperial Russian decree made Finland swap sides.

The trend among nations over the years has been toward driving on the right, but Britain has done its best to stave off global homogenisation. With the expansion of travel and road building in the 1800s, traffic regulations were made in every country. Left-hand driving was made mandatory in Britain in 1835. Countries which were part of the British Empire followed suit. This is why to this very day, India, Australasia and the former British colonies in Africa go left. An exception to the rule, however, is Egypt, which had been conquered by Napoleon before becoming a British dependency.

Although Japan was never part of the British Empire, its traffic also goes to the left. Although the origin of this habit goes back to the Edo period (1603-1867) when Samurai ruled the country, it wasn’t until 1872 that this unwritten rule became more or less official. That was the year when Japan’s first railway was introduced, built with technical aid from the British. Gradually, a massive network of railways and tram tracks was built, and of course all trains and trams drove on the left-hand side. Still, it took another half century till in 1924 left-side driving was clearly written in a law.

When the Dutch arrived in Indonesia in 1596, they brought along their habit of driving on the left. It wasn't until Napoleon conquered the Netherlands that the Dutch started driving on the right. Most of their colonies, however, remained on the left as did Indonesia and Suriname.

In the early years of English colonisation of North America, English driving customs were followed and the colonies drove on the left. After gaining independence from England, however, they were anxious to cast off all remaining links with their British colonial past and gradually changed to right-hand driving. (Incidentally, the influence of other European countries’ nationals should not be underestimated.) The first law requiring drivers to keep right was passed in Pennsylvania in 1792, and similar laws were passed in New York in 1804 and New Jersey in 1813.

Despite the developments in the US, some parts of Canada continued to drive on the left until shortly after the Second World War. The territory controlled by the French (from Quebec to Louisiana) drove on the right, but the territory occupied by the English (British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland) kept left. British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces switched to the right in the 1920s in order to conform with the rest of Canada and the USA. Newfoundland drove on the left until 1947, and joined Canada in 1949.

In Europe, the remaining left-driving countries switched one by one to driving on the right. Portugal changed in 1920s. The change took place on the same day in the whole country, including the colonies. Territories, however, which bordered other left-driving countries were exempted. That is why Macau, Goa (now part of India) and Portuguese East Africa kept the old system. East Timor, which borders left-driving Indonesia, did change to the right though, but left-hand traffic was reintroduced by the Indonesians in 1975.

In Italy the practice of driving on the right first began in the late 1890s. The first Italian Highway Code, issued on the 30th of June 1912, stated that all vehicles had to drive on the right. Cities with a tram network, however, could retain left-hand driving if they placed warning signs at their city borders. The 1923 decree is a bit stricter, but Rome and the northern cities of Milan, Turin and Genoa could still keep left until further orders from the Ministry of Public Works. By the mid-1920s, right-hand driving became finally standard throughout the country. Rome made the change on the 1 of March 1925 and Milan on the 3rd of August 1926.

Up till the 1930s Spain lacked national traffic regulations. Some parts of the country drove on the right (e.g. Barcelona) and other parts drove on the left (e.g. Madrid). On the 1st of October 1924 Madrid switched to driving on the right.

The break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire caused no change: Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Hungary continued to drive on the left. Austria itself was something of a curiosity. Half the country drove on the left and half on the right. The dividing line was precisely the area affected by Napoleon's conquests in 1805.

When Germany annexed Austria in 1938, Hitler ordered that the traffic should change from the left to the right side of the road, overnight. The change threw the driving public into turmoil, because motorists were unable to see most road signs. In Vienna it proved impossible to change the trams overnight, so while all other traffic took to the right-hand side of the road, the trams continued to run on the left for several weeks. Czechoslovakia and Hungary, among the last states on the mainland of Europe to keep left, changed to the right after being invaded by Germany in 1939 and late 1944 respectively.

Meanwhile, the power of the right kept growing steadily. American cars were designed to be driven on the right by locating the drivers' controls on the vehicle's left side. With the mass production of reliable and economical cars in the United States, initial exports used the same design, and out of necessity many countries changed their rule of the road.

Gibraltar changed to right-hand traffic in 1929 and China in 1946. Korea now drives right, but only because it passed directly from Japanese colonial rule to American and Russian influence at the end of the Second World War. Pakistan also considered changing to the right in the 1960s, but ultimately decided not to do it. The main argument against the shift was that camel trains often drove through the night while their drivers were dozing. The difficulty in teaching old camels new tricks was decisive in forcing Pakistan to reject the change. Nigeria, a former British colony, had traditionally been driving on the left with British imported right-hand-drive cars, but when it gained independence, it tried to throw off its colonial past as quick as possible and shifted to driving on the right.

After the Second World War, left-driving Sweden, the odd one out in mainland Europe, felt increasing pressure to change sides in order to conform with the rest of the continent. The problem was that all their neighbours already drove on the right side and since there are a lot of small roads without border guards leading into Norway and Finland, one had to remember in which country one was.

In 1955, the Swedish government held a referendum on the introduction of right-hand driving. Although no less than 82.9% voted “no” to the plebiscite, the Swedish parliament passed a law on the conversion to right-hand driving in 1963. Finally, the change took place on Sunday, the 3rd of September 1967, at 5 o’clock in the morning.

All traffic with private motor-driven vehicles was prohibited four hours before and one hour after the conversion, in order to be able to rearrange all traffic signs. Even the army was called in to help. Also a very low speed limit was applied, which was raised in a number of steps. The whole process took about a month. After Sweden's successful changeover, Iceland changed the following year, in 1968. Ghanaswapped sides in 1974.

In the 1960s, Great Britain also considered changing, but the country’s conservative powers did everything they could to nip the proposal in the bud. Furthermore, the fact that it would cost billions of pounds to change everything round wasn’t much of an incentive… Eventually, Britain dropped the idea. Today, only four European countries still drive on the left: the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.

On 7 September 2009 Samoa (population 189,000) became the third country ever to change from right- to left-hand driving. It had been driving on the right since it had become a German colony in the early 20th century, although it was administered by New Zealand after the First World War and gained independence in 1962. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi wanted to swap sides to make it easier to import cheap cars from left-hand driving Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Being Bored, It Is Time For A Change

2012-01-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

I will be fiddling around over the next few days with the look of each of my blogs. Blogger offers many more styles then they once did. One gets into a certain comfort zone and sometimes you have to break out a bit. I may bring it back to the original state that it was, I don't know. Let me play a bit and we will see.

coffee time

ray

Better Not Lay A Hand On My ButterFinger...or My Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

2012-01-18T13:45:00.000-05:00

I have a few weaknesses, okay, many, but we will stick to two of them. And they better not be hiding anywhere in the house. I will seek them out, search and destroy, search and eat! Same thing!!

The first favorite is

and then the second favorite is

I don't buy them anymore.

But they do show up at Halloween.

It is that time of year that I hope

the kids don't show up to our door!

Just maybe, those two candies somehow don't

make it in the big bowl for the handouts

My eyes get that milk chocolate

glazed look

I can't help myself.

I don't want help

Let me be

A couple of handfuls of each

Soon you find me laid back on the couch

wrappers everywhere

content with myself

thinking

would it be a bad thing if I

wanted more

lusted another bite

we all know the answer don't we!

burping happily

it must be beer time!

ray

The Lost Art Of Conversation

2012-01-17T10:05:00.001-05:00

I don't have any one on a regular basis to talk in depth about anything, anything at all. It is a rare thing indeed.
I have one or two people I exchange e mails with, but it is not the same thing.
A sit down, face to face exchange of ideas, that is what I long for.

It is important to enjoy the company of those you talk with. It is not a sparring debate of ideas rather it is an exchange of thoughts and points of the conversation. I had some of that yesterday.

It was a sit down after a round of golf that stretched for over four hours and many pitchers of beer.
Talking about whatever came to mind. Point, counterpoint new ideas.

One place I worked at, I had a few people to talk with like that, one I still meet up with on occasion for a few hours here and there.
But it is rare.
I like it because it challenges me to think a little deeper about a subject or to learn something new or gauge if some thought went into it or is it just repeating what was said on TV or the radio.

The idea is not to change the mind of the other person but rather explore different points of view.
And the why behind the thought. It leaves one looking for the next meeting.

Maybe I enjoy it so much because it is rare, I don't know.
But I do look forward to the next time.
Until then
I need a thinking man's cup of coffee...

ray

The Ups And Downs Of Life

2012-01-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

Life is like this picture isn't it

It can be a thrill ride of sorts

Boring at times, yes?

Most of it

goes unnoticed

Mundane

Repetitive

creeping up and along

and then

a plunge

is it fun

or terror

life's hiccups

is it meaningful

but

remember

the saying

what goes up

must come down

the reverse

is true

the downs

flatten out

and then start

to rise

once again

notice the good times

too

it might turn out

the bad times

weren't that bad

now everyone

say

ommmm

coffee time

ray

Why is it...

2012-01-13T10:46:00.001-05:00

you are trying to get the last of the scrumptious bits of a snack in the bottom of the bag and tap it toward your
mouth and two lbs of stuff falls out on you and between the couch cushions

that piece of bread that never drops from you hand, has butter on one side, and that is the day it falls
on the floor, butter side down

that the drink on the table that you bump with your elbow picks today to spill over and on to those important papers you were going to put away

the battery you promised to change for the car dies and there is no one around to get a ride to work

you forgot that you said that you would this one time do what you didn't want to do and you forgot and you don't feel that bad about it

that today is the day that everything that could go wrong did and the only thing to do is get mad at the world and be miserable all day or laugh hysterically at the absurdity of it all

the winning lottery ticket is in the pair of jeans that just went through the wash. at least you thought it was a winner...for five bucks

guys always think that if one of something works two is better

if an extra strength medicine works all the time shouldn't that be regular strength?

asking for directions is something a guy does only if he is lost at night time in an area he has never been to before.

a guy hates to admit he is wrong especially if he is right

directions on how to put something together should not be needed, it should be intuitive...that is my story and I am sticking to it

nothing is more wasteful then not being efficient in the workplace and professional

one thing I hate is not looking like I know what I am doing at the work place or at home

of all the things I can do, my ability to work on a car has disappeared over the years as the technology has increased

you are making something to eat and the blinking light of the microwave saying it is done and is still blinking...
and you forgot you put it in the microwave...

and of course it is time
for the second giant mug of coffee

ray

WW III The Movie

2012-01-11T18:36:00.000-05:00

From the movie

World War III is a thought provoking look at an alternate ending of the Cold War. Compiled largely from TV news pictures and military videos from the period, World War III cleverly combines this footage in a persuading manner to give the illusion that what is depicted actually took place.

See if you can recognize who the is the narrator.

I also noticed that there was a huge drop off in viewership as each segment ran. Short attention span I guess.

a cold reflective beer is needed after this

ray

A Cleansing Thunderstorm Is Needed

2012-01-11T09:33:00.001-05:00

There is a long list of things that I need but one that came to mind is a powerful thunderstorm to clear the air and my mind.

One of those scary clouds billowing up out of no-where, dark menacing wind howling storms. The storm comes alive, winds so strong the rain is horizontal, fingers of the wind clawing at the windows and doors of the house, trying to destroy all who inhabit the abode within. Thunder so loud you would swear the house has risen amongst the clouds, lighting racing across the sky, brilliant flashes, hotter then the sun, dancing in the air, dangerously close and tantalizing so far away. To marvel at the all powerful part of natures wonder, laughing at man's feeble attempt to coexist with it on this planet. To wonder if the storm will ever end, so strong one cowers in front of its onslaught, hoping to survive under shelter once again.

And then it does end, the sweet smell of the air, fresh ozone mixed in the gentle breeze purifying the air and cleansing the inner soul. The clouds part, the night time sky reveals all is as it was, waiting for the next time, on stand by, when it is needed once again.

yep, that is what I need

that along with a pot of coffee

ray

Joan Jett

2012-01-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

You can add Joan Jett to the list of woman that I ~~want~~ adore that I do every once in awhile.
Delicious eye candy, but also a wonderful ~~sexy~~ performer.
The hair, the makeup, she has the do you want ~~to do~~ me look along with that throaty growl makes the heart pound!
If she wants to hate herself for loving me ~~in my imagination~~ I am all for it.

I will even volunteer to ~~get her in and out of that skin tight outfit~~ as a personal backstage ~~can't keep my hands off of her~~ assistant. How nice is that ~~back to my fantasy world~~ of me!

I also think that black leather ~~and chains~~ outfit is very stylish don't you?

time for a sobering ~~can't stop dreaming of her~~ cup of coffee

ray

They Live--A Sci Fi Action Thriller On What Happens Behind The Urge To Need

2012-01-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

Resist the urge to go out to buy sunglasses after watching this John Carpenter movie from 1988.

It is the story of a down on his luck guy who stumbles onto a scary secret revealed by wearing special sunglasses.

It is about control through advertising that is used throughout the world to get people to consume and obey. Wait until you see who is running the show.

It seemed to make sense to me, but remember, it is only a movie, or is it!

It is only ten separate episodes on you tube so it is quick. Grab some popcorn and you headphones and put up a do not disturb sign!

Might grab a cold beer and watch it again!

ray

Taking Niacin Better Work or Is Puking Worth It?

2012-01-09T08:30:00.002-05:00

Okay, not quite, but on some days it gets very close. I take one tablet everyday to try and lower my cholesterol.

And it is a slo-niacin, designed to lessen the flushing effect. Most days nothing happens, but when it does...

the skin gets pinkish red all over, yes everywhere like a bad sunburn.

itching all over that scratching can't make it better.

and worse yet, a sudden sensation of throwing up about to happen.

When it gets real bad, I am forced to lay down head on a pillow, get under a blanket, and wait for it to subside.

If this happened each and every time, I would have stopped long ago but it doesn't.

In case you were wondering, yes, there is a type of niacin that doesn't cause any of the above but it doesn't help on cholesterol.

So I have decided to monitor what I do and what I eat or drink or other supplements that might cause
the flare ups.

Right now, I am feeling quite perky

must be the giant cup of coffee to start my day!

ray

Women are a mystery to British physicist Hawking

2012-01-08T07:57:00.001-05:00

Please click on title of this post for the link.

Well it is good to know the man who can figure out the mysteries of the universe can not understand women.

And I thought it was just me.

Ask any woman can they understand themselves and they will smile and say"of course not silly man"

LONDON (Reuters) - The biggest mystery in the universe perplexing one of the world's best known scientists is -- women.

When New Scientist magazine asked "Brief History of Time" authorStephen Hawking what he thinks about most, the Cambridge University professor renowned for unravelling some of the most complex questions in modern physics answered: "Women. They are a complete mystery."

The wheelchair-bound Hawking, who only recently retired from a post once held by Isaac Newton, talked to the magazine in the run-up to celebrations for his 70th birthday about his biggest scientific blunder and his hopes for modern science.

Hawking is due to celebrate his 70th birthday on Sunday with a public symposium entitled "The State of the Universe" at theUniversity of Cambridge's Centre for Theoretical Cosmology.

Hawking heads a list of speakers including British Astronomer Royal Martin Rees, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Saul Perlmutter and Kip Thorne, one of the world's leading theoretical physicists.

(Reporting by Paul Casciato, editing by Steve Addison)

and now for a contemplative cup of coffee

ray

Some Funny, Sexy, Adverts You Might Want To See!

2012-01-07T11:02:00.000-05:00

From bear fighting to soccer to belly flops to stewardess's to seeing a work out in the gym, this has it all.
No politico economic dreary stuff today.

Some funny stuff today, I hope!

coffee time and maybe a beer? or two?

ray

What would happen if all the bloggers you know you would actually meet?

2012-01-06T09:15:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be fun to see and talk face to face with everyone?

Have conversations?

Sit around and have a coffee or tea together?

Or yes, even a cold beer?

I wonder

Who would sit with whom?

Would it be by lifestyles?

Experiences?

Medical or physical problems?

Life's issues?

Would they be older in person?

More handsome?

More beautiful?

Or would you wonder was the

picture photo shopped?

Would they sound like

you thought they would?

Would they be warm and caring

in person?

Or be distant to others?

Introverted or extroverted?

And last of all

would you come away

from meeting them

better for the experience?

I am not much of a mingler

so it would be hard for

me to walk around and meet

and greet.

I would probably grab

a table or chair

and hope someone would stop by

and say hi.

And ask I was wondering,

that post you wrote...

It would be fun

wouldn't it?

Just a thought

coffee time

ray

sitting in a corner

waiting to say hi!

Person Of Interest

2012-01-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

we are not talking

about terrorists

this is about

the citizens

of the

United States

person of interest

enemy combatant

suspicious person

indefinite detention

no trial

no judge

no lawyer

no jury

unlimited prison time

constitution defiled

bill of rights

stripped away

and to think

we voted in

the decision makers

who did this to us

it will happen

sooner

then later

and people will cry

but why me

I am innocent

I did not know

anything about this

idiots

you thought

it would happen to

someone else

fools

you are the

someone else

sleep well

The English Get Something Right and Why Is There Flame Retardant In My Soda?

2012-01-04T09:05:00.000-05:00

Some important articles from TreeHugger

£400 Million Later, and All UK Eggs are Free-Range or From "Enriched" Cages

Bonnie Alter
Business / Corporate Responsibility
January 4, 2012

MollyDG vis Flickr CC/CC BY 1.0

It's official: As of January 1, 2012, all eggs in the European Union (EU) are supposed to be hatched by hens kept in free-range barns or "enriched" cages. Happily, the UK has gone the full nine yards and spent £400 million on meeting the new standards.

Starting now, cages will have to provide enough space for birds to be able to move around. According to the British Hen Welfare Trust, the new cages "can hold up to 90 birds, which will have space to spread their wings, perch and be able to go from one end of the cage to the other. The cage will now have to provide 750 square centimetres of space for each bird."

british hen welfare trust/CC BY 1.0

The last battery-housed hen, called Liberty, has just been re-housed by the Trust, to a farm in Devon.

Some Countries Lagging Behind Egg Policy

However, there are 11 countries that have not signed up to the agreement. It is estimated that anywhere from 50 to 80 million eggs will still be produced from illegally caged hens.

So who are the culprits?

Spain and Poland, who are amongst Europe's largest egg producers, will not be ready to scrap battery cages, despite having over 12 years to prepare for the new law. Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Portugal and Romania are also dragging their feet.

This raises two important issues. Firstly, countries complying are concerned that the illegal eggs will be cheaper and therefore they will lose sales. It has been estimated that its costs 8% more to produce eggs under the new, and better conditions. Most of the illegal eggs will be used in imported, pre-made foods such as pastas, Scotch eggs, quiches and cakes produced outside of the UK.

yourpaintings/Public Domain. Jug and Eggs, Mary Fedden, 1972.

The other issue is how consumers will be able to tell the difference between the good eggs and the bad ones. There has already been one case where a farmer sold more than a hundred million eggs as organic, and they weren't.

However the answer for the UK is simple: buy British.

Animal welfare groups are saying buy only free range eggs. Most of the supermarkets are selling free range or their own brand eggs now. Some are refusing to sell eggs from enriched cages, but other supermarkets are stocking them.

Is That Flame Retardant In Your Soft Drink?

Rachel Cernansky
Living / Health
December 13, 2011

wikipedia/CC BY 2.0

Brominated vegetable oil is patented as a flame retardant and it's banned in food all over Europe and Japan, but it's on the ingredient list of about 10 percent of sodas in the U.S. It's not in Coca-Cola, but is in Mountain Dew, Fanta Orange, and in some flavors of Powerade and Gatorade.

What brominated vegetable oil (BVO) does to soda is, Coca-Cola explains, "prevent the citrus flavoring oils from floating to the surface in beverages." The fruit flavors that are mixed into a drink would otherwise settle out. What BVO does when it's acting as a flame retardant is not much different: It slows down the chemical reactions that cause a fire.

Safe For Consumption?
The FDA established safety limits for the substance in the 1970s, butEnvironmental Health News reports about growing concerns that the limit was informed by reports put out by an industry group containing outdated and, as industry-generated information tends to be, less-than-comprehensive data.

EHN has the details:

After a few extreme soda binges — not too far from what many gamers regularly consume – a few patients have needed medical attention for skin lesions, memory loss and nerve disorders, all symptoms of overexposure to bromine. Other studies suggest that BVO could be building up in human tissues, just like other brominated compounds such as flame retardants. In mouse studies, big doses caused reproductive and behavioral problems.

EHN explains that BVO was pulled from the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list for flavor additives in 1970, "bounced back after studies from an industry group from 1971 to 1974 demonstrated a level of safety," at which point the Flavor Extract Manufacturers’ Association (which actually exists—not to be confused with the government agency FEMA) "petitioned the FDA to get BVO back in fruit-flavored beverages, this time as a stabilizer, which is its role today."

Interim Approval -- For More Than 30 Years
Today, more than 30 years (and much animal testing, including on pigs andbeagles) later, the approval status for BVO is still listed as interim. EHN reports that changing that status would be expensive and quotes FDA spokesman Douglas Karas saying it "is not a public health priority for the agency at this time."

With BVO banned in so many countries, there are feasible alternatives. And that brings us to the unsurprising but disturbing note on which the EHN story ends:

Wim Thielemans, a chemical engineer at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, said since the alternatives are already used in Europe "their performance must be acceptable, if not comparable, to the U.S.-used brominated systems." That means "the main driver for not replacing them may be cost," he said.
"It is a North American problem," Vetter added. "In the E.U., BVO will never be permitted."

My Year Of The Dragon

2012-01-02T08:26:00.000-05:00

Born November 15, 1952
I am a Scorpio-Water dragon.

Someone came up to me at work and said I was going to have a wonderful year. I asked why and she said it is the year of the dragon. She follows Chinese astrology.

I was born in 1952. The year of the dragon.

Granted, looking up explanations of what makes a person what they are with astrology and such can be very interesting as I pointed out in I Am Scorpio! For Better Or For Worse and Another piece to the puzzle.. .Does it sound familiar? it can be food for thought.
You can click on the title for the link to the following and maybe explore your own year.
The Chinese look more at the year of birth and it goes in 12 year cycles.

I will know how it turns out at the end of the year so hear we go.

The Dragon

The Dragon personality The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Oriental Dragon is regarded as a divine beast - the reverse of the malicious monster that Westerners felt necessary to find and slay. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected.

Years of the Dragon
Fifth in the cycle, Dragon Years follow the Rabbit and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Dragon Year actually begins
1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000

THE SIGN OF THE DRAGON
The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conformation is a Dragon's curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and utterly irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Dragons usually make it to the top. However, Dragon people be aware of their natures. Too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to aid when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. A Dragon's self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with other people.

DRAGON FACTS:
People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics. The Dragon sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual's personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Dragon.
Fifth in order, Chinese name-LONG, sign of luckHour-7am-8:59 a.m. Month-AprilWestern Counterpart-Aries

CHARACTERISTICS

Innovative
Enterprising
Flexible
Self-assured
Brave
Passionate
Conceited
Tactless
Scrutinizing
Unanticipated
Quick-tempered

IN YOUR ELEMENT

The characteristics of the Dragon Sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL DRAGON 1940 AND 2000

Truthful but extreme, courageous but unyielding, Metal Dragons have a strength similar to the Dragon fire. Metal Dragons succeed through determination. They are mighty and respect people who stand up to them. In troubled times, these Dragons make great allies, but become ferocious challengers. Metal Dragons can often calm others through their forceful personalities. They seek action, and things are never better than when they are defending a thought or belief about which they have complete faith. Metal Dragons like to lead, and have an affect that makes others want to follow them. Yet even if they attract no support they will fight alone.

THE WATER DRAGON 1952 AND 2012

Water has a calming effect on the Dragon's fearless temperament. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more perceptive of others. These Dragons are better equipped to take a step back to re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smart decisions and are able to see eye-to-eye with other people. However, their actions can go wrong if they do not research or if they do not finish one project before starting another.

THE WOOD DRAGON 1904 AND 1964

Wood has a modifying influence and brings creativity to this sign. Questioning and liberal, Wood Dragons enjoy talking about original ideas and are open to other points of view. They are innovative, imaginative practical and appreciate art in each of its forms. Generally less pretentious than other Dragons, Wood Dragons have an ability to get along with other people. They have the essentials to build a prosperous and happy life for themselves. Still, Wood Dragons are outspoken and at times a bit pushy to quell everyone, even in the most friendly quarrel.

THE FIRE DRAGON 1916 AND 1976

The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

THE EARTH DRAGON 1928 AND 1988

Earth Dragons make great managers because they are practical, levelheaded and demonstrate a knack for organizing. They still have the need to dictate and be admired, but they are affable, congenial and supportive. Compared to other Dragons, Earth Dragons are less likely to breathe fire at the least irritation. They will work diligently to complete their life goals. The Earth element adds a greater portion of self-control to the Dragon's personality and usually the Earth Dragon is deserving of the respect he or she desires. These Dragons take their life and romantic responsibilities quite seriously.

HEALTH AND HOME

HEALTH
Dragons take thrilling risks and burn the candle at both ends so they are fortunate to be blessed with good health. Among the most hearty of the Animal signs, they can suffer bad health as a result of stress. Symptoms of their personalities often stem from emotional outbursts and can range from tension headaches to depression to hypertension. Dragons can remedy these problems by maintaining their cool, implementing a routine in their daily lives, and utilizing exercises such as yoga or tai kwon do that soothe the mind and spirit as well as tone the body.

AT HOME WITH THE DRAGON
Not the most domesticated of the Animal signs, Dragons and may be more content out and about rather than at home. Nevertheless, with their imagination and artistic sense, they can enjoy decorating their home or anywhere else where their extravagance can be expressed.. A Dragon's home should be as large and majestic as his personality, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character.
CAREER AND FINANCE
THE DRAGON AT WORK
The Dragon's originality is the most impressive and outstanding of all his characteristics. The Dragon is quite imaginative and always able to see new paths where others may run into brick walls. Dragons are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow him to take the limelight. In any of these occupational situations, the Dragons will take a radical approach. Dragons work hard, but would rather give orders than receive them. They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset.

FINANCE AND THE DRAGON
Dragons like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others. They do not know the meaning of the word "accumulate," and making money does not intrigue them as it may others. Many Dragons will take big chances with their finances, sometimes betting on their shirt and losing it right off of their backs. Yet, they were born with the Midas Touch, and it very rare that a Dragon remains poor for long. Dragons will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted.

DRAGON CAREERS
Those born in the Year of the Dragon also share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Dragon are listed below:

DRAGONS MAKE EXCELLENT:

Computer analysts
Inventors
Engineers
Architects
Lawyers
Philosophers
Psychoanalysts
Brokers
Managers
Salepeople
PR People
Advertising agents
Officers in the armed forces
Campaigners
Politicians

CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Whether Dragons are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to each that of their partners. Considering the congruity of the components of their own characters and the characters of their business colleagues can also be very useful.
Dogs Ruled by: Benefit from: Are Antagonistic to:
Metal Earth Snakes Fire Tigers
Water Metal Monkeys Earth Sheep
Wood Water Roosters Metal Oxen
Fire Wood Rats Water Rabbits
Earth Fire Dragons Wood Horses

Leisurely activities and pleasures

LIKES AND DISLIKES

Since Dragons are born under the same Animal sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Dragon personality:
Color Preference: Greenish-Blue
Gems and Stones: Opal, Sapphire, Amber
Suitable Gifts: Tarot cards, camera, a copy of the I Ching, mirror, a family crest, mobile phone
Hobbies and Pastimes: Computer programming, public speaking, fossil hunting, astrology
Dragons Dislike: Taking orders, unnecessary bureaucracy, discounted ideas, people who don't give 100%

THE DRAGON ON VACATION

Dragons are attracted by the bizarre. No self-respecting Dragon desires to walk in a tourist's footsteps. Instead, they take a lot of gratification in finding hidden destinations, or, closer to home, locations off the beaten track. But Dragons also need thrills, which they might find by taking an unplanned winter break to go skiing or a spontaneous rock climbing trip in the spring. They may even test their bravery by daring to ride the highest roller coaster in the world. Dragons are also sentimental at heart, so conquering their childhood haunts, or taking a second honeymoon would bring immense pleasure too.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Dragons are usually popular people, but because of their personalities, they seem to gather as much criticism as they do esteem. Due to their tumultuous temperaments, Dragons are not the most sensitive friends to those in need of a shoulder to cry on. Those who truly know the Dragon know he is a loving soul who will become your best ally in times of need. Once the dynamic Dragon has given his friendship, he will not let his friends down and will never falter in his allegiance to his companions. To a Dragon, a friend is a friend for a lifetime. Incredibly honest, Dragons are known for sincerity and are trusting souls. Because of this honesty, Dragons don't realize others may not demonstrate or uphold the same codes of ethics. Making the discovery that they placed their trust in someone who is dishonest makes the Dragon person quite sad, yet much more perceptive for future encounters.
Compatible Friends
Best Friends: Rats and Monkeys
Mortal Enemy: Dogs

DRAGON PARENTS AND BABIES
Because people born in the year of the Dragon are so working on furthering their careers, they usually Put off having and raising children until later than many of the other Chinese horoscope signs. Parenting doesn't come very naturally easily to the Dragon. However, when Dragons do become parents, they approach it with the same enthusiasm as other endeavors. They are proud parents and tend to boast about the accomplishments and good looks of their children.

DRAGON INFANT AND CHILD
Dog children are creative, able to entertain themselves for hours on end. They don’t mind playing by themselves, often inventing games and puzzles while doing so. They are responsible children who love to take on and complete as many tasks as possible for it gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Dragons, noted for their benevolence, tend to shower their children with toys and spending money. It has been remarked that they substitute material things for quality time with their children. Even so, Dragons take parenting seriously and are quite protective of their children's welfare. Should anything upset them, or should anyone wrong them, the Dragon will prepare to fight and avenge the people who have hurt or belittled their offspring.

DRAGON PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS
Like their adult counterparts, children born in the Year of the Dragon have vivid personalities and are independent from birth. Noisy and active, parents should stimulate their imaginations as soon as possible. Their imagination and inquisitive natures can be troublesome for the Dragon child and can often land them in a heap of trouble at school which can cause teachers and other parents to deem them troublemakers or naughty. Sometimes Dragon children are loners who daydream and drift to into their own world of make-believe. Either way, Dragon children demand careful attention and special handling in order to bring out the best in them. Their creativity and talents must be encouraged, even if it means spending extra time in certain school subjects in order to help them master the subject.

DRAGON PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
Some parents immediately click with their children and others find they will never have a close relationship, no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are the compatibility ratings between Dragon parents and their children.

Dragons with	Under the same roof	Compatibility Rating
Rat	take pride in each other	****
Ox	not much understanding	*
Tiger	Many Thrills	***
Rabbit	Contesting Viewpoints	*
Dragon	Like Mother like Daughter	****
Snake	Little problems	****
Horse	Different Attitudes	**
Sheep	To Delicate	*
Monkey	Mutually Satisfying	****
Rooster	few clashes of temperament	***
Dog	Problems arise	*
Pig	get along, but hard work	**
* Uphill Struggle **Some Complications	*easy bonding **on the same wavelength

LOVERS AND SPOUSES

Negatively, Dragons are egotistical and love to be the center of attention. Modesty is not one of his assets. Add to that the Dragon temper and you have a bossy, dominating and authoritative being. They hate solicited advice and can be hopelessly tactless and insensitive to their lovers.

THE DRAGON IN LOVE

IRRESISTIBLE ATTRACTION
People love Dragons so much because they are generous, charismatic, irresistible, and so brave that standing beside them banishes fear. They generate excitement and turn heads anywhere they go. They are free-spirited and impulsive and can help others achieve their dreams. Others love to be around Dragons because they have a way of making people feel better. Dragons are quick to fall in love, but do not surrender their independence easily leaving most of them to live life by themselves. Yet, an smart, witty, and funny companion may intrigue the Dragon long enough to make him want to get married. And once the Dragon becomes committed, he is unlikely to ever leave.

THE DRAGON LOVE PARTNER
It takes someone with thick skin who is easygoing to be a Dragon's partner, because, despite their sentimental characters, they can be moody, and insensitive. Many people will want to run when the Dragon's temper is provoked. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us in the right direction, we must still make all efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how a Dragon will affect a relationship with other Animal signs.

PARTNERS IN LOVE
Dragon*Rat
A brilliant relationship-plenty of love, mental sensitivity and understanding. Tipped for happiness.

Dragon*Ox
When it comes to being obstinate, Dragons have met their match in the Ox. The give and take essential for a happy marriage is lacking in this partnership

Dragon*Tiger
A gutsy combination full of gusto to fuel passions

Dragon*Rabbit
Your obstacles will either unite or divide you

Dragon*Dragon
If you learn to share the spotlight, you can accomplish anything together

Dragon*Snake
Clever, crafty and quick-witted-you fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

Dragon*Horse
You share a powerful sexual chemistry.

Dragon*Sheep
Despite the sexual attraction, eventually you'll find too many differences to overcome.

Dragon*Monkey
You share opinions and goals that destine you for happiness.

Dragon*Dog
A truly tumultuous affair-not recommended for peace of mind.

Dragon*Pig
A caring and deeply affectionate relationship.

Dragon*Rooster
You make a beautiful couple, but your egotism blinds you.

EAST MEETS WEST

ARIES DRAGON
Aries Dragons tend to have good luck. With a passionate drive they fill their days to the brim with activity. They are upwardly mobile people so they usually get what they want.

LIBRAN DRAGON
The Libran Dragon is a chic creature, quite cultured and cultivated. Charm is this Dragon's greatest asset and is a magnetic force that causes people to flock to him. The Libran Dragon fair person and is a champion of the people.

TAUREAN DRAGON
Taurus brings the Dragon back down from the clouds and adds a purposeful strength to his character. Taurean Dragons will work consistently to achieve material comforts and high standards of living essential to their well-being.

SCORPIO DRAGON
Eccentric and exotic, Scorpio Dragons are mighty people with legendary zest and enthusiasm, and incredibly passionate emotions. They throw themselves into everything they do. When they fall in love it is completely and exclusively and they expect the same treatment of their partners.

GEMINI DRAGON
These are life's performers, taking pleasure in the company of others. Gemini Dragons can accomplish several tasks at once and are able to juggle many conversations successfully. However, taking on anything in depth is not really their style.

SAGITARRIAN DRAGON
Open and straightforward, the Sagittarian Dragon's honor is well-intentioned, although it can sometimes be insensitive. Extemporaneous and careless, this Dragon's abundant fervor sweeps everyone along. They have a charming outlook on life.

CANCERIAN DRAGON
Cancer Dragons have polished tastes and are generally an artist of some sort. Their homes act as show- cases of these artistic talents. These are less self-indulged characters and are caring, tender, individuals. For them a tight-knit relationship and established home are necessary for happiness.

CAPRICORN DRAGON
These Dragons are pragmatic, determined and modest, with a driving craving for achievement. They will work long hours to make a slow climb to the top. For them, passion and romance come second, but once committed, they are responsible partners.

LEONINE DRAGON
The Lion is King of the Western zodiac and the Dragon is the sign of the Emperor. Leo Dragons have an innate sense of royalty; thus they are born leaders. They are flashy and like to show-off, but their kindness and zest for life make them fascinating.

AQUARIAN DRAGON
Impractical and atypical, these Dragons are intrigued by the shock of the new. Most importantly, they are intellectuals, very individualistic and original, born ahead of their time. Receptive and open-minded, they are held in high regard by all.

VIRGO DRAGON
Status and title matter a lot to the Virgo Dragon, and he is prepared to work diligently to achieve them. These organized and productive people carefully plan each aspect of their lives and leave nothing to chance. The Dragon's capricious characteristics are calmed and the Virgo Dragon has a streamlined, efficient outlook on life.

PISCEAN DRAGON
With Piscean tenderness added to Dragon brashness, these individuals are still vivid and impassioned, but. less self-involved and more responsive to the needs of others. However, the Dragon motivation is still there, hidden underneath that seemingly tranquil surface.

So there you have it. Do you wonder if we are compatible? Sometimes I wonder if I am compatible
with me! haha

I you have read this far thank you.

coffee time 2012 style

ray

p.s.
Under the listed careers I wanted to be a lawyer and a politician. I did become a salesman and a manager. Funny how it works out sometimes.

Happy snorring New Year

2012-01-01T08:43:00.000-05:00

Nope
not a thing
bed time by 11:00 p.m.
only stayed up past ten
because of a three part episode
of NCIS that I would have
left unresolved

up before six
computer stuff per usual
coffee
eats
holiday
work

2012
looks
like 2011
all over again

happy new year!

ray

Touched By The Sun

2011-12-28T07:47:00.000-05:00

time of the year

warm not hot

gentle breeze

caressing the face

flower petals

open up

drawing on the

power

of the orb

high in the sky

nourishment

life giving

to man

or beast

a cleansing

chasing away

all that is

not pure

be like

the tree

reach

for the sky

feelings

are good

one with nature

good

to be

alive

First Posted on R Jacob Post Poetics Muses

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2011

Holiday E Mail Of The Week!

2011-12-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

Some holiday advice

I would like to share an experience with you about drinking and driving. As you well know, some of us have been known to have had brushes with the authorities on our way home from the good old social sessions over the years.

A couple of nights ago, I was out for a few drinks with some friends and had a few too many beers and some rather nice Grey Goose vodka. Knowing full well I may have been slightly over the limit, I did something I've never done before - I took a bus home. I arrived home safely and without incident which was a real surprise since I had never driven a bus before and am not sure where I got this one.

Happy New Year!

One More Holiday To Go...Sigh

2011-12-26T08:01:00.000-05:00

A grumpy alert

I am not a holiday person. The joys of the season has been lost many years ago for me, I am afraid.

Now the big build up for new years eve and happy new year blah blah blah

oh and new years resolutions which will be forgotten about within two weeks.

Why wait for the new year to make a change? Why not start now? Exercising, diets, why wait?

and now it is time for my bowl of gruel

washed down with a pot of coffee!

ray

Merry Christmas with a couple of favorites this year

2011-12-23T21:54:00.000-05:00

first of all

and then of course my favorite Christmas song of all time!

merry christmas everyone
from the grinch!

beer time
ray

This Is Your Life

2011-12-22T07:45:00.000-05:00

borrowed from Treehugger-click on title for article

pretty much to the point

isn't it.

don't make life more complicated

then it is

coffee time

ray

USA=Freedom, It's All Been A Lie

2011-12-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

As the government makes indefinite detention into law,

this is what freedom looks like now

"Give me your tired, your poor,

your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

The wretched refuse of you teamming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

This poem is called the New Colossus

and it was written by Emma Lazarus.

and no one notices

the public is stupid, asleep, uncaring

or under the belief it will happen to someone else

the military will be given the authority to take any

citizen off the streets

no lawyer

no judge

no hope

and Obama is going to let it happen

the bill passed the Senate

and the House

we now have drones

patrolling the borders of Mexico

and Canada

to keep people out

soon it will to keep people in

to the people of the world

don't judge us badly

don't hate us

it is like many other countries

in the world

it is the government

run amok

we can all be branded

terrorists now.

makes for a great

reality TV show

right now

Orwell is crying

a sobering cup

of coffee

ray

The USA, Formerly The Land Of The Free

2011-12-18T08:52:00.000-05:00

"Give me your tired, your poor,

your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

The wretched refuse of you teamming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

This poem is called the New Colossus

and it was written by Emma Lazarus.

It has all been a lie hasn't it.

Somewhat hidden in a defense bill which contained 680 pages of appropriations of money, which by the way is more money than almost all countries combined, are laws affecting our citizens.

Here is a quick summation of what is happening.

The National Defense Authorization Act will make it official. It will confer upon the executive branch and the military (increasingly, the same things) the permanent authority to snatch and grab any person, U.S. citizens included, whom it decrees to be a “terrorist” – as defined or not by the executive or the military - and imprison them, indefinitely, without formal charge, presentation of evidence or judicial proceeding of any kind. These “detainees” will have neither civilian rights in the civil court system, nor – crucially – even the minimal rights... to due process and decent treatment conferred upon prisoners of war. (And we are allegedly “at war,” are we not?)

The language of the bill specifically includes American citizens “caught” within the borders of the United States – aka, the “battlefield.” It is claimed by sponsors that only those awful them – you know, the enemies of freedom and his successors like to reference as they systematically gut our freedoms – need worry. But read the actual document, and be afraid. The wording is such that any shyster lawyer for the government will be able to draw up a memorandum at some point in the near future equating, say, criticism of the federal government’s policies in the Middle East with “substantially supporting” the enemies of the United States. As defined by the United States.

The funny thing is those who voted to pass this bill assume they will not be affected by this new law. All citizens in this country are affected. More or less anywhere in the world!

The Names Of Those Who Voted For Indefinite Detention

Alphabetical by Senator Name

Akaka (D-HI), Yea
Alexander (R-TN), Yea
Ayotte (R-NH), Yea
Barrasso (R-WY), Yea
Baucus (D-MT), Yea
Begich (D-AK), Yea
Bennet (D-CO), Yea
Bingaman (D-NM), Yea
Blumenthal (D-CT), Yea
Blunt (R-MO), Yea
Boozman (R-AR), Yea
Boxer (D-CA), Yea
Brown (D-OH), Yea
Brown (R-MA), Yea
Burr (R-NC), Yea
Cantwell (D-WA), Yea
Cardin (D-MD), Nay
Carper (D-DE), Yea
Casey (D-PA), Yea
Chambliss (R-GA), Yea
Coats (R-IN), Yea
Coburn (R-OK), Nay
Cochran (R-MS), Yea
Collins (R-ME), Yea
Conrad (D-ND), Yea
Coons (D-DE), Yea
Corker (R-TN), Yea
Cornyn (R-TX), Yea
Crapo (R-ID), Nay
DeMint (R-SC), Nay
Durbin (D-IL), Nay
Enzi (R-WY), Yea
Feinstein (D-CA), Yea
Franken (D-MN), Nay

Gillibrand (D-NY), Yea
Graham (R-SC), Yea
Grassley (R-IA), Yea
Hagan (D-NC), Yea
Harkin (D-IA), Nay
Hatch (R-UT), Yea
Heller (R-NV), Yea
Hoeven (R-ND), Yea
Hutchison (R-TX), Yea
Inhofe (R-OK), Yea
Inouye (D-HI), Yea
Isakson (R-GA), Yea
Johanns (R-NE), Yea
Johnson (D-SD), Yea
Johnson (R-WI), Yea
Kerry (D-MA), Yea
Kirk (R-IL), Yea
Klobuchar (D-MN), Yea
Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Kyl (R-AZ), Yea
Landrieu (D-LA), Yea
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea
Leahy (D-VT), Yea
Lee (R-UT), Nay
Levin (D-MI), Yea
Lieberman (ID-CT), Yea
Lugar (R-IN), Yea
Manchin (D-WV), Yea
McCain (R-AZ), Yea
McCaskill (D-MO), Yea
McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Menendez (D-NJ), Yea
Merkley (D-OR), Nay
Mikulski (D-MD), Yea

Moran (R-KS), Not Voting
Murkowski (R-AK), Yea
Murray (D-WA), Yea
Nelson (D-FL), Yea
Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Paul (R-KY), Nay
Portman (R-OH), Yea
Pryor (D-AR), Yea
Reed (D-RI), Yea
Reid (D-NV), Yea
Risch (R-ID), Nay
Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea
Rubio (R-FL), Yea
Sanders (I-VT), Nay
Schumer (D-NY), Yea
Sessions (R-AL), Yea
Shaheen (D-NH), Yea
Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Snowe (R-ME), Yea
Stabenow (D-MI), Yea
Tester (D-MT), Yea
Thune (R-SD), Yea
Toomey (R-PA), Yea
Udall (D-CO), Yea
Udall (D-NM), Yea
Vitter (R-LA), Yea
Warner (D-VA), Yea
Webb (D-VA), Yea
Whitehouse (D-RI), Yea
Wicker (R-MS), Yea
Wyden (D-OR), Nay
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&session=1&vote=00230

Haven't We Taken Getting Your Pets Healthy A Bit Too Far?

2011-12-16T06:52:00.000-05:00

actually, my dogs look like that if I don't let them outside!

time for a healthy cup of coffee

ray

Waiting Under The Mistletoe

2011-12-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

hello?

any takers?

hey lady! how about you?

just a little...

no?

anyone?

hello?

(cricket sounds)

sigh

merry christmas

Fallen Soldiers

2011-12-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

All that remains
father
grandfather
WWII
WWI
served well
legacy of sacrifice
both survived
both fought well

kill or be killed
grandfather army guy
world war one
never talked
about what
was done
war stories none
heavy drinker
before or after
that is unknown
war to end all wars

kill or be killed
father navy guy
world war two
never talked about
what was seen
war stories none
heavy drinker
before or after
that is unknown
let's do it again
war to end all wars

bit of cloth
draped on coffin
solemn occasion
taps
21 gun salute
flag folded gently
handed to widow
tears fall
wails of sorrow
never more

people show up
pay respects
on the world stage
just a number

flag of remembrance
stored in garage
what does it mean
many more to follow
never ending
reasons are many
never rings true

I remember
the ultimate sacrifice
life and death
that is
reality

Rambling Thoughts From RJ

2011-12-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

You know you are getting older

when they say "You are looking good" instead of "You are good looking".

when if you life were to flash before your eyes you might want to ask for a do over.

when besides the needed skills of learning to walk and tying your shoes you can't think of

any other worthy thing you have learned in a lifetime.

There are math people and people who don't get math.

My answer is to hire the math people to do the work and

then take the day off.

That when creating math problems the teacher will use A,B,C

or X,Y,Z because the other letters are not fond of math.

They say you should try different jobs to see what you are good at.

After 50 plus years, what if you haven't found it yet?

It is true what they say

that men and dogs should know

that women and cats do what they want

and men and dogs should learn to live with it.

and the women reading this are shaking their heads in agreement.

Good things that happen to you are fleeting in nature

but bad things that happen to you

will be remembered forever.

Everything counts in life.

Nothing goes away ever.

Make what you do worth it.

and now time for the second cup of coffee today

ray

The Corporation

2011-12-11T07:12:00.001-05:00

I have spent the last 2 to 3 days watching "The Corporation" on youtube. I first saw it on another website RealityZone; A New Era ? and started watching it.

I think it is must see watching, but because some time needs to be devoted to it, many won't. It is broken down into 23 parts, which is how I watched it, one part at a time, each one takes very little time, so you can go back to it when you can. It answers many questions and raises even more. It makes you think.

If you care about the world around you, take a peek. It is almost like a scary movie where you don't want to watch but you can't stop watching. A scary part is about the privatization of rainwater! But I will let you find out about that on your own.

and now time for a reflective cup of coffee

ray

How To Tell You Have Been Really Bad This Year!

2011-12-09T08:16:00.000-05:00

My Version- Lady Holding A Cat

2011-12-07T12:59:00.000-05:00

First Posted on R Jacob Artwork 12-5-2011

Didn't They Try This In The Movie Jurassic Park?

2011-12-05T09:36:00.000-05:00

Scientists Close to

Reviving

Wooly Mammoths From

Extinction

© rpongsaj

Thousands of years ago, Wooly mammoths were pretty much wiped off the face of the Earth from a likely combination of climate change and over-hunting from humans. But now, about 450 generations after our ancestors armed themselves with sharpened sticks to kill mammoths, scientists are now working to revive them -- and they're actually incredibly close to doing it. Japanese and Russian researchers are suggesting that in just five short years the currently extinct Wooly mammoth may roam again thanks to advancements in cloning science, offering a bit of hope for countless other species that have already perished at the hands of humans.

A report from PhysOrg outlines the surprisingly-easy sounding process of bringing an extinct species back to life:

By replacing the nuclei of egg cells from an elephant with those taken from the mammoth's marrow cells, embryos with mammoth DNA can be produced, Kyodo said, citing the researchers. The scientists will then plant the embryos into elephant wombs for delivery, as the two species are close relatives, the report said.
Securing nuclei with an undamaged gene is essential for the nucleus transplantation technique, it said.
For scientists involved in the research since the late 1990s, finding nuclei with undamaged mammoth genes has been a challenge. Mammoths became extinct about 10,000 years ago.

According to scientists, the real breakthrough that ups the chances for a wooly redux came with the discovery of a well-preserved mammoth bone in Siberia last Summer, inside which DNA from marrow could be relatively easily harvested. Ironically, the find was made possible thanks to the region's receding ice coverage due to climate change -- the same phenomenon considered partially to blame for the species decline some 10,000 years ago.

While the notion of reviving that iconic Ice Age-era species from the emptiness of extinction is endlessly fascinating, there exists today an untold number of plants and animals on the verge of a similar fate due to the same factors which snuffed out mammoths in the first place.

Tags: Extinction

Stephen Messenger
Science / Natural Sciences
December 4, 2011

Is It That Obvious?

2011-12-04T08:29:00.000-05:00

Sigh...

time for an uneventful cup of coffee

ray

Holiday Sadness

2011-12-03T08:01:00.000-05:00

First posted on R Jacob Post Poetic Muses

12-2-2011

time of year

time of good cheer

tis the season

of laughter

and joy

it's not for all

something is

missing

it's not for all

shorter days

longer nights

time of sadness

others around

happy

bustling

presents to buy

gifts to give

it's not for all

sense of loss

clouds the view

why me

it's not for all

most wonderful time

of the year

said in

a song

it's not for all

why not me

It is 1984, They Just Got The Date Wrong

2011-12-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

Please click on the title for the rest of the story.

I must admit i paused for a moment before posting this article.

i felt a chill.

Published on Thursday, December 1, 2011 byCommonDreams.org

Twenty Examples of the Obama Administration Assault on Domestic Civil Liberties

by Bill Quigley

The Obama administration has affirmed, continued and expanded almost all of the draconian domestic civil liberties intrusions pioneered under the Bush administration. Here are twenty examples of serious assaults on the domestic rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, the right to privacy, the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, and freedom of conscience that have occurred since the Obama administration has assumed power. Consider these and then decide if there is any fundamental difference between the Bush presidency and the Obama presidency in the area of domestic civil liberties.

Thanks to The Reality Zone;A New Era for this story

Beware! I Have Become A Serial Woman Complimenter!!

2011-12-01T09:50:00.000-05:00

There is an art to giving a women a compliment.

It has to be sincere and honorable and I am capable of both.

The woman has to catch my eye in a certain way.

It could be her hair, or her smile. hat

glasses. or just her own persona that makes her attractive.

And no, it is not the size of her boobs.

And sometimes I want to let her know that the effort she

took to dress nicely has not gone unnoticed.

She may look incredibly fit or maybe just looks

overall, wonderful. I never know when it is going to happen.

I do know that most of the time the woman is middle-aged

or older. I feel the need to let them know how they look to me.

And being I don't look like a bum or street urchin,

they are not uncomfortable when I come up to them.

The conservation goes like this.

"Hi. I was wondering, if you don't mind, may I give you a compliment?"

After she nods her head yes, or tells me yes, I say

"I think you are very beautiful or I think if the power went out

and this store was plunged into darkness, the radiant beauty of your

smile could safely guide us out of here, or just having you near by

makes my heart work faster."

Corny huh? Maybe. But I get wonderful smiles in return,

or a touch on the shoulder of thanks. They seem to levitate.

One woman told me she doesn't get compliments much any more.

I told her that men may not say it but they are thinking it.

So there you have it. So now you know. If you are approached

by a middle-aged man with an engaging smile

listening to music on his little I pod

Beware

A compliment is coming your way!

I will now bask in the warmth of your smile

as I sit down to a rather large cup of coffee!

ray

Part Two Of My My Long Awaited Visit To The Norton Art Museum

2011-11-29T08:24:00.000-05:00

All the photos that I took for part one were on the first floor of the museum.

As I posted them I realized I had missed a few I wanted to show. That will be in a future post.

The Chinese exhibit was on the second floor. Very overwhelming.

So much to look at but I will do my best.

If you did not see it, please read part one at

My Long Awaited Visit To The Norton Art Museum Part One

The attention to detail on each piece is amazing.

This is was used to store armor. At first I was disappointed because

I wanted to see inside, lo and behold, there was a second one!

Such craftsmanship.

This screen is 12 foot long. The docent said parts could be removed

and still the picture would be uninterrupted.

The horse head carvings were amazing. The were formed from different blocks of stone.

I tried to show that with a picture of each.

A blurry picture, but I took this to show the range of years

of the exhibit and the dynasties.

I could have been there for hours trying to capture each piece

in all the many displays.

Then I went up to the third floor.

When I was on the first floor, I thought a few times, yea, I can do that.

When I got to the third floor, I was clueless, I had trouble seeing the brush

strokes. Perfection in paint!

As you walked up the stairs to the second

floor, a winding staircase, that had plaques with quotes

from different artists. I should have taken more.

Many of the paintings seemed to be moving as you looked at them.

This is one example of that.

The painting below was painted to please everyone.

The buildings are not really that close to each other and there

is a mix of clothing styles from different time periods.

This was pointed out by one of the docents.

The painting below is really a work of art!

The painter, who is shown at the easel with a smug "can you top this"

look on his face, had painted close to 30 different popular

paintings of the time in one painting.

One of the original paintings was hanging on the wall

to my left as I looked at this one. I am annoyed that I did

not take a picture of that one. A mystery photo for another time.

This the third woman in a painting that I fell

in love with. She was an actress and her main

roles was doing works of Shakespeare.

I love the gray hair, she is very beautiful!

The painting below was noticeable as soon as one walked into the room.

Because even at a distance the brightness of the faces

surrounded by the darker colors shown out.

I hope you enjoyed my little mini tour. It did take some effort

on my part, but I think it was worth it. I will go back there again.

and now, you know, coffee time

ray