Subject: THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU
THIRTEEN THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer on your front door knob to see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway you're not home.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it atfaketv.com.)
8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever, look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again.
If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're not home, and for flat screen TVs, or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
8. If you don't answer when I knock, I'll try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , andKentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.
[from Donda Spiker forwarded by Donna, 11/15/09]
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
white lithium grease
Dr. Yee recommends white lithium grease for battery corrosion.
I thought he was talking about those Sylvania Motion-Activated Safety Lights that he recommended I buy from Amazon (?)
But maybe they might work on the flourescent tubes that don't go on in rainy weather. Gary tried to get them to work by sandpapering the connection, but they don't seem to work any better.
Funny though that the lights nearer to the back of the house work almost all the time.
Or maybe just buy new lights.
I thought he was talking about those Sylvania Motion-Activated Safety Lights that he recommended I buy from Amazon (?)
But maybe they might work on the flourescent tubes that don't go on in rainy weather. Gary tried to get them to work by sandpapering the connection, but they don't seem to work any better.
Funny though that the lights nearer to the back of the house work almost all the time.
Or maybe just buy new lights.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
mylocalcrime
is a website which displays recent crimes in your area. Not sure where the data comes from.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
everyday items to the rescue
If you don't have any silver poish handy and need to shine silverware or jewelry, toothpaste will work well. Use a very soft brush or cloth, and rinse thoroughly. This will work on other metals like copper and gold as well.
Use rubbing alcohol to clean your phone. For the small areas, use a cotton swap. For the larger areas, use a paper towel or cloth. The alcohol will tidy up the phone and kill germs at the same time.
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of broken glass you can't easily see.
Two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers.
To remove a splinter, just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All on it, let dry, and peel the dry glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
-- Island News, Volume 2, Issue 3 (from Island Realtors)
Use rubbing alcohol to clean your phone. For the small areas, use a cotton swap. For the larger areas, use a paper towel or cloth. The alcohol will tidy up the phone and kill germs at the same time.
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of broken glass you can't easily see.
Two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers.
To remove a splinter, just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All on it, let dry, and peel the dry glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
-- Island News, Volume 2, Issue 3 (from Island Realtors)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
keeping good bacteria
A DAILY shower is a deeply ingrained American habit. Most people would no sooner disclose they had not showered in days than admit infidelity. But Jenefer Palmer, 55, of Malibu, Calif., cheerfully acknowledged recently that she doesn’t shower or shampoo daily and doesn’t use deodorant. Ever.
Defying a culture of clean that has prevailed at least since the 1940s, a contingent of renegades deliberately forgoes daily bathing and other gold standards of personal hygiene, like frequent shampooing and deodorant use.
To the converted, there are many reasons to cleanse less and smell more like yourself. “We don’t need to wash the way we did when we were farmers,” said Katherine Ashenburg, 65, the author of “The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History.” Since the advent of cars and labor-saving machines, she continued, “we have never needed to wash less, and we have never done it more.”
Retention of the skin’s natural oils and water conservation are two reasons Ms. Palmer and others cite for skipping a daily shower. Some have concluded that deodorant is unnecessary after forgetting it once with no social repercussions, or are concerned about antiperspirants containing aluminum, even though both the National Cancer Institute and the Alzheimer’s Association don’t share those concerns. Shampooing as little as possible can help retain moisture in dry locks and enhance curl shape, argue adherents of the practice; for some men, it’s about looking fashionably unkempt.
Resist the urge to recoil at this swath of society: They may be on to something. Of late, researchers have discovered that just as the gut contains good bacteria that help it run more efficiently, so does our skin brim with beneficial germs that we might not want to wash down the drain. “Good bacteria are educating your own skin cells to make your own antibiotics,” said Dr. Richard Gallo, chief of the dermatology division at the University of California, San Diego, and “they produce their own antibiotics that kills off bad bacteria.”
Defying a culture of clean that has prevailed at least since the 1940s, a contingent of renegades deliberately forgoes daily bathing and other gold standards of personal hygiene, like frequent shampooing and deodorant use.
To the converted, there are many reasons to cleanse less and smell more like yourself. “We don’t need to wash the way we did when we were farmers,” said Katherine Ashenburg, 65, the author of “The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History.” Since the advent of cars and labor-saving machines, she continued, “we have never needed to wash less, and we have never done it more.”
Retention of the skin’s natural oils and water conservation are two reasons Ms. Palmer and others cite for skipping a daily shower. Some have concluded that deodorant is unnecessary after forgetting it once with no social repercussions, or are concerned about antiperspirants containing aluminum, even though both the National Cancer Institute and the Alzheimer’s Association don’t share those concerns. Shampooing as little as possible can help retain moisture in dry locks and enhance curl shape, argue adherents of the practice; for some men, it’s about looking fashionably unkempt.
Resist the urge to recoil at this swath of society: They may be on to something. Of late, researchers have discovered that just as the gut contains good bacteria that help it run more efficiently, so does our skin brim with beneficial germs that we might not want to wash down the drain. “Good bacteria are educating your own skin cells to make your own antibiotics,” said Dr. Richard Gallo, chief of the dermatology division at the University of California, San Diego, and “they produce their own antibiotics that kills off bad bacteria.”
Friday, November 12, 2010
more dangerous than heroin and crack cocaine
LONDON -- Alcohol is more dangerous than illegal drugs like heroin and crack cocaine, according to a new study.
British experts evaluated substances including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and marijuana, ranking them based on how destructive they are to the individual who takes them and to society as a whole.
Researchers analyzed how addictive a drug is and how it harms the human body, in addition to other criteria like environmental damage caused by the drug, its role in breaking up families and its economic costs, such as health care, social services, and prison.
Heroin, crack cocaine and methamphetamine, or crystal meth, were the most lethal to individuals. When considering their wider social effects, alcohol, heroin and crack cocaine were the deadliest. But overall, alcohol outranked all other substances, followed by heroin and crack cocaine. Marijuana, ecstasy and LSD scored far lower.
Experts said alcohol scored so high because it is so widely used and has devastating consequences not only for drinkers but for those around them.
When drunk in excess, alcohol damages nearly all organ systems. It is also connected to higher death rates and is involved in a greater percentage of crime than most other drugs, including heroin.
But experts said it would be impractical and incorrect to outlaw alcohol.
"We cannot return to the days of prohibition," said Leslie King, an adviser to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and one of the study's authors. "Alcohol is too embedded in our culture and it won't go away."
Experts said the study should prompt countries to reconsider how they classify drugs. For example, last year in Britain, the government increased its penalties for the possession of marijuana. One of its senior advisers, David Nutt - the lead author on the Lancet study - was fired after he criticized the British decision.
"What governments decide is illegal is not always based on science," said van den Brink. He said considerations about revenue and taxation, like those garnered from the alcohol and tobacco industries, may influence decisions about which substances to regulate or outlaw.
"Drugs that are legal cause at least as much damage, if not more, than drugs that are illicit," he said.
British experts evaluated substances including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and marijuana, ranking them based on how destructive they are to the individual who takes them and to society as a whole.
Researchers analyzed how addictive a drug is and how it harms the human body, in addition to other criteria like environmental damage caused by the drug, its role in breaking up families and its economic costs, such as health care, social services, and prison.
Heroin, crack cocaine and methamphetamine, or crystal meth, were the most lethal to individuals. When considering their wider social effects, alcohol, heroin and crack cocaine were the deadliest. But overall, alcohol outranked all other substances, followed by heroin and crack cocaine. Marijuana, ecstasy and LSD scored far lower.
Experts said alcohol scored so high because it is so widely used and has devastating consequences not only for drinkers but for those around them.
When drunk in excess, alcohol damages nearly all organ systems. It is also connected to higher death rates and is involved in a greater percentage of crime than most other drugs, including heroin.
But experts said it would be impractical and incorrect to outlaw alcohol.
"We cannot return to the days of prohibition," said Leslie King, an adviser to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and one of the study's authors. "Alcohol is too embedded in our culture and it won't go away."
Experts said the study should prompt countries to reconsider how they classify drugs. For example, last year in Britain, the government increased its penalties for the possession of marijuana. One of its senior advisers, David Nutt - the lead author on the Lancet study - was fired after he criticized the British decision.
"What governments decide is illegal is not always based on science," said van den Brink. He said considerations about revenue and taxation, like those garnered from the alcohol and tobacco industries, may influence decisions about which substances to regulate or outlaw.
"Drugs that are legal cause at least as much damage, if not more, than drugs that are illicit," he said.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
God In America
An interesting series from PBS of the history of religion in America.
***
Since the days when the Puritan "city on a hill" beckoned on the horizon of the New World, religious faith and belief have forged America's ideals, molded its identity and shaped its sense of mission at home and abroad.
For the first time on television, God in America explores the tumultuous 400-year history of the intersection of religion and public life in America, from the first European settlements to the 2008 presidential election. A co-production of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and FRONTLINE, this six-hour series examines how religious dissidents helped shape the American concept of religious liberty and the controversial evolution of that ideal in the nation's courts and political arena; how religious freedom and waves of new immigrants and religious revivals fueled competition in the religious marketplace; how movements for social reform -- from abolition to civil rights -- galvanized men and women to put their faith into political action; and how religious faith influenced conflicts from the American Revolution to the Cold War.
Interweaving documentary footage, historical dramatization and interviews with religious historians, the six-part series is narrated by actor Campbell Scott and includes appearances by actors Michael Emerson (as John Winthrop), Chris Sarandon (as Abraham Lincoln) and Keith David (as Frederick Douglass), among others.
"The American story cannot be fully understood without understanding the country's religious history," says series executive producer Michael Sullivan. "By examining that history, God in America will offer viewers a fresh, revealing and challenging portrait of the country."
As God in America unfolds, it reveals the deep roots of American religious identity in the universal quest for liberty and individualism -- ideas that played out in the unlikely political union between Thomas Jefferson and defiant Baptists to oppose the established church in Virginia and that were later embraced by free-wheeling Methodists and maverick Presbyterians. Catholic and Jewish immigrants battled for religious liberty and expanded its meaning. In their quest for social reform, movements as different as civil rights and the religious right found authority and energy in their religious faith. The fight to define religious liberty fueled struggles between America's secular and religious cultures on issues from evolution to school prayer, and American individualism and the country's experiment in religious liberty were the engine that made America the most religiously diverse nation on earth.
***
Since the days when the Puritan "city on a hill" beckoned on the horizon of the New World, religious faith and belief have forged America's ideals, molded its identity and shaped its sense of mission at home and abroad.
For the first time on television, God in America explores the tumultuous 400-year history of the intersection of religion and public life in America, from the first European settlements to the 2008 presidential election. A co-production of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and FRONTLINE, this six-hour series examines how religious dissidents helped shape the American concept of religious liberty and the controversial evolution of that ideal in the nation's courts and political arena; how religious freedom and waves of new immigrants and religious revivals fueled competition in the religious marketplace; how movements for social reform -- from abolition to civil rights -- galvanized men and women to put their faith into political action; and how religious faith influenced conflicts from the American Revolution to the Cold War.
Interweaving documentary footage, historical dramatization and interviews with religious historians, the six-part series is narrated by actor Campbell Scott and includes appearances by actors Michael Emerson (as John Winthrop), Chris Sarandon (as Abraham Lincoln) and Keith David (as Frederick Douglass), among others.
"The American story cannot be fully understood without understanding the country's religious history," says series executive producer Michael Sullivan. "By examining that history, God in America will offer viewers a fresh, revealing and challenging portrait of the country."
As God in America unfolds, it reveals the deep roots of American religious identity in the universal quest for liberty and individualism -- ideas that played out in the unlikely political union between Thomas Jefferson and defiant Baptists to oppose the established church in Virginia and that were later embraced by free-wheeling Methodists and maverick Presbyterians. Catholic and Jewish immigrants battled for religious liberty and expanded its meaning. In their quest for social reform, movements as different as civil rights and the religious right found authority and energy in their religious faith. The fight to define religious liberty fueled struggles between America's secular and religious cultures on issues from evolution to school prayer, and American individualism and the country's experiment in religious liberty were the engine that made America the most religiously diverse nation on earth.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
women give more
Women across nearly every income level gave significantly more to charity than men, nearly twice as much in some cases, according to a study by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Nonprofits have long suspected that women were the driving forces behind many of the gifts they receive, but they haven't had much proof. But the results of this study are so decisive and consistent, they can stop wondering, said Debra Mesch, director of the university's Women's Philanthropy Institute.
Nonprofits have long suspected that women were the driving forces behind many of the gifts they receive, but they haven't had much proof. But the results of this study are so decisive and consistent, they can stop wondering, said Debra Mesch, director of the university's Women's Philanthropy Institute.
Monday, October 25, 2010
karaoke
Found this site called karaokeplay. Where people can record and save and display their karaoke performances. Came across this one rather good singer called dreamrose. She could probably make the early cut on American Idol. There's probably some other good ones too. Haven't found a really bad one yet.
***
Fun karaoke at Cafe Duck Butt
Beside She-Bangs, we can add Joy To The World, Without You, All By Myself.
***
Fun karaoke at Cafe Duck Butt
Beside She-Bangs, we can add Joy To The World, Without You, All By Myself.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Limbaugh, Obama, Palin cousins
Rush Limbaugh calls President Barack Obama "imam," even though he knows the president isn't a Muslim. Sarah Palin has openly doubted the president's courage.
Turns out these two conservative firebrands have been dissin' their own cousin.
The online genealogy service Ancestry.com reports that Obama and Palin are 10th cousins, and Obama and Limbaugh are 10th cousins once removed. In both cases, the ties date to the 1600s.
Obama's distant family ties to former President George W. Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney surfaced during his presidential campaign. Obama also is a distant cousin of billionaire investor Warren Buffett and actor Brad Pitt, according to Ancestry.com.
Anastasia Tyler, lead genealogist on the latest project, said in an interview: "It just shows how all of these politicians, they're on different sides of the political spectrum, but in the end they're all part of what makes America great, and they all go back to deep American roots."
Turns out these two conservative firebrands have been dissin' their own cousin.
The online genealogy service Ancestry.com reports that Obama and Palin are 10th cousins, and Obama and Limbaugh are 10th cousins once removed. In both cases, the ties date to the 1600s.
Obama's distant family ties to former President George W. Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney surfaced during his presidential campaign. Obama also is a distant cousin of billionaire investor Warren Buffett and actor Brad Pitt, according to Ancestry.com.
Anastasia Tyler, lead genealogist on the latest project, said in an interview: "It just shows how all of these politicians, they're on different sides of the political spectrum, but in the end they're all part of what makes America great, and they all go back to deep American roots."
Tom Bosley
It was a constant in American television for more than a decade: Viewers could turn on their TVs and find Howard Cunningham in his armchair, reading the newspaper and providing a fatherly voice of reason to young Richie Cunningham and his friends on "Happy Days."
Tom Bosley made the role famous during the long-running sitcom, earning a place as one of the most memorable fathers in TV history.
Bosley died Tuesday at the age of 83 after suffering heart failure at a hospital near his Palm Springs home. Bosley's agent, Sheryl Abrams, said he was also battling lung cancer.
His death brought fond remembrances of the nostalgic ABC show, which ran from 1974 to 1984. On Saturday, TV viewers lost another surrogate parent, Barbara Billingsley, who portrayed June Cleaver in "Leave It To Beaver."
Both shows showcased life in the 1950s — before Vietnam, Watergate and other tumultuous events of the '60s and '70s — when life was simpler.
"Kids were watching their parents grow up, and parents were watching themselves grow up. And that was the key to success of that show," Bosley said in a 2000 interview.
TV Guide ranked Bosley's Howard Cunningham character at No. 9 on its list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" in 2004. The distinction puts "Mr. C," as his character was affectionately known on the show, right alongside Ward Cleaver, Andy Taylor, Dr. Huxtable and Mike Brady as some of the best-ever TV dads.
"Tom's insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in the 'Happy Days' experience. A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom led by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it," said a statement from Ron Howard, who played Richie Cunningham.
"My last conversations with Tom reflected the love of life and peace of mind that he always maintained throughout his full and rewarding life. I miss him already," Howard said.
Tom Bosley made the role famous during the long-running sitcom, earning a place as one of the most memorable fathers in TV history.
Bosley died Tuesday at the age of 83 after suffering heart failure at a hospital near his Palm Springs home. Bosley's agent, Sheryl Abrams, said he was also battling lung cancer.
His death brought fond remembrances of the nostalgic ABC show, which ran from 1974 to 1984. On Saturday, TV viewers lost another surrogate parent, Barbara Billingsley, who portrayed June Cleaver in "Leave It To Beaver."
Both shows showcased life in the 1950s — before Vietnam, Watergate and other tumultuous events of the '60s and '70s — when life was simpler.
"Kids were watching their parents grow up, and parents were watching themselves grow up. And that was the key to success of that show," Bosley said in a 2000 interview.
TV Guide ranked Bosley's Howard Cunningham character at No. 9 on its list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" in 2004. The distinction puts "Mr. C," as his character was affectionately known on the show, right alongside Ward Cleaver, Andy Taylor, Dr. Huxtable and Mike Brady as some of the best-ever TV dads.
"Tom's insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in the 'Happy Days' experience. A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom led by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it," said a statement from Ron Howard, who played Richie Cunningham.
"My last conversations with Tom reflected the love of life and peace of mind that he always maintained throughout his full and rewarding life. I miss him already," Howard said.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Which Services Don't You Want?
There’s been a lot of talk recently about the size of government - recently, in this case, meaning since about, oh, 1776. Today’s Tea Party folks seem to think that big, bloated government is the root of all that ails us. President Obama seems to think that there is no problem too big (or small) for government to fix.
This may, in fact, be the longest running debate in the United States: What exactly is the role of government in our lives, what services do we want it to provide and how much do we want to pay for it? Because once you have a Constitution and 27 amendments to it, the first 10 of which comprise our Bill of Rights, you assume a government to protect and enforce those rights - in short, to govern.
The subject of government size and reach most recently came up in the debate over health care and health insurance. I recall one anti-Obama guy shouting at a person in a wheelchair at an Ohio rally, “Health care is not a right!”
And I wondered: What about public education - is that a right?
Good roads and street lights? Bike paths?
Clean running water? Health and sanitation - garbage collection and landfills? Flu vaccines?
Public safety - cops, fire-fighters and EMTs? Jails and prisons?
Tsunami and hurricane warning systems?
Parks and pools? Libraries?
Airports and harbors? Sewage treatment?
Bus service?
A train?
Where do we draw the line? And at what point exactly does government get “too big”?
This may, in fact, be the longest running debate in the United States: What exactly is the role of government in our lives, what services do we want it to provide and how much do we want to pay for it? Because once you have a Constitution and 27 amendments to it, the first 10 of which comprise our Bill of Rights, you assume a government to protect and enforce those rights - in short, to govern.
The subject of government size and reach most recently came up in the debate over health care and health insurance. I recall one anti-Obama guy shouting at a person in a wheelchair at an Ohio rally, “Health care is not a right!”
And I wondered: What about public education - is that a right?
Good roads and street lights? Bike paths?
Clean running water? Health and sanitation - garbage collection and landfills? Flu vaccines?
Public safety - cops, fire-fighters and EMTs? Jails and prisons?
Tsunami and hurricane warning systems?
Parks and pools? Libraries?
Airports and harbors? Sewage treatment?
Bus service?
A train?
Where do we draw the line? And at what point exactly does government get “too big”?
Sunday, October 03, 2010
letting go -- of comic books
Jose Alaniz spent about a week sorting and packing each comic book — carefully, lovingly. There were 12 boxes of them, comics he'd collected since his mother bought him his first one at age 6.
He took time to look through them all. The Defenders. The Incredible Hulk. The Mighty Thor. Spider-Man. Each of them, even the bad ones, meant something to him.
And now here he was, preparing to let them go to the special collections at the University of Washington libraries.
Alaniz knows some would consider it silly that a 42-year-old man should be so attached to bits of paper and ink, books never really meant to last that long. A professor at the university, he sounds a bit apologetic for what he can only describe as his own sappiness (not an easy thing for a serious, somewhat nerdy academic to embrace).
Still, though he would soften the blow by keeping 10 of his most prized comic books, it would not be easy to let go.
He took time to look through them all. The Defenders. The Incredible Hulk. The Mighty Thor. Spider-Man. Each of them, even the bad ones, meant something to him.
And now here he was, preparing to let them go to the special collections at the University of Washington libraries.
Alaniz knows some would consider it silly that a 42-year-old man should be so attached to bits of paper and ink, books never really meant to last that long. A professor at the university, he sounds a bit apologetic for what he can only describe as his own sappiness (not an easy thing for a serious, somewhat nerdy academic to embrace).
Still, though he would soften the blow by keeping 10 of his most prized comic books, it would not be easy to let go.
Friday, October 01, 2010
speaking of Gandhi
As a 12-year-old boy growing up in Georgia, William T. Randall despised the Japanese for attacking Pearl Harbor. But when Mahatma Gandhi won independence for India through nonviolent protest two years later, his view started to change.
Randall, a retired minister and professor, will be among the speakers next Saturday for Gandhi's birthday and the International Day of Nonviolence.
The program is being organized by Raj Kumar, founder and president of Gandhi International Institute for Peace, based in Honolulu, and the Indian-American Friendship Council.
Randall says he was profoundly influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, assassinated in 1948 after leading India to independence after two centuries of British rule. Gandhi, known as mahatma or "saint," pioneered the concept of "satyagraha" -- resistance to tyranny through peaceful noncooperation.
Randall will speak on how his views on the use of violence changed since he was taught as a youngster to hate wartime foes.
As a Christian missionary in Japan, he said, he developed respect for and an understanding of its people.
"I learned very acutely that to harbor revenge would only divide and separate," he said.
Gandhi believed "nonviolence needs more courage than violence," says Kumar. "He advised people not to fight in the name of God and religion. He emphasized that God does not belong to one society, religion or nation. God dwells in the heart of all human beings. Gandhi said, If you wish to see change in the world, change yourself. When we change, the world changes."
The community is invited to the International Day of Nonviolence celebration from 10 a.m. to noon next Saturday near the Mahatma Gandhi statue outside the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki. E-mail Raj Kumar at rkumarhi@yahoo.com or visit www.gandhianpeace.com.
Randall, a retired minister and professor, will be among the speakers next Saturday for Gandhi's birthday and the International Day of Nonviolence.
The program is being organized by Raj Kumar, founder and president of Gandhi International Institute for Peace, based in Honolulu, and the Indian-American Friendship Council.
Randall says he was profoundly influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, assassinated in 1948 after leading India to independence after two centuries of British rule. Gandhi, known as mahatma or "saint," pioneered the concept of "satyagraha" -- resistance to tyranny through peaceful noncooperation.
Randall will speak on how his views on the use of violence changed since he was taught as a youngster to hate wartime foes.
As a Christian missionary in Japan, he said, he developed respect for and an understanding of its people.
"I learned very acutely that to harbor revenge would only divide and separate," he said.
Gandhi believed "nonviolence needs more courage than violence," says Kumar. "He advised people not to fight in the name of God and religion. He emphasized that God does not belong to one society, religion or nation. God dwells in the heart of all human beings. Gandhi said, If you wish to see change in the world, change yourself. When we change, the world changes."
The community is invited to the International Day of Nonviolence celebration from 10 a.m. to noon next Saturday near the Mahatma Gandhi statue outside the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki. E-mail Raj Kumar at rkumarhi@yahoo.com or visit www.gandhianpeace.com.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Blockbuster files for bankruptcy
NEW YORK - Blockbuster Inc., once the dominant movie rental company in the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday after reeling from mounting losses, rising debt and competitors that have better catered to Americans' changed media habits.
Blockbuster will continue to operate its 3,000 U.S. stores. But the move, long expected, marks the end of an era that Blockbuster and its gold-and-blue torn ticket logo helped establish — of Americans visiting video-store chains for the latest movie-rental releases. Increasingly, Americans are forgoing Blockbuster and watching movies via video subscription services like Netflix Inc., video on demand and vending machine services such as Coinstar Inc.'s Redbox.
Blockbuster will continue to operate its 3,000 U.S. stores. But the move, long expected, marks the end of an era that Blockbuster and its gold-and-blue torn ticket logo helped establish — of Americans visiting video-store chains for the latest movie-rental releases. Increasingly, Americans are forgoing Blockbuster and watching movies via video subscription services like Netflix Inc., video on demand and vending machine services such as Coinstar Inc.'s Redbox.
fat Americans
PARIS (AP) — Citizens of the world's richest countries are getting fatter and fatter and the United States is leading the charge, an organization of leading economies said Thursday in its first ever obesity forecast.
Three out of four Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020, and disease rates and health care spending will balloon, unless governments, individuals and industry cooperate on a comprehensive strategy to combat the epidemic, the study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.
Franco Sassi, the OECD senior health economist who authored the report, blamed the usual suspects for the increase.
"Food is much cheaper than in the past, in particular food that is not particularly healthy, and people are changing their lifestyles, they have less time to prepare meals and are eating out more in restaurants," said Sassi, a former London School of Economics lecturer who worked on the report for three years.
That plus the fact that people are much less physically active than in the past means that the ranks of the overweight have swelled to nearly 70 percent in the U.S. this year from well under 50 percent in 1980, according to the OECD.
In 10 years, a full 75 percent of Americans will be overweight, making it "the fattest country in the OECD," the report said.
Three out of four Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020, and disease rates and health care spending will balloon, unless governments, individuals and industry cooperate on a comprehensive strategy to combat the epidemic, the study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.
Franco Sassi, the OECD senior health economist who authored the report, blamed the usual suspects for the increase.
"Food is much cheaper than in the past, in particular food that is not particularly healthy, and people are changing their lifestyles, they have less time to prepare meals and are eating out more in restaurants," said Sassi, a former London School of Economics lecturer who worked on the report for three years.
That plus the fact that people are much less physically active than in the past means that the ranks of the overweight have swelled to nearly 70 percent in the U.S. this year from well under 50 percent in 1980, according to the OECD.
In 10 years, a full 75 percent of Americans will be overweight, making it "the fattest country in the OECD," the report said.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
5 things for good health
After 12 years, this will be my last column for USA WEEKEND Magazine. It has been tremendously rewarding to be able to provide helpful hints on health. I'd like to leave you with a few of my thoughts on maintaining good health. Given all the uncertainties the national health care debate has brought, it makes even more sense to make personal health maintenance a high priority. So here are some tips to remember:
Health is your responsibility. It is not the doctor's job, the hospital's job, your spouse's job or the government's job to keep you healthy — it's up to you. We suffer from chronic diseases that are too often the result of poor habits. The choices you make today usually determine the health you have tomorrow.
Stay active. If you're looking for the fountain of youth, look no further than that pair of sneakers in your closet. A daily “dose” of 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise will go a long way toward keeping you healthy as you age.
You are what you eat. Diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars provide lots of calories and little nutrition. Imagine your plate in four quadrants; three of them should be filled with colorful fruits and vegetables. This is a simple but very important image to maintain whether you're at home or eating out.
Stop smoking. Smoking is the greatest modifiable health risk facing our nation. For people who want to try to kick the habit on their own, stop-smoking aids are available at the local pharmacy. For those who need an extra push, professional help can be found with the help of your local doctor. However you do it, live smoke-free.
Keep a healthy emotional outlook. Life has ups and downs for all of us, but how we react to adversity influences not only our own psychological health but also the quality of life of those who live and work with us. It's like Grandma Moses said: “Life is what we make it — always has been, always will be.”
TEDD MITCHELL, M.D., is president of Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.
Health is your responsibility. It is not the doctor's job, the hospital's job, your spouse's job or the government's job to keep you healthy — it's up to you. We suffer from chronic diseases that are too often the result of poor habits. The choices you make today usually determine the health you have tomorrow.
Stay active. If you're looking for the fountain of youth, look no further than that pair of sneakers in your closet. A daily “dose” of 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise will go a long way toward keeping you healthy as you age.
You are what you eat. Diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars provide lots of calories and little nutrition. Imagine your plate in four quadrants; three of them should be filled with colorful fruits and vegetables. This is a simple but very important image to maintain whether you're at home or eating out.
Stop smoking. Smoking is the greatest modifiable health risk facing our nation. For people who want to try to kick the habit on their own, stop-smoking aids are available at the local pharmacy. For those who need an extra push, professional help can be found with the help of your local doctor. However you do it, live smoke-free.
Keep a healthy emotional outlook. Life has ups and downs for all of us, but how we react to adversity influences not only our own psychological health but also the quality of life of those who live and work with us. It's like Grandma Moses said: “Life is what we make it — always has been, always will be.”
TEDD MITCHELL, M.D., is president of Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.
save your brain
“The idea that Alzheimer's is entirely genetic and unpreventable is perhaps the greatest misconception about the disease,” says Gary Small, M.D., director of the UCLA Center on Aging. Researchers now know that Alzheimer's, like heart disease and cancer, develops over decades and can be influenced by lifestyle factors including cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity, depression, education, nutrition, sleep and mental, physical and social activity.
The big news: Mountains of research reveals that simple things you do every day might cut your odds of losing your mind to Alzheimer's.
In search of scientific ways to delay and outlive Alzheimer's and other dementias, I tracked down thousands of studies and interviewed dozens of experts. I put the results in a new book: 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss (Little, Brown; $19.99). Here are 10 strategies I found most surprising.
The big news: Mountains of research reveals that simple things you do every day might cut your odds of losing your mind to Alzheimer's.
In search of scientific ways to delay and outlive Alzheimer's and other dementias, I tracked down thousands of studies and interviewed dozens of experts. I put the results in a new book: 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss (Little, Brown; $19.99). Here are 10 strategies I found most surprising.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
continuous chest compression CPR
The American Heart Association has updated its CPR guidelines and now advocates continuous chest compressions, a method developed at The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center.
Learn Sarver Heart Center's Continuous Chest Compression CPR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM
[via unclewilfred (aunty laura) via paula via Carol.Briseno@sudler.com]
Learn Sarver Heart Center's Continuous Chest Compression CPR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM
[via unclewilfred (aunty laura) via paula via Carol.Briseno@sudler.com]
Friday, September 17, 2010
relationship killers
Certain actions are relationship killers. Here are some areas where action -- or inaction -- will make all the difference.
1. Money. It is the No. 1 cause of divorce. If a partner has been unscrupulous, getting the trust back can be a challenge. You can start over, but you have to be willing to make up for what was lost and make sure the business side of your relationship is tuned up.
2. Sex/infidelity. A sexless marriage or unfaithfulness can extinguish love quicker than blowing out a candle. Don't let the flame burn out when keeping things warm is much easier than you think.
3. Disrespect. Research shows that if you call your partner names, belittle him or her, threaten to leave or use insulting language and yell, your relationship has a very low chance of survival.
4. Children. To some, children are bipedal germ carriers; to others, they are a reason for living. When families blend or go through difficult changes, the kids can become the entire focus of your relationship. Make sure to keep things in balance with your partner, so you have the energy to deal with any child issues.
5. Opposite-sex friends. Would you want your mate to hang out with a member of the opposite sex, having lunches, texting, etc.? If the answer is no, then you need to follow the same guidelines and talk with your partner about keeping appropriate boundaries.
6. Resentments. When you are holding pain, hurt or anger in your heart, there is little room for love. If you are harboring some resentment -- and who isn't? -- talk it out and put the matter to rest, so you can enjoy your relationship.
7. Discomfort/remodeling. If you are living in a construction zone, it's pretty hard to feel comfortable. Injury or illness can create a similar situation. Your home should be a place of serenity, so if you are remodeling or are dealing with physical issues, make your comfort a priority.
8. Lying/broken promises. Once you have been caught in a lie or break a promise, things change -- and not for the better. Even if you're afraid of getting in trouble, tell the whole truth and don't break promises, and find a way to make up for past mistakes.
9. Laziness. All good relationships require work. If you are unwilling to do it, your connection will diminish and you will begin to resent your partner. Talking about the kind of work your relationship needs is a good start.
10. Being mean. If you punish your partner when you don't get your way, or if the two of you give each other the silent treatment, you are headed for a lifetime of emotional pain. Stop the nastiness and learn how to heal what bugs you.
It's not very complicated. Avoid these relationship killers, and keep the love alive.
1. Money. It is the No. 1 cause of divorce. If a partner has been unscrupulous, getting the trust back can be a challenge. You can start over, but you have to be willing to make up for what was lost and make sure the business side of your relationship is tuned up.
2. Sex/infidelity. A sexless marriage or unfaithfulness can extinguish love quicker than blowing out a candle. Don't let the flame burn out when keeping things warm is much easier than you think.
3. Disrespect. Research shows that if you call your partner names, belittle him or her, threaten to leave or use insulting language and yell, your relationship has a very low chance of survival.
4. Children. To some, children are bipedal germ carriers; to others, they are a reason for living. When families blend or go through difficult changes, the kids can become the entire focus of your relationship. Make sure to keep things in balance with your partner, so you have the energy to deal with any child issues.
5. Opposite-sex friends. Would you want your mate to hang out with a member of the opposite sex, having lunches, texting, etc.? If the answer is no, then you need to follow the same guidelines and talk with your partner about keeping appropriate boundaries.
6. Resentments. When you are holding pain, hurt or anger in your heart, there is little room for love. If you are harboring some resentment -- and who isn't? -- talk it out and put the matter to rest, so you can enjoy your relationship.
7. Discomfort/remodeling. If you are living in a construction zone, it's pretty hard to feel comfortable. Injury or illness can create a similar situation. Your home should be a place of serenity, so if you are remodeling or are dealing with physical issues, make your comfort a priority.
8. Lying/broken promises. Once you have been caught in a lie or break a promise, things change -- and not for the better. Even if you're afraid of getting in trouble, tell the whole truth and don't break promises, and find a way to make up for past mistakes.
9. Laziness. All good relationships require work. If you are unwilling to do it, your connection will diminish and you will begin to resent your partner. Talking about the kind of work your relationship needs is a good start.
10. Being mean. If you punish your partner when you don't get your way, or if the two of you give each other the silent treatment, you are headed for a lifetime of emotional pain. Stop the nastiness and learn how to heal what bugs you.
It's not very complicated. Avoid these relationship killers, and keep the love alive.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Law of Success
Happened to catch this informercial on CNBC.
This guy was hawking this book by Napoleon Hill of Think and Grow Rich fame.
The premise was that Think and Grow Rich is a very watered-down version of this original publication purportedly first printed in 1925 with a run of about 100 copies distributed.
Then came another (the official?) version in 1928. Then the popular Think and Grow Rich in 1937 [pdf here along with a number of other classics].
A search of Google brought this.
The 1928 version is available on the web here [also at archive.org] and in book form at Amazon. The book is from Wilshire Publishing [I remember them. That's Melvin Powers' company and at one time I tried to sell their books. I did like The Magic of Thinking Big from them.]
I see the book is $30 at Wilshire vs. $17.55 at Amazon (vs. $50 from the infomercial -- actually $49.95 plus $9.95 s/h). [Here's another site for his informercial. Don't know why there's two.]
And I see it's available on ebay for $28.95 (plus $3.99 shipping) from bigbluemonster.
Apparently the guy in the informercial is Steve Paris (from the website above). Googling Steve Paris shows the book is oddly available on itunes. The guy is on twitter with 124 followers (account created 11/26/09). His company is Orne Publishing which apparently only publishes this one book.
Here's something interesting. Orne Publishing interviewing Steve. In other words, Steve hired somebody to interview himself. (Hmm. Like an informercial..)
And there you have it. The Law of Success in practice (assuming Steve is making a profit at this).
***
(See also The Secret)
[5/29/14] 10 Rules of Success
This guy was hawking this book by Napoleon Hill of Think and Grow Rich fame.
The premise was that Think and Grow Rich is a very watered-down version of this original publication purportedly first printed in 1925 with a run of about 100 copies distributed.
Then came another (the official?) version in 1928. Then the popular Think and Grow Rich in 1937 [pdf here along with a number of other classics].
A search of Google brought this.
The 1928 version is available on the web here [also at archive.org] and in book form at Amazon. The book is from Wilshire Publishing [I remember them. That's Melvin Powers' company and at one time I tried to sell their books. I did like The Magic of Thinking Big from them.]
I see the book is $30 at Wilshire vs. $17.55 at Amazon (vs. $50 from the infomercial -- actually $49.95 plus $9.95 s/h). [Here's another site for his informercial. Don't know why there's two.]
And I see it's available on ebay for $28.95 (plus $3.99 shipping) from bigbluemonster.
Apparently the guy in the informercial is Steve Paris (from the website above). Googling Steve Paris shows the book is oddly available on itunes. The guy is on twitter with 124 followers (account created 11/26/09). His company is Orne Publishing which apparently only publishes this one book.
Here's something interesting. Orne Publishing interviewing Steve. In other words, Steve hired somebody to interview himself. (Hmm. Like an informercial..)
And there you have it. The Law of Success in practice (assuming Steve is making a profit at this).
***
(See also The Secret)
[5/29/14] 10 Rules of Success
Monday, September 13, 2010
money buys happiness?
WASHINGTON (AP) — They say money can't buy happiness. They're wrong. At least up to a point.
People's emotional well-being — happiness — increases along with their income up to about $75,000, researchers report in Tuesday's edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
For folks making less than that, said Angus Deaton, an economist at the Center for Health and Wellbeing at Princeton University, "Stuff is so in your face it's hard to be happy. It interferes with your enjoyment."
Happiness got better as income rose but the effect leveled out at $75,000, Deaton said. On the other hand, their overall sense of success or well-being continued to rise as their earnings grew beyond that point. "Giving people more income beyond $75 thousand is not going to do much for their daily mood ... but it is going to make them feel they have a better life," Deaton said in an interview.
Not surprisingly, someone who moves from a $100,000-a-year job to one paying $200,000 realizes an improved sense of success. That doesn't necessarily mean they are happier day to day, Deaton said.
***
Money can't buy happiness, but a study shows that we can earn it.
The study, which analyzed Gallup surveys of 450,000 Americans in 2008 and 2009, suggests that there were two forms of happiness: day-to-day contentment and overall satisfaction with one's place in the world. While a higher income brings little day-to-day contentment, it does boost people's overall satisfaction.
The study, conducted by Princeton University economist Angus Deaton and famed psychologist Daniel Kahneman, found that there's a specific dollar number, or income plateau, after which more money has no measurable effect on day-to-day contentment.
As people earn more money, their day-to-day happiness rises. That is, until you hit the magic number: $75,000 a year. After that, it's just more stuff, with no gain in happiness.
People's emotional well-being — happiness — increases along with their income up to about $75,000, researchers report in Tuesday's edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
For folks making less than that, said Angus Deaton, an economist at the Center for Health and Wellbeing at Princeton University, "Stuff is so in your face it's hard to be happy. It interferes with your enjoyment."
Happiness got better as income rose but the effect leveled out at $75,000, Deaton said. On the other hand, their overall sense of success or well-being continued to rise as their earnings grew beyond that point. "Giving people more income beyond $75 thousand is not going to do much for their daily mood ... but it is going to make them feel they have a better life," Deaton said in an interview.
Not surprisingly, someone who moves from a $100,000-a-year job to one paying $200,000 realizes an improved sense of success. That doesn't necessarily mean they are happier day to day, Deaton said.
***
Money can't buy happiness, but a study shows that we can earn it.
The study, which analyzed Gallup surveys of 450,000 Americans in 2008 and 2009, suggests that there were two forms of happiness: day-to-day contentment and overall satisfaction with one's place in the world. While a higher income brings little day-to-day contentment, it does boost people's overall satisfaction.
The study, conducted by Princeton University economist Angus Deaton and famed psychologist Daniel Kahneman, found that there's a specific dollar number, or income plateau, after which more money has no measurable effect on day-to-day contentment.
As people earn more money, their day-to-day happiness rises. That is, until you hit the magic number: $75,000 a year. After that, it's just more stuff, with no gain in happiness.
Monday, September 06, 2010
respect my authority
Does Jerry Coffee respect Barack Obama? Does he honor and pray for our president? Judy Bader raises these good questions in her letter last week. I’ve had occasions to witness Mr. Coffee’s sincere faith in Jesus and his devotion to the Bible, so I have hope that Jerry fully intends to follow the Apostle Paul’s dictum in Romans 13: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
It is unfortunate and patently unbiblical for Christians to disrespect and dishonor our governing authorities. Amazingly, when these words were written, the authority was the Roman emperor Caesar - not an amenable or particularly friendly administration! Still, scripture insisted on respect. Certainly there is a clear Biblical precedent and constant societal need for prophetic speaking of truth to power. This is what Mr. Coffee sometimes does. All of us have a right and responsibility to make our voices heard on issues of justice and mercy, but always with kindness and love for our political “enemies.” I am ashamed of outraged, undisciplined Christians, both left and right, who ignore God’s standard of honorable discourse indulging in hyper partisan pandering to putrid political prejudices.
Jay Jarman
Aiea
It is unfortunate and patently unbiblical for Christians to disrespect and dishonor our governing authorities. Amazingly, when these words were written, the authority was the Roman emperor Caesar - not an amenable or particularly friendly administration! Still, scripture insisted on respect. Certainly there is a clear Biblical precedent and constant societal need for prophetic speaking of truth to power. This is what Mr. Coffee sometimes does. All of us have a right and responsibility to make our voices heard on issues of justice and mercy, but always with kindness and love for our political “enemies.” I am ashamed of outraged, undisciplined Christians, both left and right, who ignore God’s standard of honorable discourse indulging in hyper partisan pandering to putrid political prejudices.
Jay Jarman
Aiea
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Pogo Poge
No one quite expected that the lyrics of the "Checkers & Pogo" theme song — "Here comes Checkers, here comes Checkers, Checkers ... and Pogo Poge!" — would be quite so prescient. Three actors eventually played Mr. Checkers in the KGMB-TV children's show, but to his Hawaii fans, there could be only one Pogo.
Entertainer Morgan Branch White, better known to Hawaii schoolchildren as TV character "Pogo Poge," died yesterday in Utah, where he had retired. He was 86.
He had retired largely to farm in Sevier, Utah, after he left Hawaii television in 1982, said son Steve White.
From 1967 to 1982, White was an island TV fixture on the after-school program "Checkers & Pogo," considered the longest-running, most successful children's television show in Hawaii.
White recalled in a KGMB "Checkers & Pogo Remembered" special that station owner Cec Heftel rushed the show onto the air. Heftel drafted White, then a disc jockey at KGMB radio, as one of the leads, telling him to grab a costume from wardrobe. The first items White put on were a pointy hat, a too-tight vest, and a clashing striped shirt and pants. This ad-hoc outfit defined Pogo's look for the next 15 years.
In the book "Hi There, Boys and Girls! America's Local Children's TV Shows," author Tim Hollis described Poge's costume resembled an Alpine climber complete with a Tyrolean hat.
The "Pogo Poge" character, as played by White, was kind, impish and innocent, a kind of Stan Laurel to Mr. Checkers' blowhard Oliver Hardy.
Gruff Mr. Checkers was portrayed by actors Jim Hawthorne, former Star-Bulletin columnist Dave Donnelly and Jim Demarest, all of whom have died in the last six years. White, who also wrote and produced several episodes of the children's TV series, carried on the show as a solo act for the last three years it aired.
White also appeared in the original "Hawaii Five-0" series, portraying the islands' attorney general six times. After retiring from Hawaii, White continued children's programming in Utah and played a judge in the 1987 TV movie "At Mother's Request."
Entertainer Morgan Branch White, better known to Hawaii schoolchildren as TV character "Pogo Poge," died yesterday in Utah, where he had retired. He was 86.
He had retired largely to farm in Sevier, Utah, after he left Hawaii television in 1982, said son Steve White.
From 1967 to 1982, White was an island TV fixture on the after-school program "Checkers & Pogo," considered the longest-running, most successful children's television show in Hawaii.
White recalled in a KGMB "Checkers & Pogo Remembered" special that station owner Cec Heftel rushed the show onto the air. Heftel drafted White, then a disc jockey at KGMB radio, as one of the leads, telling him to grab a costume from wardrobe. The first items White put on were a pointy hat, a too-tight vest, and a clashing striped shirt and pants. This ad-hoc outfit defined Pogo's look for the next 15 years.
In the book "Hi There, Boys and Girls! America's Local Children's TV Shows," author Tim Hollis described Poge's costume resembled an Alpine climber complete with a Tyrolean hat.
The "Pogo Poge" character, as played by White, was kind, impish and innocent, a kind of Stan Laurel to Mr. Checkers' blowhard Oliver Hardy.
Gruff Mr. Checkers was portrayed by actors Jim Hawthorne, former Star-Bulletin columnist Dave Donnelly and Jim Demarest, all of whom have died in the last six years. White, who also wrote and produced several episodes of the children's TV series, carried on the show as a solo act for the last three years it aired.
White also appeared in the original "Hawaii Five-0" series, portraying the islands' attorney general six times. After retiring from Hawaii, White continued children's programming in Utah and played a judge in the 1987 TV movie "At Mother's Request."
Friday, August 27, 2010
Mitsuo Aoki
The Rev. Mitsuo Aoki helped countless people, particularly cancer patients and their families, with his compassionate outlook on dying.
"He was sought out a lot for his wisdom," said the Rev. Clarence Liu, chaplain of Hospice Hawaii. "He lived his dying in the very same way that he shared about it and talked about it. There was great integrity and great truthfulness in the way he lived his life."
Aoki, a theologian, minister and college professor who founded the religion department of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and served as an influential figure in the establishment of Hospice Hawaii, died Thursday at his Pohai Nani home in Kaneohe. He was 95.
"He was sought out a lot for his wisdom," said the Rev. Clarence Liu, chaplain of Hospice Hawaii. "He lived his dying in the very same way that he shared about it and talked about it. There was great integrity and great truthfulness in the way he lived his life."
Aoki, a theologian, minister and college professor who founded the religion department of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and served as an influential figure in the establishment of Hospice Hawaii, died Thursday at his Pohai Nani home in Kaneohe. He was 95.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Zero Nukes?
HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) — In this place where a fearful age was born one fiery instant 65 years ago, the Flame of Peace still flickers on, awaiting the day when the world is rid of nuclear weapons.
Many believe that day may be approaching.
"I saw a light in a dark tunnel," says Emiko Okada, 73. "President Obama said, 'Yes, I can.'"
For her and other "hibakusha," survivors of Hiroshima 1945, abolishing nuclear weapons has been a lifelong crusade. But the cause that Hiroshima never abandoned is now also the cause of a growing movement worldwide, embraced by statesmen in Washington and other capitals, endorsed by old Cold Warriors, promoted by Hollywood, financed by billionaires.
Ordinary people, too, in country after country, want "zero nukes," opinion polls show.
But is it achievable? Can doomsday arms be banished from the face of the Earth? Will man stop reaching for ever more powerful weapons? And, more immediately, will an American president, following his ambassador's unprecedented visit, finally walk this year among the cherry trees, the memorials, the unspeakable memories of Hiroshima?
Many believe that day may be approaching.
"I saw a light in a dark tunnel," says Emiko Okada, 73. "President Obama said, 'Yes, I can.'"
For her and other "hibakusha," survivors of Hiroshima 1945, abolishing nuclear weapons has been a lifelong crusade. But the cause that Hiroshima never abandoned is now also the cause of a growing movement worldwide, embraced by statesmen in Washington and other capitals, endorsed by old Cold Warriors, promoted by Hollywood, financed by billionaires.
Ordinary people, too, in country after country, want "zero nukes," opinion polls show.
But is it achievable? Can doomsday arms be banished from the face of the Earth? Will man stop reaching for ever more powerful weapons? And, more immediately, will an American president, following his ambassador's unprecedented visit, finally walk this year among the cherry trees, the memorials, the unspeakable memories of Hiroshima?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Gabby and slack key
This has been a great summer for Hawaiian music, as Alan Akaka kicked things off with the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival July 4 at the Waikiki Beach Plaza, Roy Sakuma presented the 40th Annual Ukulele Festival July 18 in Kapiolani Park and Cyril Pahinui celebrated the musical legacy of his father, Gabby Pahinui, last weekend in Waimanalo.
The next big event is this weekend as Milton Lau hosts the 28th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival Sunday afternoon at Kapiolani Park Bandstand.
(pics)
***
Times change. Magic moments become treasured memories. Cyril Pahinui is looking forward to bringing some of the magic back -- if only for a day -- with the Third Annual Gabby Pahinui Waimanalo Kanikapila tomorrow at Waimanalo Beach Park. The music will go on throughout the day, with more than 100 musicians playing in honor of Gabby, Cyril's father.
***
My friend from college days at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, Bob Moore, says being at a Gabby-fest in Waimanalo, when music-lovers and hangers-on would head out to watch the best of the best in Hawaiian slack-key guitar play music in a back yard close to the beach, is his best memory ever -- better than being at Woodstock.
***
'Ki Ho'alu: Slack Key the Hawaiian Way'
Various artists
(Hawaiian Legacy Foundation)
This 1993 documentary film about slack key music and musicians on DVD provides fans and students of ki ho'alu a valuable source of information on that important genre -- and the opportunity to watch several slack key masters play as well.
Film producers Eddie and Myrna Kamae introduce ki ho'alu with a look at the things that make it uniquely Hawaiian. They continue with sections on slack key tunings, playing styles, the history and evolution of slack key and the gradual shift from traditional to modern teaching techniques. One section focuses on Niihau and guitarist Malaki Kanahele; another, on Big Island legend Fred Punahoa.
Ledward Kaapana is featured in several clips -- he plays in some and shares family history in others. George Kuo demonstrates the distinct difference in the sound of guitars played with standard and slack key tunings, Manu Kahaialii speaks at length on the spiritual aspects of the genre, and Raymond Kane retells the classic tale of how he discovered slack key while living in Nanakuli. Vintage clips of Gabby Pahinui, Alice Namakelua and the Sons of Hawai'i are some of the other highlights.
The next big event is this weekend as Milton Lau hosts the 28th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival Sunday afternoon at Kapiolani Park Bandstand.
(pics)
***
Times change. Magic moments become treasured memories. Cyril Pahinui is looking forward to bringing some of the magic back -- if only for a day -- with the Third Annual Gabby Pahinui Waimanalo Kanikapila tomorrow at Waimanalo Beach Park. The music will go on throughout the day, with more than 100 musicians playing in honor of Gabby, Cyril's father.
***
My friend from college days at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, Bob Moore, says being at a Gabby-fest in Waimanalo, when music-lovers and hangers-on would head out to watch the best of the best in Hawaiian slack-key guitar play music in a back yard close to the beach, is his best memory ever -- better than being at Woodstock.
***
'Ki Ho'alu: Slack Key the Hawaiian Way'
Various artists
(Hawaiian Legacy Foundation)
This 1993 documentary film about slack key music and musicians on DVD provides fans and students of ki ho'alu a valuable source of information on that important genre -- and the opportunity to watch several slack key masters play as well.
Film producers Eddie and Myrna Kamae introduce ki ho'alu with a look at the things that make it uniquely Hawaiian. They continue with sections on slack key tunings, playing styles, the history and evolution of slack key and the gradual shift from traditional to modern teaching techniques. One section focuses on Niihau and guitarist Malaki Kanahele; another, on Big Island legend Fred Punahoa.
Ledward Kaapana is featured in several clips -- he plays in some and shares family history in others. George Kuo demonstrates the distinct difference in the sound of guitars played with standard and slack key tunings, Manu Kahaialii speaks at length on the spiritual aspects of the genre, and Raymond Kane retells the classic tale of how he discovered slack key while living in Nanakuli. Vintage clips of Gabby Pahinui, Alice Namakelua and the Sons of Hawai'i are some of the other highlights.
Donnie Yen
[8/17/10] HONG KONG — For years, Donnie Yen worked in the shadow of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Having fought both on-screen, the 47-year-old actor was considered a worthy opponent but not necessarily a leading man in his own right.
The dynamic changed after Yen took on the role of Bruce Lee's kung fu master in 2008. "Ip Man" was a hit and two years later, the sequel was also successful. "Ip Man 2" is the top-grossing local film in China in the first half of the year with a box office take of $34 million, second only to "Avatar" and beating other Hollywood blockbusters like "Iron Man 2" and "Clash of the Titans."
[11/1/14] Donnie Yen movies currently on Netflix
Special ID (2013)
Dragon (2011)
Ip Man (2008)
Wing Chun (1994)
Iron Monkey (1993)
The dynamic changed after Yen took on the role of Bruce Lee's kung fu master in 2008. "Ip Man" was a hit and two years later, the sequel was also successful. "Ip Man 2" is the top-grossing local film in China in the first half of the year with a box office take of $34 million, second only to "Avatar" and beating other Hollywood blockbusters like "Iron Man 2" and "Clash of the Titans."
[11/1/14] Donnie Yen movies currently on Netflix
Special ID (2013)
Dragon (2011)
Legend of the Fist (2010)
Ip Man 2 (2010)
14 Blades (2010)
Bodyguards and Assassins (2009)Ip Man (2008)
Flash Point (2007)
Dragon Tiger Gate (2006)
Blade of Kings [aka Twins Effect II] (2004)
Highlander Endgame (2000)
Iron Monkey 2 (1996)Wing Chun (1994)
Iron Monkey (1993)
Monday, August 16, 2010
quitting Christianity
"Today, I quit being a Christian."
With those words last week on Facebook, Anne Rice delivered a wake-up call for organized religion. The question is whether it will be recognized as such.
"I remain committed to Christ as always," she wrote, "but not to being `Christian' or to being part of Christianity. It's simply impossible for me to `belong' to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious and deservedly infamous group. For 10 years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else."
You will recall that the author, famed for her vampire novels, made a much-publicized return to the Catholicism of her youth after years of calling herself an atheist. Now, years later, she says she hasn't lost her faith, but she's had it up to here with organized religion.
"In the name of Christ," she wrote, "I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life."
***
I object to the media using the name "Christian" to refer only to right-wing ideologues. They ignore the great majority of Christians who are not part of this loud minority.
With all the media coverage given to religious conservatives, it's not surprising that Anne Rice wants to divorce herself from any church ("More followers of Christ refusing to be Christians," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 5).
She and the media should be aware, however, that there are many progressive Christian churches across this country that support civil rights for all and work constantly to care for those who are homeless, poor or in need of help.
Please stop representing all members of the Christian faith as conservatives by your use of language.
Marita Nelson
Hawaii Kai
With those words last week on Facebook, Anne Rice delivered a wake-up call for organized religion. The question is whether it will be recognized as such.
"I remain committed to Christ as always," she wrote, "but not to being `Christian' or to being part of Christianity. It's simply impossible for me to `belong' to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious and deservedly infamous group. For 10 years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else."
You will recall that the author, famed for her vampire novels, made a much-publicized return to the Catholicism of her youth after years of calling herself an atheist. Now, years later, she says she hasn't lost her faith, but she's had it up to here with organized religion.
"In the name of Christ," she wrote, "I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life."
***
I object to the media using the name "Christian" to refer only to right-wing ideologues. They ignore the great majority of Christians who are not part of this loud minority.
With all the media coverage given to religious conservatives, it's not surprising that Anne Rice wants to divorce herself from any church ("More followers of Christ refusing to be Christians," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 5).
She and the media should be aware, however, that there are many progressive Christian churches across this country that support civil rights for all and work constantly to care for those who are homeless, poor or in need of help.
Please stop representing all members of the Christian faith as conservatives by your use of language.
Marita Nelson
Hawaii Kai
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Quiz on Quotations
Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz
King Features Syndicate
Published Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Subject: QUOTATIONS
Provide the final word of the quotation. (e.g., Napoleon: "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is ___." Answer: Forever.)
FRESHMAN LEVEL
1. Napoleon: "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a ___."
Answer________
2. Dwight D. Eisenhower: "A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses ___."
Answer________
3. Jimi Hendrix: "Knowledge speaks, but wisdom ___."
Answer________
GRADUATE LEVEL
4. Winston Churchill: "If you are going through hell, keep ___."
Answer________
5. Vince Lombardi: "We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of ___
Answer________
6. Thomas Edison: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't ___."
Answer________
PH.D. LEVEL
7. Aldous Huxley: "Maybe this world is another planet's ___."
Answer________
8. Xenocrates: "I have often regretted my speech, never my ___."
Answer________
9. John F. Kennedy: "Forgive your enemies, but never forget their ___."
Answer________
King Features Syndicate
Published Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Subject: QUOTATIONS
Provide the final word of the quotation. (e.g., Napoleon: "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is ___." Answer: Forever.)
FRESHMAN LEVEL
1. Napoleon: "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a ___."
Answer________
2. Dwight D. Eisenhower: "A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses ___."
Answer________
3. Jimi Hendrix: "Knowledge speaks, but wisdom ___."
Answer________
GRADUATE LEVEL
4. Winston Churchill: "If you are going through hell, keep ___."
Answer________
5. Vince Lombardi: "We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of ___
Answer________
6. Thomas Edison: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't ___."
Answer________
PH.D. LEVEL
7. Aldous Huxley: "Maybe this world is another planet's ___."
Answer________
8. Xenocrates: "I have often regretted my speech, never my ___."
Answer________
9. John F. Kennedy: "Forgive your enemies, but never forget their ___."
Answer________
Friday, August 13, 2010
dogmatism
This article recalls the one thing I can't stand, but I kept forgetting what the word was.
I think the word is dogmatism.
The definition is "positiveness in assertion of opinion especially when unwarranted or arrogant".
I had been starting to think of the word was idealogue which is defined as an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology.
Of course, since I'm not dogmatic, I could be wrong...
I think the word is dogmatism.
The definition is "positiveness in assertion of opinion especially when unwarranted or arrogant".
I had been starting to think of the word was idealogue which is defined as an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology.
Of course, since I'm not dogmatic, I could be wrong...
Sunday, August 08, 2010
the key to a happy life
RT @D_G27: RT @johncmayer: I have found the key to a happy life is to surround myself with like-minded people who agree with me constantly.
via hansstolfus
via hansstolfus
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
small ways to make a difference
You never know how an act of kindness can change a life.
When we reached out to high school student Michael Oher and gave him a home, we didn't realize it would matter to anyone except the three of us. Lord knows, we never thought we'd be attending the Academy Awards with Sandra Bullock, who would win an Oscar for playing Leigh Anne in a movie!
There are so many Michael Ohers in this country, walking on the streets, close to falling through the cracks. We just need to be more cognizant of those around us.
Society pretty much had deemed Michael valueless. Through a random act of kindness, we offered him a simple ride. That turned into changing a life. Today, six years later, Michael is an immensely successful, happy young man. Now he's giving back, helping troubled kids in his community as a member of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.
If good things can continue to happen from our little story, we can certainly keep doing our part. We'd like to help you do yours. Here are eight easy, small ways you, too, can help out and make a big difference in someone's life.
When we reached out to high school student Michael Oher and gave him a home, we didn't realize it would matter to anyone except the three of us. Lord knows, we never thought we'd be attending the Academy Awards with Sandra Bullock, who would win an Oscar for playing Leigh Anne in a movie!
There are so many Michael Ohers in this country, walking on the streets, close to falling through the cracks. We just need to be more cognizant of those around us.
Society pretty much had deemed Michael valueless. Through a random act of kindness, we offered him a simple ride. That turned into changing a life. Today, six years later, Michael is an immensely successful, happy young man. Now he's giving back, helping troubled kids in his community as a member of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.
If good things can continue to happen from our little story, we can certainly keep doing our part. We'd like to help you do yours. Here are eight easy, small ways you, too, can help out and make a big difference in someone's life.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Superman rescues family from foreclosure
More than 70 years after Superman first saved the day in the pages of a comic book, the Man of Steel has reached out and saved a family in the real world.
Asylum reports that a family was packing up their belongings after their bank had started foreclosure proceedings, when they came across a box of comic books in the basement.
But this wasn't just any box, and the family suspected they'd struck gold when they discovered among the titles "Action Comics No. 1," the comic that introduced Superman to the world and brought to life the superhero genre, which remains popular to this day.
The comic is expected to fetch more than a quarter-million dollars when it goes up for auction on ComicConnect -- and that's a low estimate. In February of this year, an unrestored copy of "Action Comic No. 1" sold for $1 million, according to the Los Angeles Times, followed a month later by the sale of another copy in better condition at $1.5 million.
Asylum reports that a family was packing up their belongings after their bank had started foreclosure proceedings, when they came across a box of comic books in the basement.
But this wasn't just any box, and the family suspected they'd struck gold when they discovered among the titles "Action Comics No. 1," the comic that introduced Superman to the world and brought to life the superhero genre, which remains popular to this day.
The comic is expected to fetch more than a quarter-million dollars when it goes up for auction on ComicConnect -- and that's a low estimate. In February of this year, an unrestored copy of "Action Comic No. 1" sold for $1 million, according to the Los Angeles Times, followed a month later by the sale of another copy in better condition at $1.5 million.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Life Expectancy
I was surprised to read in The Costco Connection (July 2007, page 65), that that average life expectancy for men in 1907 was only 45 years, compared to 78 years in 2007.
That got me to wondering how life expectancy has changed over the years.
According to wikipedia, it really didn't change all that much until the 20th century. It was about 30 until the early modern Britain (16th, 17th, 18th century) when it reached about 40. And now its near 70.
The average life expectancy in Colonial America was under 25 years in the Virginia colony, and in New England about 40% of children failed to reach adulthood. During the Industrial Revolution, the life expectancy of children increased dramatically.[20] The percentage of children born in London who died before the age of five decreased from 74.5% in 1730-1749 to 31.8% in 1810-1829.
Public health measures are credited with much of the recent increase in life expectancy. During the 20th century, the average lifespan in the United States increased by more than 30 years, of which 25 years can be attributed to advances in public health.
***
We're living in a unique time.
***
[7/26/10] TOKYO — Japanese women are expected to live longer than 86 years, topping the world longevity ratings for the 25th consecutive year, according to a government report released Monday.
The statistics for 2009 compiled and published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare showed both Japanese women and men extended their average life expectancy to new records — 86.44 years for women and 79.59 years for men. Average life spans rose by almost five months for women and nearly four months for men compared to the previous year.
***
Looking up world longevity rankings (which turned up life expectancy, Japan tops the list at 82.6. The United States is at no. 38 at 78.2. Swaziland is at the bottom of the list at 39.6.
That got me to wondering how life expectancy has changed over the years.
According to wikipedia, it really didn't change all that much until the 20th century. It was about 30 until the early modern Britain (16th, 17th, 18th century) when it reached about 40. And now its near 70.
The average life expectancy in Colonial America was under 25 years in the Virginia colony, and in New England about 40% of children failed to reach adulthood. During the Industrial Revolution, the life expectancy of children increased dramatically.[20] The percentage of children born in London who died before the age of five decreased from 74.5% in 1730-1749 to 31.8% in 1810-1829.
Public health measures are credited with much of the recent increase in life expectancy. During the 20th century, the average lifespan in the United States increased by more than 30 years, of which 25 years can be attributed to advances in public health.
***
We're living in a unique time.
***
[7/26/10] TOKYO — Japanese women are expected to live longer than 86 years, topping the world longevity ratings for the 25th consecutive year, according to a government report released Monday.
The statistics for 2009 compiled and published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare showed both Japanese women and men extended their average life expectancy to new records — 86.44 years for women and 79.59 years for men. Average life spans rose by almost five months for women and nearly four months for men compared to the previous year.
***
Looking up world longevity rankings (which turned up life expectancy, Japan tops the list at 82.6. The United States is at no. 38 at 78.2. Swaziland is at the bottom of the list at 39.6.
Wally Amos: Be Positive
Focus on what really matters
Recently I've been seeking an answer to the question "What really matters?" The e-mail below, from my friend Barbara Stewart, answers that question. I share it with her permission.
While officiating a track-and-field meet at a school in Rochester, New York, I watched a talented young triple jumper take off from the toe board and suffer the most horrific accident. There was a noise like a gunshot and she pitched forward in agony. She fell onto the runway, her leg destroyed and useless. She remained immobilized on the runway for nearly an hour, until they could move her to the hospital.
For her, it was excruciating pain and a traumatic event that changed the course of her life forever. For the rest of the athletes and personnel, it was a shocking reminder of how fragile life can be - one moment youth and strength and the next mortality. I was struck by her courage to remain calm, although in obvious agony.
Later I was told she had surgery and would remain in the hospital a few more days. The sharp noises I heard were her Achilles tendon snapping, then her femur fracturing. In my 25 years in track and field, I have never witnessed such a thing. Realistically, she will never again participate at full capacity as an athlete, so she needs to apply her character and abilities to other pursuits. I sent her a card and a book to wish her well.
Now comes the most coincidental part. I suddenly experienced extreme pain in my leg. I was sent immediately to the hospital for surgery on a massive, life-threatening blood clot in my leg. My life path, too is forever altered. I am reminded each day and each hour of the wonder and gratitude in each moment of life. Now I must continue to use it wisely.
I later had further news of unfavorable hospital test results, which momentarily unfocused my attention. Once again, I was reminded of what matters. The mail brought this incredible thank-you note from the athlete.
She wrote, "Wow! Your gift caught me off-guard because I wasn't expecting it. Thank you so much! My leg is getting better every day and I cannot wait to walk again. The fact that you didn't even know me but saw all of these positive qualities in me and thought enough about me to send me a card and a book is really touching and inspires me to do bigger and better things. As long as there are people like you in the world, I know it'll be OK. I've been walking. They told me six to eight weeks. I did it in five!"
This outstanding young woman has all the elements for success in life. Indomitable spirit, talent and excellent skills in literacy. Above all, she has awareness of others outside herself. What more could we ask for in the next generations?
I am having a positive day, remembering what matters.
-- The Costco Connection, July 2007
Recently I've been seeking an answer to the question "What really matters?" The e-mail below, from my friend Barbara Stewart, answers that question. I share it with her permission.
While officiating a track-and-field meet at a school in Rochester, New York, I watched a talented young triple jumper take off from the toe board and suffer the most horrific accident. There was a noise like a gunshot and she pitched forward in agony. She fell onto the runway, her leg destroyed and useless. She remained immobilized on the runway for nearly an hour, until they could move her to the hospital.
For her, it was excruciating pain and a traumatic event that changed the course of her life forever. For the rest of the athletes and personnel, it was a shocking reminder of how fragile life can be - one moment youth and strength and the next mortality. I was struck by her courage to remain calm, although in obvious agony.
Later I was told she had surgery and would remain in the hospital a few more days. The sharp noises I heard were her Achilles tendon snapping, then her femur fracturing. In my 25 years in track and field, I have never witnessed such a thing. Realistically, she will never again participate at full capacity as an athlete, so she needs to apply her character and abilities to other pursuits. I sent her a card and a book to wish her well.
Now comes the most coincidental part. I suddenly experienced extreme pain in my leg. I was sent immediately to the hospital for surgery on a massive, life-threatening blood clot in my leg. My life path, too is forever altered. I am reminded each day and each hour of the wonder and gratitude in each moment of life. Now I must continue to use it wisely.
I later had further news of unfavorable hospital test results, which momentarily unfocused my attention. Once again, I was reminded of what matters. The mail brought this incredible thank-you note from the athlete.
She wrote, "Wow! Your gift caught me off-guard because I wasn't expecting it. Thank you so much! My leg is getting better every day and I cannot wait to walk again. The fact that you didn't even know me but saw all of these positive qualities in me and thought enough about me to send me a card and a book is really touching and inspires me to do bigger and better things. As long as there are people like you in the world, I know it'll be OK. I've been walking. They told me six to eight weeks. I did it in five!"
This outstanding young woman has all the elements for success in life. Indomitable spirit, talent and excellent skills in literacy. Above all, she has awareness of others outside herself. What more could we ask for in the next generations?
I am having a positive day, remembering what matters.
-- The Costco Connection, July 2007
Thursday, July 22, 2010
What's difference between England and Great Britain?
After all these years, I still didn't know the difference or if there was any difference.
I finally took a look at looks like a junior high web site for the explanation.
I finally took a look at looks like a junior high web site for the explanation.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
the best religion
Most people of faith are taught that their religion is true, often to the exclusion of any other religions. Actually, the importance one attaches to one's religion can be a source of strife, as we witness in many of the conflicts that are being fought even today in the name of religion. It can also be a source of spiritual nourishment.
The film clip is a brief dialogue between Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff and the Dalai Lama that occurred at a round-table discussion about religion and freedom. Boff, who was ordained a Franciscan but resigned from the priesthood in 1992, is an outspoken proponent of liberation theology, which calls for churches to engage themselves in the political and economic struggles of the poor and disenfranchised.
With what Boff describes as "malicious intent," he asks the Dalai Lama in this video, "What is the best religion?" Boff anticipated that the Dalai Lama's response would be Tibetan Buddhism or one of the other Eastern religions that are far older than Christianity. To his surprise, the Dalai Lama's response was, "The best religion is one that gets you closest to God. It is the one that makes you a better person."
Few, if any, of us would find it hard to accept such a wise answer. Seeking to rescue himself from his embarrassment, Boff asked him, "What is it that makes me better?" The Dalai Lama's response was even more enlightening:
"Whatever makes you more compassionate, more sensible, more detached, more loving, more humanitarian, more responsive, more ethical. The religion that will do that for you is the best religion.
"I am not interested, my friend, about your religion or if you are religious or not. What really is important to me is your behavior in front of your peers, family, work, community and in front of the world. Remember, the universe is the echo of our actions and our thoughts. The law of action and reaction is not exclusively for physics. It is also of human relations. If I act with goodness, I will receive goodness. If I act with evil, I will get evil."
The Dalai Lama continued, "Take care of your thoughts because they become words; words because they become actions; actions because they become habits. Habits will form your character; character will form your destiny; and your destiny will be your life. There is no religion higher than the truth."
The film clip is a brief dialogue between Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff and the Dalai Lama that occurred at a round-table discussion about religion and freedom. Boff, who was ordained a Franciscan but resigned from the priesthood in 1992, is an outspoken proponent of liberation theology, which calls for churches to engage themselves in the political and economic struggles of the poor and disenfranchised.
With what Boff describes as "malicious intent," he asks the Dalai Lama in this video, "What is the best religion?" Boff anticipated that the Dalai Lama's response would be Tibetan Buddhism or one of the other Eastern religions that are far older than Christianity. To his surprise, the Dalai Lama's response was, "The best religion is one that gets you closest to God. It is the one that makes you a better person."
Few, if any, of us would find it hard to accept such a wise answer. Seeking to rescue himself from his embarrassment, Boff asked him, "What is it that makes me better?" The Dalai Lama's response was even more enlightening:
"Whatever makes you more compassionate, more sensible, more detached, more loving, more humanitarian, more responsive, more ethical. The religion that will do that for you is the best religion.
"I am not interested, my friend, about your religion or if you are religious or not. What really is important to me is your behavior in front of your peers, family, work, community and in front of the world. Remember, the universe is the echo of our actions and our thoughts. The law of action and reaction is not exclusively for physics. It is also of human relations. If I act with goodness, I will receive goodness. If I act with evil, I will get evil."
The Dalai Lama continued, "Take care of your thoughts because they become words; words because they become actions; actions because they become habits. Habits will form your character; character will form your destiny; and your destiny will be your life. There is no religion higher than the truth."
Friday, July 09, 2010
John Ratzenberger and Pixar
John Ratzenberger searches his memory -- he's probably been asked this question a hundred times -- but can't remember anything special about his audition or voice-over sessions for the original "Toy Story." "It was a job," Ratzenberger says. "I believe in taking every job seriously, and doing my best work. But I didn't feel anything different. I definitely didn't know I'd be back."
Since that voice-over session for the 1995 movie "Toy Story," Pixar has grown tenfold, moved to a huge campus in Emeryville, Calif., and released six of the 10 top-grossing animated films of all time. But one thing has remained the same: Ratzenberger. He's returned to provide a voice for every one of Pixar's features -- "Toy Story 3" makes 11.
Pixar filmmakers refer to Ratzenberger as their "good luck charm." After voicing Hamm the piggy bank in "Toy Story," he was cast three years later as the ringmaster P.T. Flea in "A Bug's Life." The roles since then have been seemingly random: an abominable snowman, a school of moonfish, a supervillain, an anthropomorphic Mack truck, a waiter, a space traveler and a construction worker.
Since that voice-over session for the 1995 movie "Toy Story," Pixar has grown tenfold, moved to a huge campus in Emeryville, Calif., and released six of the 10 top-grossing animated films of all time. But one thing has remained the same: Ratzenberger. He's returned to provide a voice for every one of Pixar's features -- "Toy Story 3" makes 11.
Pixar filmmakers refer to Ratzenberger as their "good luck charm." After voicing Hamm the piggy bank in "Toy Story," he was cast three years later as the ringmaster P.T. Flea in "A Bug's Life." The roles since then have been seemingly random: an abominable snowman, a school of moonfish, a supervillain, an anthropomorphic Mack truck, a waiter, a space traveler and a construction worker.
big screen, big price
Consolidated Theatres has upped the ante - in more ways than one - with its Titan XC "extreme cinema" experience featuring the largest commercial movie screen in the state.
At 66 feet wide by 35 feet high, it towers above the audience. Consolidated installed the new screen and Dolby Surround 7.1 system in one of its larger Ward Stadium 16 auditoriums, which already had a 56-by-35-foot screen.
Moviegoers also will really notice the comfy, wider seats upholstered in leather. The 487 rocker seats are high enough to allow you to lean your head back with support.
With such generous seating, moviegoers will no longer need feel claustrophobic when the house is packed, and there's no jostling for armrest domination with your neighbor because there is plenty of room to relax with your arms at your side.
Consolidated also is offering, for the first time, the option of purchasing reserved seating in advance, so no more coming early on opening weekend to wait in long lines at the box office.
But just how much will moviegoers be willing to pay for such luxuries?
General admission tickets for Titan XC shows are $14.25; $11 for seniors and children. Tickets for 3D movies sell for $16.25 for general admission and $13 for seniors and children.
At 66 feet wide by 35 feet high, it towers above the audience. Consolidated installed the new screen and Dolby Surround 7.1 system in one of its larger Ward Stadium 16 auditoriums, which already had a 56-by-35-foot screen.
Moviegoers also will really notice the comfy, wider seats upholstered in leather. The 487 rocker seats are high enough to allow you to lean your head back with support.
With such generous seating, moviegoers will no longer need feel claustrophobic when the house is packed, and there's no jostling for armrest domination with your neighbor because there is plenty of room to relax with your arms at your side.
Consolidated also is offering, for the first time, the option of purchasing reserved seating in advance, so no more coming early on opening weekend to wait in long lines at the box office.
But just how much will moviegoers be willing to pay for such luxuries?
General admission tickets for Titan XC shows are $14.25; $11 for seniors and children. Tickets for 3D movies sell for $16.25 for general admission and $13 for seniors and children.
Jim Bohlen, founder of Greenpeace
Jim Bohlen, whose snap decision to sail to Amchitka Island, Alaska, to protest an underground nuclear test led to the creation of the environmental organization Greenpeace, died Monday in Comox, British Columbia. He was 84 and lived in Courtenay, British Columbia. The cause was complications of Parkinson’s disease, his daughter, Margot Bradley, said.
Mr. Bohlen was a founder of the Don’t Make a Wave Committee, a group of Sierra Club members determined to oppose nuclear testing at Amchitka Island in the Aleutians, which had begun in 1969.
With a test scheduled for fall 1971, little more than a year away, Mr. Bohlen complained to his wife, Marie, that the committee was deliberating too slowly.
As she offhandedly suggested that they sail a boat to the test site, a reporter for The Vancouver Sun called to check in on the committee’s deliberations. Mr. Bohlen, caught off guard, said, “We hope to sail a boat to Amchitka to confront the bomb,” a remark that appeared in the newspaper the next day.
The committee made good on Mr. Bohlen’s pledge. After Irving Stowe, a core member, organized a fund-raising concert in Vancouver with Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Phil Ochs and the Canadian rock band Chilliwack, the committee leased the halibut fishing vessel Phyllis Cormack, and, after renaming it Greenpeace, sailed to Alaska.
Although the boat was intercepted by the Coast Guard, public outcry caused a delay in the test. The program was later abandoned, and Amchitka Island was turned into a bird sanctuary.
Today Greenpeace is an international organization with more than three million members that carries out environmental campaigns through its offices in 40 countries.
Mr. Bohlen was a founder of the Don’t Make a Wave Committee, a group of Sierra Club members determined to oppose nuclear testing at Amchitka Island in the Aleutians, which had begun in 1969.
With a test scheduled for fall 1971, little more than a year away, Mr. Bohlen complained to his wife, Marie, that the committee was deliberating too slowly.
As she offhandedly suggested that they sail a boat to the test site, a reporter for The Vancouver Sun called to check in on the committee’s deliberations. Mr. Bohlen, caught off guard, said, “We hope to sail a boat to Amchitka to confront the bomb,” a remark that appeared in the newspaper the next day.
The committee made good on Mr. Bohlen’s pledge. After Irving Stowe, a core member, organized a fund-raising concert in Vancouver with Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Phil Ochs and the Canadian rock band Chilliwack, the committee leased the halibut fishing vessel Phyllis Cormack, and, after renaming it Greenpeace, sailed to Alaska.
Although the boat was intercepted by the Coast Guard, public outcry caused a delay in the test. The program was later abandoned, and Amchitka Island was turned into a bird sanctuary.
Today Greenpeace is an international organization with more than three million members that carries out environmental campaigns through its offices in 40 countries.
Monday, July 05, 2010
TV foods
If Americans ate only foods advertised on TV, a new report says, they would consume 25 times the recommended amount of sugar and 20 times the amount of fat they need, but less than half the dairy, fiber and fruits and vegetables.
For the study, being published this month in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers taped 28 days of prime-time television as well as Saturday-morning programming on the four major broadcast networks. They identified 800 foods promoted in 3,000 ads and used a nutritional software program to analyze the content of the items, comparing the foods’ nutritional values with the government’s food guide pyramid and recommended daily intake values for various nutrients.
The study assumed that individuals were limiting themselves to 2,000 calories a day of the advertised foods, said the lead author, Michael Mink, an assistant professor of health sciences at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga.
A 2,000-calorie diet made up solely of foods from commercials would provide too much cholesterol, saturated fat and salt, which are associated with chronic disease, Dr. Mink said, but not nearly enough nutrients like iron, calcium or vitamins A, D and E.
“Just one advertised food item by itself will provide, on average, three times your daily recommended servings of sugar and two and half times your daily recommended servings of fat,” he said. “That means one food item could give you three days’ worth of sugar.”
In fact, the sources of nutrition in the TV-ad diet were almost the exact opposite of what the government's food pyramid recommends. Instead of making up the smallest proportion of a day's calories, as nutritionists advise, fats and sugars accounted for the largest portion of calories in a diet based on television advertising. Couple this nutritional inversion with the fact that marketing campaigns are notoriously effective in influencing people's behavior and the result is what many nutrition experts call a toxic environment — one that dissuades Americans from making healthy food choices and encourages inactivity.
For the study, being published this month in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers taped 28 days of prime-time television as well as Saturday-morning programming on the four major broadcast networks. They identified 800 foods promoted in 3,000 ads and used a nutritional software program to analyze the content of the items, comparing the foods’ nutritional values with the government’s food guide pyramid and recommended daily intake values for various nutrients.
The study assumed that individuals were limiting themselves to 2,000 calories a day of the advertised foods, said the lead author, Michael Mink, an assistant professor of health sciences at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga.
A 2,000-calorie diet made up solely of foods from commercials would provide too much cholesterol, saturated fat and salt, which are associated with chronic disease, Dr. Mink said, but not nearly enough nutrients like iron, calcium or vitamins A, D and E.
“Just one advertised food item by itself will provide, on average, three times your daily recommended servings of sugar and two and half times your daily recommended servings of fat,” he said. “That means one food item could give you three days’ worth of sugar.”
In fact, the sources of nutrition in the TV-ad diet were almost the exact opposite of what the government's food pyramid recommends. Instead of making up the smallest proportion of a day's calories, as nutritionists advise, fats and sugars accounted for the largest portion of calories in a diet based on television advertising. Couple this nutritional inversion with the fact that marketing campaigns are notoriously effective in influencing people's behavior and the result is what many nutrition experts call a toxic environment — one that dissuades Americans from making healthy food choices and encourages inactivity.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Larry King to hang up suspenders
In an announcement that ricocheted throughout the media world Tuesday, venerable talk show host Larry King said he will be stepping down after 25 years of hosting CNN's "Larry King Live.
"It's time to hang up my nightly suspenders," King said in a message via Twitter.
Later in the day, he released a more fleshed-out statement that he also read at the top of his primetime show.
"Before I start the show tonight, I want to share some personal news with you," he said. "Twenty-five years ago, I sat across this table from New York Governor Mario Cuomo for the first broadcast of 'Larry King Live.'
"Now, decades later, I talked to the guys here at CNN and I told them I would like to end 'Larry King Live,' the nightly show, this fall and CNN has graciously accepted, to agree to giving me more time for my wife and I to get to the kids' little league games."
He added that after leaving in the fall, he will remain affiliated with the cable news network in a more limited capacity, hosting the occasional special.
"It's time to hang up my nightly suspenders," King said in a message via Twitter.
Later in the day, he released a more fleshed-out statement that he also read at the top of his primetime show.
"Before I start the show tonight, I want to share some personal news with you," he said. "Twenty-five years ago, I sat across this table from New York Governor Mario Cuomo for the first broadcast of 'Larry King Live.'
"Now, decades later, I talked to the guys here at CNN and I told them I would like to end 'Larry King Live,' the nightly show, this fall and CNN has graciously accepted, to agree to giving me more time for my wife and I to get to the kids' little league games."
He added that after leaving in the fall, he will remain affiliated with the cable news network in a more limited capacity, hosting the occasional special.
more medical care isn't necessarily healthier
More medical care won't necessarily make you healthier — it may make you sicker. It's an idea that technology-loving Americans find hard to believe.
Anywhere from one-fifth to nearly one-third of the tests and treatments we get are estimated to be unnecessary, and avoidable care is costly in more ways than the bill: It may lead to dangerous side effects.
***
Americans get the most medical radiation in the world, even more than folks in other rich countries. The U.S. accounts for half of the most advanced procedures that use radiation, and the average American's dose has grown sixfold over the last couple of decades.
Too much radiation raises the risk of cancer. That risk is growing because people in everyday situations are getting imaging tests far too often. Like the New Hampshire teen who was about to get a CT scan to check for kidney stones until a radiologist, Dr. Steven Birnbaum, discovered he'd already had 14 of these powerful X-rays for previous episodes. Adding up the total dose, "I was horrified" at the cancer risk it posed, Birnbaum said.
***
By LAURAN NEERGAARD (AP) – Jun 14, 2010
WASHINGTON — D.J. Soviero wanted the least treatment that would beat back her small, early-stage breast cancer, but her first doctor insisted she had only one option: tumor removal followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
Then she found a novel program at the University of California, San Francisco, that gave her an unbiased evaluation of the pros and cons of all treatment options.
"I realized that I didn't need to use a sledgehammer. It was my choice," said Soviero, of San Francisco, who went with the lumpectomy and radiation, but refused the chemo.
It's an unthinkable notion for a generation raised on the message that early cancer detection saves lives, but specialists say more tumors actually are being found too early. That is raising uncomfortable questions about how aggressively to treat early growths — in some cases, even how aggressively to test — along with a push for more of the informed-choice programs such as the one Soviero used.
"The message has been, `Early detection, early detection, early detection.' That's true for some things but not all things," said Dr. Laura Esserman, a breast cancer specialist at UCSF. She helped lead a study, reported last week, that found mammography is increasing diagnoses of tumors deemed genetically very low risk.
"It's not just all about finding any cancer. It's about being more discriminating when you do find it," she added.
***
Fast decisions on life-and-death cases are the bread and butter of hospital emergency rooms. Nowhere do doctors face greater pressures to overtest and overtreat.
The fear of missing something weighs heavily on every doctor's mind. But the stakes are highest in the ER, and that fear often leads to extra blood tests and imaging scans for what may be harmless chest pains, run-of-the-mill head bumps, and non-threatening stomachaches.
Many ER doctors say the No. 1 reason is fear of malpractice lawsuits. "It has everything to do with it," said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The fast ER pace plays a role, too: It's much quicker to order a test than to ask a patient lots of questions to make sure that test is really needed.
***
The doctors finally let Rosaria Vandenberg go home.
For the first time in months, she was able to touch her 2-year-old daughter who had been afraid of the tubes and machines in the hospital. The little girl climbed up onto her mother's bed, surrounded by family photos, toys and the comfort of home. They shared one last tender moment together before Vandenberg slipped back into unconsciousness.
Vandenberg, 32, died the next day.
That precious time at home could have come sooner if the family had known how to talk about alternatives to aggressive treatment, said Vandenberg's sister-in-law, Alexandra Drane.
Instead, Vandenberg, a pharmacist in Franklin, Mass., had endured two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation for an incurable brain tumor before she died in July 2004.
Anywhere from one-fifth to nearly one-third of the tests and treatments we get are estimated to be unnecessary, and avoidable care is costly in more ways than the bill: It may lead to dangerous side effects.
***
Americans get the most medical radiation in the world, even more than folks in other rich countries. The U.S. accounts for half of the most advanced procedures that use radiation, and the average American's dose has grown sixfold over the last couple of decades.
Too much radiation raises the risk of cancer. That risk is growing because people in everyday situations are getting imaging tests far too often. Like the New Hampshire teen who was about to get a CT scan to check for kidney stones until a radiologist, Dr. Steven Birnbaum, discovered he'd already had 14 of these powerful X-rays for previous episodes. Adding up the total dose, "I was horrified" at the cancer risk it posed, Birnbaum said.
***
By LAURAN NEERGAARD (AP) – Jun 14, 2010
WASHINGTON — D.J. Soviero wanted the least treatment that would beat back her small, early-stage breast cancer, but her first doctor insisted she had only one option: tumor removal followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
Then she found a novel program at the University of California, San Francisco, that gave her an unbiased evaluation of the pros and cons of all treatment options.
"I realized that I didn't need to use a sledgehammer. It was my choice," said Soviero, of San Francisco, who went with the lumpectomy and radiation, but refused the chemo.
It's an unthinkable notion for a generation raised on the message that early cancer detection saves lives, but specialists say more tumors actually are being found too early. That is raising uncomfortable questions about how aggressively to treat early growths — in some cases, even how aggressively to test — along with a push for more of the informed-choice programs such as the one Soviero used.
"The message has been, `Early detection, early detection, early detection.' That's true for some things but not all things," said Dr. Laura Esserman, a breast cancer specialist at UCSF. She helped lead a study, reported last week, that found mammography is increasing diagnoses of tumors deemed genetically very low risk.
"It's not just all about finding any cancer. It's about being more discriminating when you do find it," she added.
***
Fast decisions on life-and-death cases are the bread and butter of hospital emergency rooms. Nowhere do doctors face greater pressures to overtest and overtreat.
The fear of missing something weighs heavily on every doctor's mind. But the stakes are highest in the ER, and that fear often leads to extra blood tests and imaging scans for what may be harmless chest pains, run-of-the-mill head bumps, and non-threatening stomachaches.
Many ER doctors say the No. 1 reason is fear of malpractice lawsuits. "It has everything to do with it," said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The fast ER pace plays a role, too: It's much quicker to order a test than to ask a patient lots of questions to make sure that test is really needed.
***
The doctors finally let Rosaria Vandenberg go home.
For the first time in months, she was able to touch her 2-year-old daughter who had been afraid of the tubes and machines in the hospital. The little girl climbed up onto her mother's bed, surrounded by family photos, toys and the comfort of home. They shared one last tender moment together before Vandenberg slipped back into unconsciousness.
Vandenberg, 32, died the next day.
That precious time at home could have come sooner if the family had known how to talk about alternatives to aggressive treatment, said Vandenberg's sister-in-law, Alexandra Drane.
Instead, Vandenberg, a pharmacist in Franklin, Mass., had endured two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation for an incurable brain tumor before she died in July 2004.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Worst Movies Ever
Here's another way to waste time. Not only can you watch movies to pass the time, you can watch the Worst Movies Ever which is actually a channel on youtube.
Here's a few highlights(?)
Karate Dog
SuperBabies: Baby Geniuses 2
The latest: Dragonball: The Magic Begins
Here's a few highlights(?)
Karate Dog
SuperBabies: Baby Geniuses 2
The latest: Dragonball: The Magic Begins
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Cowell era ends on American Idol
LOS ANGELES — Simon Cowell was known for being nasty and mean to aspiring singers on "American Idol," but his final appearance on the show was a total lovefest.
The caustic judge was feted in film and in song during Wednesday's season finale, which saw shy paint clerk Lee DeWyze win the "Idol" title.
There was a montage of Cowell's meanest insults ("It sounded like cats jumping off the Empire State Building ... just before they hit the floor") and memorable exchanges with fellow judge Paula Abdul.
She returned to the show to pay respects to Cowell, saying their work together "brought me immeasurable joy."
"I love all the fun we had together, I love all the laughter we shared together," she said, adding that the show "is not going to be the same without you, but as only I can tell you, it will go on."
Comedian Dane Cook offered a musical tribute, melding Cowell's quips into a song.
"You have the honesty of Abe Lincoln and the charm of the guy who shot him," Cook quipped.
Cowell said he felt more emotional than he'd anticipated on his final "Idol" episode.
"I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support, the fun and your sense of humor," he said. "That's what's been the best part."
"It's been a blast," he continued. "Thank you."
Then he hugged host Ryan Seacrest and kissed Abdul on the head.
The caustic judge was feted in film and in song during Wednesday's season finale, which saw shy paint clerk Lee DeWyze win the "Idol" title.
There was a montage of Cowell's meanest insults ("It sounded like cats jumping off the Empire State Building ... just before they hit the floor") and memorable exchanges with fellow judge Paula Abdul.
She returned to the show to pay respects to Cowell, saying their work together "brought me immeasurable joy."
"I love all the fun we had together, I love all the laughter we shared together," she said, adding that the show "is not going to be the same without you, but as only I can tell you, it will go on."
Comedian Dane Cook offered a musical tribute, melding Cowell's quips into a song.
"You have the honesty of Abe Lincoln and the charm of the guy who shot him," Cook quipped.
Cowell said he felt more emotional than he'd anticipated on his final "Idol" episode.
"I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support, the fun and your sense of humor," he said. "That's what's been the best part."
"It's been a blast," he continued. "Thank you."
Then he hugged host Ryan Seacrest and kissed Abdul on the head.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Ninjas to the rescue
SYDNEY (AP) - Three men who police said were robbing a German medical student in an alley fled in a panic when five members of a nearby martial arts school rushed to the rescue dressed in full ninja gear.
The trio attacked the 27-year-old man on Tuesday night after he got off a train, New South Wales state police said. As the assault was under way, a student coming out of class at the Ninja Senshi Ryu school saw what was happening and called on his teacher and three other students for help.
"We started running towards them and they took off. They would have seen five of us in ninja gear ... all in black with our belts on, running toward them," ninja sensei Kaylan Soto told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "I think they're probably still running if I'm not mistaken."
The trio attacked the 27-year-old man on Tuesday night after he got off a train, New South Wales state police said. As the assault was under way, a student coming out of class at the Ninja Senshi Ryu school saw what was happening and called on his teacher and three other students for help.
"We started running towards them and they took off. They would have seen five of us in ninja gear ... all in black with our belts on, running toward them," ninja sensei Kaylan Soto told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "I think they're probably still running if I'm not mistaken."
Beatles Let It Be
Went back to Salt Lake for a few weeks, since no tennis (Lori went to Europe, then Cathy went to Vegas).
Steve is still looking for The Avengers on DVD (I got him one of them with his Tower gift card a few years ago, then Tower went bankrupt).
Anyway, he wants the Tara King episodes which is the last season shot in 1968-1969.
Wayne was interested in Remo Williams.
And Steve was also interested in Let It Be which is a sort of a documentary on the Beatles making their last album. The film is currently available only via bootleg, though I see it's on youtube (for now).
He was also interested in getting a copy of Red Cliff. But I told him I don't make copies.
Anyway, I'll see if I can get Remo Williams and The Avengers on swapadvd. Remo Williams looks possible. But it doesn't look so likely with The Avengers. Ebay might be a better bet.
Steve is still looking for The Avengers on DVD (I got him one of them with his Tower gift card a few years ago, then Tower went bankrupt).
Anyway, he wants the Tara King episodes which is the last season shot in 1968-1969.
Wayne was interested in Remo Williams.
And Steve was also interested in Let It Be which is a sort of a documentary on the Beatles making their last album. The film is currently available only via bootleg, though I see it's on youtube (for now).
He was also interested in getting a copy of Red Cliff. But I told him I don't make copies.
Anyway, I'll see if I can get Remo Williams and The Avengers on swapadvd. Remo Williams looks possible. But it doesn't look so likely with The Avengers. Ebay might be a better bet.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
playing in the dirt can boost your brain
Playing in the dirt is actually good for you, with brain-boosting effects caused by naturally occurring bacteria in soil, according to recent research from The Sage Colleges.
By studying how quickly mice negotiate a maze, associate biology professor Dorothy Matthews found that mice did better and showed less stress after eating snacks containing the bacteria, which earlier research shows can increase levels of serotonin, a brain chemical linked in humans with increased learning ability and mood.
“When we look at our evolutionary history, we spent a lot of time as hunter-gatherers, or even more recently in agriculture, where we had lots of contact with the soil,” Matthews said. “It’s only been the last 100 years or so that we’ve become more urbanized and are eating our foods in a different way.”
Her research focused on Mycobacterium vaccae, a strain of bacteria that occurs naturally in soil, and that was first scientifically isolated in cow dung.
By studying how quickly mice negotiate a maze, associate biology professor Dorothy Matthews found that mice did better and showed less stress after eating snacks containing the bacteria, which earlier research shows can increase levels of serotonin, a brain chemical linked in humans with increased learning ability and mood.
“When we look at our evolutionary history, we spent a lot of time as hunter-gatherers, or even more recently in agriculture, where we had lots of contact with the soil,” Matthews said. “It’s only been the last 100 years or so that we’ve become more urbanized and are eating our foods in a different way.”
Her research focused on Mycobacterium vaccae, a strain of bacteria that occurs naturally in soil, and that was first scientifically isolated in cow dung.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Investigating Healthy Minds
Madison, WI, USA, 14 May 2010 (By Ryan J. Foley, AP) - After hearing about his cutting-edge research on the brain and emotions through mutual friends, the Dalai Lama invited Richard Davidson to his home in India in 1992 to pose a question.
Scientists often study depression, anxiety and fear, but why not devote your work to the causes of positive human qualities like happiness and compassion? the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader asked.
"I couldn't give him a good answer," recalled Davidson, a University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientist.
Since then, Davidson has become a partner in the Dalai Lama's attempts to build a connection between Buddhism and western science. This weekend, the Dalai Lama will mark the opening of the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the university's Waisman Center, where more than a dozen researchers will study the science behind positive qualities of mind. Davidson said the center will be the only one in the world with a meditation room next to a brain imaging laboratory.
Davidson's research has used brain imaging technology on Buddhist monks and other veteran practitioners of meditation to try to learn how their training affects mental health.
His team's findings suggest meditation and other "contemplative practices" can improve compassion, empathy, kindness and attention. They support the concept that even adult brains can change through experience and learning.
Scientists often study depression, anxiety and fear, but why not devote your work to the causes of positive human qualities like happiness and compassion? the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader asked.
"I couldn't give him a good answer," recalled Davidson, a University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientist.
Since then, Davidson has become a partner in the Dalai Lama's attempts to build a connection between Buddhism and western science. This weekend, the Dalai Lama will mark the opening of the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the university's Waisman Center, where more than a dozen researchers will study the science behind positive qualities of mind. Davidson said the center will be the only one in the world with a meditation room next to a brain imaging laboratory.
Davidson's research has used brain imaging technology on Buddhist monks and other veteran practitioners of meditation to try to learn how their training affects mental health.
His team's findings suggest meditation and other "contemplative practices" can improve compassion, empathy, kindness and attention. They support the concept that even adult brains can change through experience and learning.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
little known facts
VERY INTERESTING STUFF
In the 1400's a law was set forth in that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have 'the rule of thumb'
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented.. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'.. .and thus, the word GOLF entered into the English language.
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the Treasury.
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
Coca-Cola was originally green.
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $16,400
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair..
The first novel ever written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer.
The Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987, 654,321
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes
Only two people signed the Declaration of on July 4, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
Q.. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter 'A'?
A. One thousand
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase...'Goodnight, sleep tight'
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon..
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts.... So in old, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'
It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's'
Many years ago in Englandm pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when....
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is
home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12 You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list
~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Go on, forward this to your friends. You know you want to! Go lick your elbow.
[forwarded by Paula -- didn't check too many of them yet to see if they were true]
In the 1400's a law was set forth in that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have 'the rule of thumb'
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented.. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'.. .and thus, the word GOLF entered into the English language.
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the Treasury.
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
Coca-Cola was originally green.
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $16,400
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair..
The first novel ever written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer.
The Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987, 654,321
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes
Only two people signed the Declaration of on July 4, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
Q.. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter 'A'?
A. One thousand
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase...'Goodnight, sleep tight'
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon..
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts.... So in old, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'
It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's'
Many years ago in Englandm pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when....
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is
home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12 You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list
~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Go on, forward this to your friends. You know you want to! Go lick your elbow.
[forwarded by Paula -- didn't check too many of them yet to see if they were true]
Friday, June 04, 2010
The Three Stooges Collection
I'm looking (one of these days) to get the Three Stooges Collection, which was remastered by Sony. Volume 1 came out on October 30, 2007. Volume 8 just came out on June 1 to complete the set.
Then maybe I will finally dump my copies on Betamax (sob).
Anyway I was looking around for an episode guide, and I found one at tv.com (26 seasons!). What's neat is you can also view some of the episodes online. (However, not all of the links worked, for example, the very first one, Women Haters, didn't for me.)
The episodes on volume 1 and volume 2 are currently on Hulu. Women Haters works here. (It's OK, but my computer is no match for my TV.)
They also list the episodes on the DVD set at wikipedia. And the complete filmography at the official site.
***
[6/6/10] Apparently in celebration of the release of volume 8 (the last of the shorts with Joe Besser), Costco is selling each for $16.99 with a instant rebate of $4.00. So that's $12.99 (plus tax). That's a pretty good price. I'm trying to get them a bit cheaper on ebay, but the pickings are slim so far.
***
[6/30/12] After finally completing my Three Stooges Collection on DVD (the first six at Costco in June 2010 and the last two at Best Buy in November 2011), Sony has come out with the Three Stooges Ultimate Collection [released 6/5/12] which has all eight volumes plus another three DVDs containing two feature films plus a bunch of solo shorts featuring Shemp Howard and Joe Besser (separately). What's more both Amazon and Best Buy are currently selling it for only $44.99! (retail $95.99). I bought this from Costco yesterday for about $56, but returned it today after I looked up the Amazon price last night.
... a couple hours later. Hey I see the price at bestbuy.com went up to 69.99. OK order it from Amazon before they raise their price too.
[7/1/12] Sure enough. Amazon has raised their price to $64.59 this morning. Good thing I jumped at the price.
[7/5/12] And now it's up to $89! But with this ominous message,
"Item Under Review.
While this item is available from other marketplace sellers on this page, it is not currently offered by Amazon.com because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!)
We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
[7/14/12] Back down to $64.59. Every single episode episode in the entire collection painstakingly reviewed by Stuart Galbraith IV.
Took a look at the Rare Treasures DVDs. There were Columbia shorts that I never knew existed (after having watched the Three Stooges for 50 years). These were essentially Three Stooges episodes but without Moe and Larry. Featuring some of the same directors (Jules White, Edward Bernds, etc.) and same supporting actors (Christine McIntyre, Vernon Dent, etc.), but with just Shemp, Joe Besser, or Joe DeRita. Strange. One big plus with this set was the inclusion of subtitles unlike the others which just had closed caption.
[10/11/12] Looking at Disorder on the Court with the closed caption on. After Moe says, "superstitious eh," Curly replies "Vici Kid". I've been wondering what he said (for like 50 years). But what does it mean? Looking it up, "Vici kid was a fine soft leather used mainly for gloves and shoes. So apparently Curly was commenting on the fine, soft leathery quality of the court clerk's toupee." Oh.
[6/5/14] I couldn't resist and bought another Ultimate Collection at Best Buy (on 5/18/14) since it was selling for only $29.99! Amazon is now also selling it for $29.99 (it was higher when I bought it at Best Buy). The Rare Treasures alone is selling for $14.74 ($49.99 list).
[8/11/14] Three Stooges is no longer streaming on Crackle :( However free hulu has come to android. So maybe it'll come to Roku and IOS. So maybe Three Stooges will come back that way. Meanwhile, you can still watch pirated episodes on youtube (no subtitles though).
Then maybe I will finally dump my copies on Betamax (sob).
Anyway I was looking around for an episode guide, and I found one at tv.com (26 seasons!). What's neat is you can also view some of the episodes online. (However, not all of the links worked, for example, the very first one, Women Haters, didn't for me.)
The episodes on volume 1 and volume 2 are currently on Hulu. Women Haters works here. (It's OK, but my computer is no match for my TV.)
They also list the episodes on the DVD set at wikipedia. And the complete filmography at the official site.
***
[6/6/10] Apparently in celebration of the release of volume 8 (the last of the shorts with Joe Besser), Costco is selling each for $16.99 with a instant rebate of $4.00. So that's $12.99 (plus tax). That's a pretty good price. I'm trying to get them a bit cheaper on ebay, but the pickings are slim so far.
***
[6/30/12] After finally completing my Three Stooges Collection on DVD (the first six at Costco in June 2010 and the last two at Best Buy in November 2011), Sony has come out with the Three Stooges Ultimate Collection [released 6/5/12] which has all eight volumes plus another three DVDs containing two feature films plus a bunch of solo shorts featuring Shemp Howard and Joe Besser (separately). What's more both Amazon and Best Buy are currently selling it for only $44.99! (retail $95.99). I bought this from Costco yesterday for about $56, but returned it today after I looked up the Amazon price last night.
... a couple hours later. Hey I see the price at bestbuy.com went up to 69.99. OK order it from Amazon before they raise their price too.
[7/1/12] Sure enough. Amazon has raised their price to $64.59 this morning. Good thing I jumped at the price.
[7/5/12] And now it's up to $89! But with this ominous message,
"Item Under Review.
While this item is available from other marketplace sellers on this page, it is not currently offered by Amazon.com because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!)
We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
[7/14/12] Back down to $64.59. Every single episode episode in the entire collection painstakingly reviewed by Stuart Galbraith IV.
Took a look at the Rare Treasures DVDs. There were Columbia shorts that I never knew existed (after having watched the Three Stooges for 50 years). These were essentially Three Stooges episodes but without Moe and Larry. Featuring some of the same directors (Jules White, Edward Bernds, etc.) and same supporting actors (Christine McIntyre, Vernon Dent, etc.), but with just Shemp, Joe Besser, or Joe DeRita. Strange. One big plus with this set was the inclusion of subtitles unlike the others which just had closed caption.
[10/11/12] Looking at Disorder on the Court with the closed caption on. After Moe says, "superstitious eh," Curly replies "Vici Kid". I've been wondering what he said (for like 50 years). But what does it mean? Looking it up, "Vici kid was a fine soft leather used mainly for gloves and shoes. So apparently Curly was commenting on the fine, soft leathery quality of the court clerk's toupee." Oh.
[6/5/14] I couldn't resist and bought another Ultimate Collection at Best Buy (on 5/18/14) since it was selling for only $29.99! Amazon is now also selling it for $29.99 (it was higher when I bought it at Best Buy). The Rare Treasures alone is selling for $14.74 ($49.99 list).
[8/11/14] Three Stooges is no longer streaming on Crackle :( However free hulu has come to android. So maybe it'll come to Roku and IOS. So maybe Three Stooges will come back that way. Meanwhile, you can still watch pirated episodes on youtube (no subtitles though).
Monday, May 31, 2010
Timmy Leong
Timmy Leong, a self-taught bodybuilder who was one of Hawaii's most prominent musclemen and owner of Timmy's Health Gym, died of natural causes May 16 at the Queen's Medical Center. He was 83.
Leong, of Kaimuki, represented Hawaii in Mr. America and Mr. USA competitions on the mainland in the 1950s. His ripped body, photographed on Hawaii's beaches, also appeared on national magazine covers.
For more than 40 years, Leong ran Timmy's Health Gym, where clients trained for local physique contests and beauty pageants.
Leong's gym became an informal headquarters for visiting professional wrestlers and local and international bodybuilders, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Born in Honolulu on Jan. 11, 1927, Leong graduated from McKinley High School as a shy and skinny youth too frail to play football.
Inspired by pro wrestlers, he took up weight training and used magazine articles as references for training, spending hours working out with homemade weights.
"I used to use sand -- anything that was heavy," Leong told the Star-Bulletin in 1995.
In the Army he served as a physical instructor and became a lifeguard at Fort DeRussy.
Leong eventually won all the physique contests in Hawaii and entered the Mr. America contest in 1953, finishing in seventh place and winning the "best back" award.
He entered the Mr. USA contest in 1956, placing fourth, and coming in sixth in 1957, according to the website musclememory.com.
In the early '50s Leong opened Timmy's Health Gym on King Street across from McKinley High School. When King Street was widened, he moved his gym downtown and moved at least two more times, said Tommy Kono, a friend and three-time weightlifting Olympic medalist.
Kono admired Leong for participating in national competitions. "He wasn't afraid to get defeated," Kono said. "He wanted to see how he would do against the best."
In the 1950s and '60s, Leong visited the neighbor islands to put on physique exhibitions, sometimes with Kono, who demonstrated weightlifting.
His nephew Darryl Lee said Leong continued working out and coaching friends on their health until his death.
Leong is survived by sister Audrey N.L. Lee and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call at the Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel from 9:30 a.m. Friday. Service begins at 11:15 a.m. with graveside services at Diamond Head Memorial Park from 12:25 p.m. Aloha attire.
***
My dad sent me to Timmy's Gym when I was in the ninth or tenth grade. Nice man.
Leong, of Kaimuki, represented Hawaii in Mr. America and Mr. USA competitions on the mainland in the 1950s. His ripped body, photographed on Hawaii's beaches, also appeared on national magazine covers.
For more than 40 years, Leong ran Timmy's Health Gym, where clients trained for local physique contests and beauty pageants.
Leong's gym became an informal headquarters for visiting professional wrestlers and local and international bodybuilders, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Born in Honolulu on Jan. 11, 1927, Leong graduated from McKinley High School as a shy and skinny youth too frail to play football.
Inspired by pro wrestlers, he took up weight training and used magazine articles as references for training, spending hours working out with homemade weights.
"I used to use sand -- anything that was heavy," Leong told the Star-Bulletin in 1995.
In the Army he served as a physical instructor and became a lifeguard at Fort DeRussy.
Leong eventually won all the physique contests in Hawaii and entered the Mr. America contest in 1953, finishing in seventh place and winning the "best back" award.
He entered the Mr. USA contest in 1956, placing fourth, and coming in sixth in 1957, according to the website musclememory.com.
In the early '50s Leong opened Timmy's Health Gym on King Street across from McKinley High School. When King Street was widened, he moved his gym downtown and moved at least two more times, said Tommy Kono, a friend and three-time weightlifting Olympic medalist.
Kono admired Leong for participating in national competitions. "He wasn't afraid to get defeated," Kono said. "He wanted to see how he would do against the best."
In the 1950s and '60s, Leong visited the neighbor islands to put on physique exhibitions, sometimes with Kono, who demonstrated weightlifting.
His nephew Darryl Lee said Leong continued working out and coaching friends on their health until his death.
Leong is survived by sister Audrey N.L. Lee and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call at the Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel from 9:30 a.m. Friday. Service begins at 11:15 a.m. with graveside services at Diamond Head Memorial Park from 12:25 p.m. Aloha attire.
***
My dad sent me to Timmy's Gym when I was in the ninth or tenth grade. Nice man.
the comics, they are a changin'
[7/27/10] I'm checking the Sunday comics section.
Mutts, For Better or For Worse, Garfield, Zits, Prince Valiant, Sherman's Lagoon, Dennis The Menace, Agnes, Pearls Before Swine, Pickles, Dog eat Doug, Over The Hedge, Baby Blues, Between Friends, Hagar The Horrible, Brewster Rockit, Dilbert, Mother Goose & Grimm, Cul de Sac, Betty, Pooch Cafe, Sally Forth, Red and Rover, Jump Start, Non Sequitur, Tundra, The Family Circus, Lola, Candorville, Luann, Beetle Bailey, Blondie, Get Fuzzy, The Knight Life, Frazz.
So at least Sally Forth, Agnes, and Brewster Rockit are still in the Sunday comics.
On 7/4, the lineup was Trouble In Paradise, Mutts, For Better or For Worse, Garfield, Zits, Sherman's Lagoon, Doonesbury, Agnes, Pearls Before Swine, Pickles, Dog eat Doug, Over The Hedge, Baby Blues, Between Friends, Retail, Brewster Rockit, Dilbert, Mother Goose & Grimm, Cul de Sac, Betty, Pooch Cafe, Sally Forth, Red and Rover, Jump Start, Non Sequitur, Tundra, Prickly City, Lola, Candorville, Luann, Beetle Bailey, Blondie, Get Fuzzy, The Knight Life, Frazz.
So there weren't that many changes (see below). In are Prince Valiant, Dennis The Menace, Hagar The Horrible, The Family Circus. Out are Trouble In Paradise, Doonesbury, Retail, Prickly City. (And actually Trouble In Paradise, Doonesbury and Prickly City moved. So the only casualty was Retail.)
Physically, Trouble In Paradise vacated the top of the first page. Mutts, For Better or For Worse, Garfield, Zits moved up one spot on the page. And Prince Valiant moved into the bottom of the first page.
Dennis The Menace took the place of Doonesbury on the second page.
Hagar The Horrible took the place of Retail on the third page.
The Family Circus took the place of Prickly City on the fifth page.
[7/12/10] Comparing today's comics section to Saturday. Today there's Baby Blues, Sherman's Lagoon, Blondie, Beetle Bailey, Zits, Mutts, Get Fuzzy, Hagar The Horrible, Frazz, Pickles. Then on the right column, there's Garfield, For Better or For Worse, Mother Goose & Grimm, Betty, Pearls Before Swine, Luanne, Dog Eat Doug, Cul de Sac, Family Circus, Dennis the Menace.
On Saturday the lineup was Baby Blues, Sherman's Lagoon, Doonesbury, Pooch Cafe, Zits, Retail, Get Fuzzy, Sally Forth, Frazz, Pickles. Then Garfield, For Better or For Worse, Prickly City, Betty, Pearls Before Swine, Luanne, Brewster Rockit Space Guy, Agnes, Dog Eat Doug, Cul de Sac.
So, as mentioned below, in are Blondie, Beetle Bailey, Hagar The Horrible, Mother Goose & Grimm, Family Circus, Dennis the Menace. Moved to the editorial section are Doonesbury and Prickly City. And out are Pooch Cafe, Retail, Sally Forth, Brewster Rockit Space Guy, Agnes.
I definitely disagree on the ousting of Sally Forth and Brewster Rockit. Agnes too.
***
Prince Valiant returns to the Sunday comics section. Also returning by popular demand to the Sunday funnies as of today: "Hagar the Horrible," "Dennis the Menace" and "Family Circus."
And tomorrow the Star-Advertiser will welcome to the daily comics lineup "Beetle Bailey," "Blondie," "Dennis the Menace," "Family Circus," "Hagar the Horrible," "Mutts" and "Mother Goose & Grimm." And that will close the books on changes to the comics sections based on readers' comments.
***
With no prior notice, Housebroken was replaced by Dog Eat Doug on 5/3/10 in the Star Bulletin comics section (printed edition). Hmm, I never noticed until now that they had a comics section online.
Not that it matters, since I usually didn't read Housebroken, and I haven't been reading Dog Eat Doug either.
That makes the current lineup Doonesbury, Pooch Cafe, Zits, Get Fuzzy, Brewster Rockit: Space Guy, Dog Eat Doug, Betty, Cul De Sac, Sally Forth, For Better or For Worse, Prickly City, and Sherman's Lagoon. They also feature Garfield on page 3. And Dilbert in the Business section. And Agnes in the Today section.
I just so happen to going through the 3/31/09 paper from my pile (only now). The lineup was For Better or For Worse, Sherman's Lagoon, Zits, Get Fuzzy, Doonesbury, Housebroken, Betty, Cul De Sac, Sally Forth, Shoe, Classic Peanuts, Prickly City, Garfield, Brewster Rockit! Space Guy, Pooch Cafe, Agnes. Plus Dilbert in the Business Section.
So gone besides Housebroken are Shoe and Classic Peanuts, both of which I liked, as the lineup has shrunk from 17 to 15. I think Shoe and Peanuts vanished when the Star Bulletin went tabloid.
***
[6/13/10] Revamped Sunday comics section debuts
[6/6/10] With the debut of the new Star-Advertiser, these comics will appear:
Daily versions of:
» "Baby Blues"
» "Retail"
» "Frazz"
» "Pickles"
» "Pearls Before Swine"
» "Luann"
Sunday versions of:
» "For Better or For Worse"
» "Pearls Before Swine"
» "Retail"
» "Dilbert"
» "Mother Goose & Grimm"
» "Frazz"
» "Sally Forth"
» "Red and Rover"
» "Beetle Bailey"
» "Jump Start"
» "Between Friends"
Weren't we already getting For Better of For Worse, Dilbert, Sally Forth on Sunday? Maybe not. Well, if not, it's about time!
***
Here's some previous changes
2/3/08 - Prickly City and Cul De Sac replace State of the Union and Lucky Cow
7/15/07 - Maintaining added to Sunday section.
4/22/07 - Thorney's Zoo and Calabash added to Sunday lineup
4/15/07 - Zack Hill, La Cucaracha, Preteena booted off. HouseBroken, State of the Union, Brewster Rockit: Space Guy added.
1/8/06 - Peach Fuzz and Van Von Hunter added to Sunday lineup. (I kind of don't remember these, so I guess I never bothered looking at them.)
2/15/04 - 11 new comic strips introduced to Sunday lineup: Spot The Frog, Tina's Groove, PC & Pixel, 9 Chickweed Lane, Slylock Fox, Pickles (one of my favorites), Big Nate, Over the Hedge, Candorville and Rudy Park, Zippy, The Amazing Spiderman. Plus Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz.
9/20/99 - Get Fuzzy debuts
Mutts, For Better or For Worse, Garfield, Zits, Prince Valiant, Sherman's Lagoon, Dennis The Menace, Agnes, Pearls Before Swine, Pickles, Dog eat Doug, Over The Hedge, Baby Blues, Between Friends, Hagar The Horrible, Brewster Rockit, Dilbert, Mother Goose & Grimm, Cul de Sac, Betty, Pooch Cafe, Sally Forth, Red and Rover, Jump Start, Non Sequitur, Tundra, The Family Circus, Lola, Candorville, Luann, Beetle Bailey, Blondie, Get Fuzzy, The Knight Life, Frazz.
So at least Sally Forth, Agnes, and Brewster Rockit are still in the Sunday comics.
On 7/4, the lineup was Trouble In Paradise, Mutts, For Better or For Worse, Garfield, Zits, Sherman's Lagoon, Doonesbury, Agnes, Pearls Before Swine, Pickles, Dog eat Doug, Over The Hedge, Baby Blues, Between Friends, Retail, Brewster Rockit, Dilbert, Mother Goose & Grimm, Cul de Sac, Betty, Pooch Cafe, Sally Forth, Red and Rover, Jump Start, Non Sequitur, Tundra, Prickly City, Lola, Candorville, Luann, Beetle Bailey, Blondie, Get Fuzzy, The Knight Life, Frazz.
So there weren't that many changes (see below). In are Prince Valiant, Dennis The Menace, Hagar The Horrible, The Family Circus. Out are Trouble In Paradise, Doonesbury, Retail, Prickly City. (And actually Trouble In Paradise, Doonesbury and Prickly City moved. So the only casualty was Retail.)
Physically, Trouble In Paradise vacated the top of the first page. Mutts, For Better or For Worse, Garfield, Zits moved up one spot on the page. And Prince Valiant moved into the bottom of the first page.
Dennis The Menace took the place of Doonesbury on the second page.
Hagar The Horrible took the place of Retail on the third page.
The Family Circus took the place of Prickly City on the fifth page.
[7/12/10] Comparing today's comics section to Saturday. Today there's Baby Blues, Sherman's Lagoon, Blondie, Beetle Bailey, Zits, Mutts, Get Fuzzy, Hagar The Horrible, Frazz, Pickles. Then on the right column, there's Garfield, For Better or For Worse, Mother Goose & Grimm, Betty, Pearls Before Swine, Luanne, Dog Eat Doug, Cul de Sac, Family Circus, Dennis the Menace.
On Saturday the lineup was Baby Blues, Sherman's Lagoon, Doonesbury, Pooch Cafe, Zits, Retail, Get Fuzzy, Sally Forth, Frazz, Pickles. Then Garfield, For Better or For Worse, Prickly City, Betty, Pearls Before Swine, Luanne, Brewster Rockit Space Guy, Agnes, Dog Eat Doug, Cul de Sac.
So, as mentioned below, in are Blondie, Beetle Bailey, Hagar The Horrible, Mother Goose & Grimm, Family Circus, Dennis the Menace. Moved to the editorial section are Doonesbury and Prickly City. And out are Pooch Cafe, Retail, Sally Forth, Brewster Rockit Space Guy, Agnes.
I definitely disagree on the ousting of Sally Forth and Brewster Rockit. Agnes too.
***
Prince Valiant returns to the Sunday comics section. Also returning by popular demand to the Sunday funnies as of today: "Hagar the Horrible," "Dennis the Menace" and "Family Circus."
And tomorrow the Star-Advertiser will welcome to the daily comics lineup "Beetle Bailey," "Blondie," "Dennis the Menace," "Family Circus," "Hagar the Horrible," "Mutts" and "Mother Goose & Grimm." And that will close the books on changes to the comics sections based on readers' comments.
***
With no prior notice, Housebroken was replaced by Dog Eat Doug on 5/3/10 in the Star Bulletin comics section (printed edition). Hmm, I never noticed until now that they had a comics section online.
Not that it matters, since I usually didn't read Housebroken, and I haven't been reading Dog Eat Doug either.
That makes the current lineup Doonesbury, Pooch Cafe, Zits, Get Fuzzy, Brewster Rockit: Space Guy, Dog Eat Doug, Betty, Cul De Sac, Sally Forth, For Better or For Worse, Prickly City, and Sherman's Lagoon. They also feature Garfield on page 3. And Dilbert in the Business section. And Agnes in the Today section.
I just so happen to going through the 3/31/09 paper from my pile (only now). The lineup was For Better or For Worse, Sherman's Lagoon, Zits, Get Fuzzy, Doonesbury, Housebroken, Betty, Cul De Sac, Sally Forth, Shoe, Classic Peanuts, Prickly City, Garfield, Brewster Rockit! Space Guy, Pooch Cafe, Agnes. Plus Dilbert in the Business Section.
So gone besides Housebroken are Shoe and Classic Peanuts, both of which I liked, as the lineup has shrunk from 17 to 15. I think Shoe and Peanuts vanished when the Star Bulletin went tabloid.
***
[6/13/10] Revamped Sunday comics section debuts
[6/6/10] With the debut of the new Star-Advertiser, these comics will appear:
Daily versions of:
» "Baby Blues"
» "Retail"
» "Frazz"
» "Pickles"
» "Pearls Before Swine"
» "Luann"
Sunday versions of:
» "For Better or For Worse"
» "Pearls Before Swine"
» "Retail"
» "Dilbert"
» "Mother Goose & Grimm"
» "Frazz"
» "Sally Forth"
» "Red and Rover"
» "Beetle Bailey"
» "Jump Start"
» "Between Friends"
Weren't we already getting For Better of For Worse, Dilbert, Sally Forth on Sunday? Maybe not. Well, if not, it's about time!
***
Here's some previous changes
2/3/08 - Prickly City and Cul De Sac replace State of the Union and Lucky Cow
7/15/07 - Maintaining added to Sunday section.
4/22/07 - Thorney's Zoo and Calabash added to Sunday lineup
4/15/07 - Zack Hill, La Cucaracha, Preteena booted off. HouseBroken, State of the Union, Brewster Rockit: Space Guy added.
1/8/06 - Peach Fuzz and Van Von Hunter added to Sunday lineup. (I kind of don't remember these, so I guess I never bothered looking at them.)
2/15/04 - 11 new comic strips introduced to Sunday lineup: Spot The Frog, Tina's Groove, PC & Pixel, 9 Chickweed Lane, Slylock Fox, Pickles (one of my favorites), Big Nate, Over the Hedge, Candorville and Rudy Park, Zippy, The Amazing Spiderman. Plus Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz.
9/20/99 - Get Fuzzy debuts
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