Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Just another moment in the morning


Another moment just before the sunrise. It wasn't the best moment because I couldn't find my camera fast enough and missed the best moment.
They say red sky in the morning, sailors take warning. I have a red sky or purple sky for a moment every morning, no matter what the weather is like but I have to be looking at the right time to catch it. This particular morning, the other day, it was sprinkling out so I couldn't get the best composition without standing in the rain and getting wet.

139 comments:

Carol said...

Anderson Cooper just reported that some state representative in Florida, yes republican, wants to make it a felony for any medical personel to ask parents if they have a gun in the house. And punishable by a fine of 5 million dollars or 5 years in prison.

Safety instructions are part of the standards of care for pediatrics since accidents are the leading cause of death in children between 1 and 18 years. The proposed law refers to physicians or other medical personel and that would apply to nurses also. Nurses know that instructions about household safety is often the job of the pediatric nurse.

All this obession with guns is really getting crazy. There are some nuts with guns out there and unfortunately some are our political leaders.

Rep. Brodeur files ‘Doc, don’t ask’ gun bill

Carol said...

Jan, did you agree to 30 hours a week? That's tough and 30 usually grows to more at home. Do y'all still have all those care plans to evaluate? I hated them.

Carol said...

We won that case Jan.

Carol said...

I just heard that some kids created a fake Facebook site for one of their peers and put up these sex pics that they created. Gosh, some kids can be so evil and the Internet does provide another forum for them to be evil.

And another thing I don't understand is the number of guys who are using the Internet to download child porn or to solicit children for sex. I can't see how they don't realize that it will eventually catch up with them and ruin their lives. I see a lot of them in jail.

There should be a warning on the side of a computers saying "this device can be hazzardous to your life".

jan said...

Your picture is a keeper Carol. Amazing.

jan said...

Carol, I will get the time back. I will take a 2-3 week vacation one of these days. I am going to Las Vegas for conference on The child with special needs in early March. It is a 3 1/2 day conf. so I will get most of my cont ed units I need. Unfortunately, I don't gamble, but Las Vegas is interesting. The conf is great. I went to one 2 years ago that the same folks put on and it is one of a kind. All expenses paid by the agency so that is a perk of the job.

jan said...

I am friends with my grandchildren and great nieces an nephews. I am amazed at what they post on Facebook. I have seen nothing like you are saying, but they are really "out there" with so much of what they do every day.

Carol said...

Jan, it wasn't a very good pic but we needed something new. I am waiting or the kiddy BD pics.

I just got back from the beauty parlor. I feel a little younger. I was telling my hairdresser that my face has been really scaring my lately. I was putting on some lipstick in my vehicle the other day, using that lighted mirror with my cheaters on and sun light coming thru the window. Yuk. I didn't recognize the old woman who was looking back at me.

God knew what she was doing when she planned our close vision to go out at about the same time our faces do. My hairdresser said she had ordered something new she planned to try that was like a face lift in a box. I told her that if it works, I need a gross of them.

Carol said...

I just heard on our local news that Ted the homeless guy made it to rehab. I'm impressed. Maybe there is hope for him. He did tell Dr. Phil he tied one on while home. I guess he needed a last fling but he did make it to rehab.

Carol said...

Well, another good episode of Modern Family. I laughed so hard I got choked and then lost a little bladder control.

How long will it take me to get used to this old age? Does it grow on ya?

Coreen said...

Keep those 'summer looking' pics coming Carol,
we had more snow 3", ice & rain...& more to come...trying to shovel/clean up is exhausting...

But here's something for you to consider...
remember the bee colony collapses around the world...

Maybe there is a cause, just no one is really exposing the cause yet...how typical, what really matters the future of the world's food...& the media ignores the story....
Bees facing a poisoned spring

Carol said...

The media ignores most of the important stories so they can cover things like Sarah Palin and her idiotic rants.

Most of our problems, like the bee problem, is the result of lack of regulations and oversight. And that is due to greed. They rush things, without proper research, so they can make more money. Greed is going to eventually destroy us all.

The new guys in Congress wants even less regulations. We're doomed.

What do you think that chemical can do to the human who consume those crops?

I just searched C2C and yes they have already covered that story Coreen. George is usually way ahead of the MSM.

Carol said...

Sorry about all your harsh weather Coreen. Our weather, even though way more tolerable than yours, is not very inviting for going outside.

jan said...

the whole thing about the bees is truly scary.

jan said...

Hope your weather improves soon Coreen.

I too am tired of hearing about Sarah Palin. Good grief!

Carol, I would like to hear more about that face lift in a box. what I see happening to me is that the bod and the face are going at the same time. If either were fixed, it wouldn't work, one would not go with the other, so I guess I will live with what I got.

jan said...

John left for Ark this morn to spend some time with his son and sister. So I am alone tonight. Just watched Idol. I like the new judges. They are much kinder to the contestants. Could be an interesting season. Anyone else watch it tonight?

Carol, I taped Modern Family. I will watch it tomorrow night. Its beddy bye for me.

Carol said...

Jan, before you watch Modern Family, empty your bladder. Just a suggestion.

Coreen, when I put bee in a search at C2C, there were 23 shows, over several years, that discussed the problem. George does care about the planet.

Last night George interviewed this Professor emeritus in the physics department of the University of Oregon, Dr. Amit Goswami. He's written a book, How Quantum Activism Can Save Civilization. I better listen to that one and get started working on it before it's too late.

George was saying that only about 5% of society is bad and 95% is good. It's just what I was pondering last night. Only a small percentage of people are greedy, trying to acquire more and more wealth and destroying our planet to get what they want. Why can't the rest of us catch on to this and stop them.

Unfortunately there is a much bigger percent of this 5% governing our country and other countries. We need to realize that the bigger percent, of the good, can change this. And it can start with a thought!

Carol said...

Interesting, George asked the prof what he thought about 2012. He said it offered a deadline. We all tend to procrastinate about things until we have a deadline. I'm guilty there. Also catastrophy motivates us. The Universe is providing enough of those lately.

Now that we have both a deadline and lots of catastrophies it time to wake up and smell the coffee. Time to make some changes.

Carol said...

Jan, what did you think about the new Idol judges? I popped in for a few minutes a couple of times. I like nice judges. What's wrong with telling someone they stink in a nice sorta way? I heard some reports that the program would lose popularity. I guess many people still have a taste for meanness.

Carol said...

If you're not crazy about Sarah, you might enjoy this. I think that Steven Colbert is over her. Hit this link and page down to the video. Yeah, and I was just talking about being nice. Oh well baby steps as Chloe always says.

Palin Fatigue

Carol said...

Coreen, get the snow shovel out again. Do you have a big enough mountain of snow in the yard yet to start skiing down it?

jan said...

Carol, thanks for posting the video of Colbert. that was great!

jan said...

I liked the new Idol judges. They were so much kinder to the contestants. I too like the kinder-gentler approach. You may be right though that it may get fewer viewers.

jan said...

I like the new guy, Steven. He is fun and I liked the way he interacted with the contestants.

Carol said...

Idol was in Nawlins tonight and did pretty good there.

Carol said...

Ain't too shabby down here in swamp country.

Carol said...

I'm feeling a little disappointed right now. Last weekend I bought this little pint of Bluebell Mooolenium ice cream. It's vanilla with chunks of nuts and chocolate. I very seldom have ice cream around here but it was on sale and I couldn't pass that up. It was very good and I ate it over several days, finished it last night.

Today I went to another grocery store for something and looked for another pint of that ice cream but they didn't have it except in the half gallon size. That much ice cream would have put 10 lbs on my ass so I passed it up. Right now, I'm feeling really sorry that I did that.

jan said...

Carol, that is our favorite flavor of ice cream and Blue bell is our favorite brand. I don't dare buy a 1/2 gallon as I can't quit eating it. I only buy it on special occasions.

jan said...

I taped Idol and watching it now. Yay, its in New Orleans. That first guy they had on was good (the music teacher).

jan said...

Just watched Modern Family. Hilarious. I missed Manny. He is my fav character.

Carol said...

Keith Olbermann just signed off for the last time tonight. I've been pissed off at him off and on but still liked to listen to him when I was pissed off at other things going on.

jan said...

Hi Carol, Sorry about Keith O. I liked his newscasts too.

jan said...

John got back from Little Rock this afternoon. Glad to have him back home. He was only gone for 2 nights, but it was lonesome around here at night. I did get a lot done getting ready for students.

jan said...

John said it snowed in LR all day yesterday. They have had more snow than we have this year. Very unusual.

Carol said...

He drove over there for only 2 days?

Carol said...

You know Keith was one who really bitched about what is going on in our government. I wonder if they are getting rid of news guys like him. Maybe Dylan will be the next to go. They do have him at a time when most people are too busy to watch TV. I have to record him. If he goes, all I will have is C2C.

Carol said...

I guess y'all heard that the lady who was texting and fell in the mall pool wants to sue. How irresponsible of that mall to put a fountain right in the middle where people who aren't looking where they are going can fall in. And yes, we can now see what she looks like and interesting, she has a criminal record, one charge being identity theft, of one of her co-workers, where she lifted a credit card and ran up $5000 in charges. Someone should sue her for being a total dumbass.

Coreen said...

As far as Olbermann & MSNBC...for me no great loss since I stopped watching him when he & his
buddies did their best to undermine Hillary...
he served a useful purpose during the Bush years for those of us who were uncomfortable with that time, but he became a mirror image to
his hated 'enemy' BillO...& surprise BillO actually seems more 'reasonable' than Olberman
ever did, though I don't watch him often enough to like/dislike him at this point...

Carol, too bad MSNBC didn't move Dylan into the
primetime slot...but he may be a bit to blunt
for the powers that be...never watched O'Donnell's show & find Rachel annoying, Schulz is a blowhard no matter where he is, so have for the most part not watched cable news/politics shows any longer...

and surprise...I don't really miss any of them...

jan said...

Carol, he flew to LR.

jan said...

Chloe, I see where Rep. Giffords has been moved to Houston for rehab. She is still in intensive care however.

jan said...

One news program said Rep Giffords will be in rehab for 6 months. I wonder what she looks like. Still have that morbid curiosity.

jan said...

I saw that woman on tv that fell into the fountain. She was upset that she was filmed. I just don't get how someone can be that intent on texting or whatever on their technology that they can fall into a big fountain. I have a big peeve with people who are texting or walking and talking to someone side by side and I have to get out of their way. People any more are so unaware of others they are sharing walkways with whether it is outside or in buildings. I think technology has made us more inhuman or inhumane.

Carol said...

I totally agree Jan. I think it is so rude when you have a small group at dinner and someone spends the entire time on their phone texting. Why bother going. But I still couldn't live without my cell phone.

Carol said...

Coreen, I'm ambivilent about Racheal. I've found her too snarky at times. She often irritates me but then I've appreciated when she's covered news that others haven't. And I didn't like O'Donnell when they just had him as a guest.

I only tuned into Keith if I was pissed about something I knew he would also be pissed about. I did like him several years back when he gave Bush what for.

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone. Sorry I've been quiet, but I have been keeping up at least once a day. I'm just physically and mentally exhausted by the end of the day. Talk, talk, talk - go, go, go. No time to think.

Social networking under fresh attack as tide of cyber-scepticism sweeps US
Twitter and Facebook don't connect people – they isolate them from reality, say a rising number of academics

"The list of attacks on social media is a long one and comes from all corners of academia and popular culture. A recent bestseller in the US, The Shallows by Nicholas Carr, suggested that use of the internet was altering the way we think to make us less capable of digesting large and complex amounts of information, such as books and magazine articles. The book was based on an essay that Carr wrote in the Atlantic magazine. It was just as emphatic and was headlined: Is Google Making Us Stupid?

Another strand of thought in the field of cyber-scepticism is found in The Net Delusion, by Evgeny Morozov. He argues that social media has bred a generation of "slacktivists". It has made people lazy and enshrined the illusion that clicking a mouse is a form of activism equal to real world donations of money and time.' http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jan/22/social-networking-cyber-scepticism-twitter

.... I'm looking forward to some of that isolation.

Carol said...

Hello Chloe. Hope you are having an enjoyable visit with your fly. I realize it is exhausting to add, even a pleasant time consuming experience, to your already busy life with a 2 year old.

I have read stuff reporting that all this media can make us dumb but I don't agree with that since I use it to find info on things that I don't have the time to go to the library to look up. I just finished looking up some needed info. I use it everyday as a medical reference at work. Emedicine is one of my favorite sites that I use as a reference. When you use a reference textbook, it's can already be about 7 years out of date. Maybe not so much anymore. I do realize that we do have to be careful where we get that info.

And I guess using the Internet as your only resource for friendship and social interaction isn't good but sometimes there are no other alternatives for finding people of like minds. Dang it, I wish I could. I pray that I could. I can find people, but people who I share nothing in common with. I guess we need them also. I get a lot of that with my work. Way more than enough.

I don't care for Facebook because it is a way too impersonal, and also way too public, but our little blog does more.

Carol said...

This morning I used the Internet to listen to an interview on C2C from last night. One of the weekend hosts interviewed this Dr. Judith Orloff who is a psychiatrist and intuitive. She was discussing how to deal with emotional vampires and how not to be one. I did it while using my Giselle to exercise. Her being a psychiatrist and an intuitive in a interesting combination and rare in my experience.

That was better than watching the emotionally draining news while I exercised. All I was trying to achieve with the exercise would be draining right out.

"Judith Orloff M.D. is a medical intuitive and board certified psychiatrist. She is the author of Positive Energy: Ten Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress, and Fear into Vibrance, Strength, and Love. Positive Energy describes her work as a medical intuitive and how she reads energy fields to aid in health and healing-an area still considered heresy in modern medicine.

She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA, has a private practice in Los Angeles, and is an international workshop leader on the interrelationship of intuition, energy, and medicine. Dr. Orloff worked as a remote viewer for Stephan Schwartz's Mobius group for a decade."

Lifted off the C2C site.

jan said...

Chloe, i read the article you posted and many of the comments too. The social networks are such a new phenomenon. I would like to read the books that are discussed. Like Carol, I too use the internet now for information and encourage students to use it too, as long as they are credible sites.

My pet peeve when I was teaching in a classroom or having a discussion in small groups was when students were on their computers or other technology. Many teachers are now banning technology in the classroom and I agree with that.

jan said...

We are now living in the information age now and we need to make use of the technology. As some of the comments said after the article posted, some people use the social networks to keep in touch with those they don't see often - which is what I do. Some people that use technology for socializing may be those that are home bound or have or may be socially impaired which allow them to stay in touch.

If not for facebook I would not be in touch with you again Carol. We might never have been in touch with each other's lives again. My life has been enriched so much by re-connecting with you Carol and with all my new friends here.

jan said...

Chloe, so good to hear from you. Thanks for posting the article. I will definitely look up those books. I am about ready to buy me a Kindle. John loves his. On his trip to Little Rock this past week, he told me there are so many more people traveling now with e-readers. I think he wishes he had bought one that is back-lit. He is amazed at how many books are free on the Kindle.

Carol said...

I agree that there are benefits to Facebook and getting in touch with you Jan has been one of the best for me and I can see how it can be a great way to share things with family members who live at a distance.

Solar said...

A ton of bricks has hit those people around me that I care for the most: Some family, some of them close friends.

I have been busy at work, and busy at my times off before work.....not a whole lot of sleep, but it seems that I thrive on having more than one ball up in the air.

I haven't read the past posts but will try to later on....I can only guess that you were all very concerned about Coreen as much as I was when all of the bad weather hit her.....right in the eye:

Thats ok Coreen, I don't mind dancing with a gal that has a blk eye....probably a little tired from all the snow shoveling.....so it will be a slow one.....wannna dance little girl??

Carol,

I'm going to assume that you and Maggie are still in the tree house....did you at least take some steps to plug up some leaks...so you and maggie can run around in the.........?

I hope that all has been going well at t he joint, and with your father.!

Maria, hope that all is well with you and your family.!!

Jan,

After reading what you have said in the past...I think that im like you the most....we share a lot of the same thinkings some times....thinkings.....that a word?// anyway...keep up the walks, and the swimming....keeps the mind in great shape.! I do envy your travels....thats about all i envy anyone........

Chloe....

You know what I have said in the past whenever im not around....im sitting right next to you....all you have to do...is turn towrds the left...make the the right of you and there I am........maybe in the middle of you and Emma....never know......but I am there.!!!

I be she is growing up a little and pretty as any little girl has ever been....cept you maybe...(hope that makes up a little?).....

But I want all of you that I do think of you and what you have been up to.....lot to read...but if i don't, I know it all good, with a little sprinkle of everyday bs.

Carol, I don't know how anyone can say that the internet can make people dumb......now that was a big dumb ass that said that....there is so much that can be leaned from it, that schools won't, or can't teach, that it should be a law against not having it...

Solar said...

I have been told that im one of the most persistent person around: I have been given some projects from some architect types just b/c of this.....they know that it is a must ( quality) in order to start and complete a project...I won't let anything stop me from doing it.....

Well maybe this will really work for my now.!

I have takes some major steps forward towards building my solarcrete homes...if they do go on as scheduled .....I believe that they will make the news...big time, since they will be small affordable homes for first time home buyers.

I was offered 21 sites to start building them...I only took 4 of them...for right now ( don't want to pay taxes of them all ) but have signed a contract for the rest....like I said...if they go on to be constructed as planned they will make the news...big time..and there are hundreds more to be built on our program:

We are at the crucial stages right now...we have 4-4 5 lots...2 clients to move right in...all we are waiting for is to have a zone change for residential....with houses on them ( they were demolished) to residential with empty lots on them....

After this step...we should have to complete architectural drawings, and get the financing together and start in the middle of March....but im still in the cautious mode...im still in the wait and see attitude...but very enthusiastic about it all now....

We have been hit with some pretty cold stuff hear in Il, but it's winter what does' anyone expect??? I just roll with it... a few more wks, and it's history....the start of the super bowl game to me, it the end of winter....it's all down hill from there.....

See you all a little later, going to watch the Bears game with a few of my Military/Childhood friends....lots of bs is going to go on there today....lots of fun...can't wait.....later.

Solar said...

most persistent people around that should have read.......

Carol said...

Great to hear from you Solar. I'm also happy that your MIA status was for good reasons. Good luck with your projects!

My friends and I down here are pulling for your Bears and Coreen's Jets.

I wish I could send you a piece of our beautiful day today. We had a little taste of Spring. It's 63 and sunny outside and I've been out there blowing and washing off decks. Someone stole my nice pressure washers so I tried to use this old, less nice one, but it doesn't work anymore. I've been online looking for a new one.

Coreen said...

Carol & Jan...a bit about your fav comedy...

What Modern Family says about modern families

Carol said...

OK Coreen, now it's up to your team so that we're not totally skunked this sport's season.

Coreen said...

Solar good to know you didn't abandon the crew...

And by the way its pretty cold....

But pitchers & catchers is just a couple of weeks away!!!...

Gotta go....almost time

J-E-T-S....Jets! Jets! Jets!....

Joe Willie likes their chances...Could it be...about 4 hours & counting to find out...

jan said...

Coreen, your Jets can still win this game. It is the 2nd qr here and Pit is only ahead by 10 pts. Go JETS!

jan said...

Good to see you back Solar. enjoy your Bears game.

jan said...

I have been out with students at an annual city wide health fair. It was fun and I am tuckered. Hope you all have a good evening. I rented, Social Network for John and I to watch tonight. I want to be entertained.

Coreen said...

This is a disaster...It would take a bunch of miracles to get out of this mess...

Coreen said...

A disaster...It will take a bunch of miracles to turn this around...But you gotta believe...

Carol said...

I had to give up on it Coreen. I don't like Rottenburger.

Coreen said...

Well, like I said, pitchers & catchers in just a couple of weeks....

Carol, like the name change...but the Steelers
played a good game...the 2nd half the Jets
gave it a go, but a little to late...

Carol said...

Oh Coreen, it's cold up your way.

Coreen said...

Yes, it was zero at 7 a.m., now its up to 4...

Carol said...

Brrrrrr!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jan,
They have a graphite colored Kindle on sale at Target right now for $139.00. It'll download off WIFI, or whatever internet connection you have available. They also have one there for $189.00 has 3G (which is built in internet connection) plus the wifi. That means you can connect to the internet (at least at Amazon, and sights that download) no matter where you are. The internet connection is 'built in'. A 3G with the cell phone companies is usually about $89. month, but this one's free. Well worth the extra $50 in my opinion, because I'm not always in an area that has wifi.

They purposely didn't make them back lit, so they're easier on your eyes. I have a clip on light I ordered from Amazon, that I've used for years now, and only had to change the battery once. It's amazing. http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Bright-XtraFlex2-Kindle-Version/dp/B000TXZIDM

Like John, I really do love my Kindle too.

Anonymous said...

Carol, I agree with you about that article that the internet dumbing us down. But I do think that the younger generation has gone a little (a lot!) overboard, when you add to that the constant texting, facefbook, twitter, etc. In there case, I think it's going to end up having an enormous effect on them.

Coreen - stay warm!

Anonymous said...

Enjoying your posts, and glad to see you dropped by Solar. Glad to hear that things are going well for you, and wish you the best.

A few more days, and my life should be getting back to normal.

jan said...

Hi all, been really busy but it is good to check in here.

Chloe, thanks for the info. Have to see about the built in wifi. interesting!


Coreen, hope you are staying warm, thanks for post about Modern Family.

Carol, the 10 hrs/week is a big BUST, ha

jan said...

Solar, hope you drop in again soon.

jan said...

Watched the movie, The Social Network last night. I fell asleep in the middle of it. I wouldn't rent it again. There was better info on how Facebook got started in Time magazine. The actors talked so fast in the movie, John and I couldn't keep up. It wasn't that interesting.

jan said...

Chloe, I too agree- I think many people are addicted to their technology. I think John is too. I can take it or leave it. I had no problem with leaving it behind when on the cruise. I would miss it if I didn't have it but could do without it if necessary.

jan said...

I think if I lived alone it would be harder to do without the technology.

Carol said...

Glad you told me about The Social Network Jan. I tried to rent it at Redbook a couple of times because it was the only thing I saw there that I thought I might be interested in. It was out both times.

Carol said...

And Jan you are correct about this technology being more important to those who live alone. It is human interaction light. Diet human interaction. Not that tasty but the best some of us can do at times.

Carol said...

Watched Harry's Law again last night. Forced myself to try to overlook how realistic it is. I was talking with one of my friends before the show came on and she said, it's only TV Carol. I can't help it if I want even TV dramas to be somewhat realistic.

I did better last night but kept thinking, how are they making any money since the lawyers on the show are representing people who have no money. One of them better win the lottery so it makes some sense. The lawyer left high paying corporate attorney jobs to work for poor people.

The drama does cover many current social issues from a far left point of view. Last night Kathy Bates character was representing this really old, poor lady who was charged with armed robbery and she was definitely guilty but got the jury to come up with a not guilty verdict. It was a case of jury nullification. Not very realistic.

Carol said...

Just read that Ted, the homeless announcer guy, checked out of rehab after two weeks. Do you think he got the quicky cure program??

Carol said...

Chloe, I'm teetering on buying one of those Kindles. I've been looking at them for a while now. I've been really good for a while now with not buying stuff I really don't need. Much of the fun is pondering and wanting something and researching it. Often, once I buy it, having it is not as much fun as wanting it.

Solar said...

Chloe,

When I mentioned that I was very busy with friends and family....it is mostly trying to come up with solutions to some very weighty problems for them...and to a lesser extent myself....

That is the reason for taking a sabbatical from blogging and some other personal contact here, at home....I tend to be a little mean when Im confronted by some of these problems....I try to wade thru the bs that people throw out all the time...the blame game....and I don't want that to rub off on anyone here.....

The part about the solarcete homes give me great hope...but all is not done there either ....won't, can't be sure of anything in this financial climate..........will check in from time to t ime....but do know that I am thinking of you, and all the others.....

Anonymous said...

Hi Solar,
Your honesty is always so refreshing. It's one of the things I find most attractive about you. I understand what you mean about wading through all the BS. Often, the only way I can do that is to keep myself as isolated as possible - I hit overload very easily. Like Carol says, sometimes "human interaction light" is the best way to go. That's why I love our little blog so much.

I know things will eventually work out for you. Don't forget '... this too shall pass' - hang onto that thought. You're the first one to say we need to go with the flow (maybe not in those words, but you know what I mean), so I know that you know that you'll be able to work your way through any problems that you're dealing with. Meantime, don't ever give up on your Solarcrete homes. With your 'stick-to-it-tiveness, you will succeed. The economy has been working against us as a country, but we'll eventually get a break.

Anonymous said...

Carol, If you decide to buy a Kindle, you couldn't have picked a better time. They're down about a $100 from what they used to be. Make sure you check out the new 3rd generation at Target, or on line at Amazon. It's menu has changed a little, and it's slightly smaller and lighter. I like it much better - and the price is right. They take some getting used to (actually took me many months before I liked it better than books), but once you do, you won't be able to get along with out it. And lets face it, we can't fight progress, and this type of electronic book is the thing of the future.

One thing I want to clarify about the Kindle. They all have WIFI capable built in, just like the laptops. The one for $189. has G3 (like some of the cell phones) so you don't need a WIFI connection necessarily.

ps Not surprised that Ted checked out in 2 weeks. Lindsey Lohan has done that often, and we all know how that turned out for her.

Anonymous said...

Jan, I have to admit that I love all the new technology. I'm not into facebook, twitter or texting, but I do love all the gadgets, and they are an important part of my life. I feel so fortunate to have lived long enough to be a part of all the new 'toys' that have become such an important part of our new information age. I actually feel more comfortable making use of all the new ways of communicating than I did before we had them. I can't wait to see what they come up with next. That's what I like most about October - it seems that a lot of new stuff is pushed out into the market in order to take advantage of Christmas.

All the new technology has made my life not only more enjoyable, but easier too. I'm not someone that wants to go back in time. Things just keep getting better, imo. At the same time, I think these kids nowadays missed out on a lot of the innocence that we were fortunate to experience when we were young.

Hey, I was even excited way back when the Microwave oven came out! I think we went out and bought one before most people even considered it. Ha! ... they sure were big and clunky at first.

... and since then, the more powerful they get, the more I like them. I've always got to have the one with the highest watts.

Carol said...

Ditto everything Chloe said Solar. Write down what you want to achieve this year. It's powerful magic.

Carol said...

Chloe, I'd have to get the Kindle with the 3G because I don't have any WiFi around here, that I know of.

I do love new technology also and used to be an early adopter, years ago, when I could least afford it. Now I wait until others test it and work out all the kinks. I'd love to go to one of those Las Vegas tech shows. I'd feel like a kid in a candy shop.

Carol said...

Check out Trailmix and Nash's Prologue of Obama's State of the Union speech.

It's the second comment on that site. He hit the nail on the head!

http://blogs.cqrollcall.com/trailmix/2011/01/suicide-tops-combat-deaths.html#comments

Also sad is what Craig reported about the number of suicides by the active duty soldiers.

Carol said...

And Coreen, more snow, excited??

Carol said...

How long is this SOTU suppose to last? I just read it and if it was one of my lectures, it wouldn't last 10 minutes. Of course, all my students brought recorders. They were tired of burning up their pens.

Carol said...

I liked the SOTU speech. I think all the people sitting together was a nice gesture. We could possibly solve most of our problems if everyone would remember that we really are all on the same team. "United we stand, divided we fall."

The media certainly helps to fascilitate the division. I don't think they could handle everyone being on the same team. Rush Limbaugh would self destruct so would most of the others also. They all enjoy covering politics likes it's a sporting event.

Carol said...

Yes politics is a sporting event, maybe a sporting event for the more intellectual... maybe not. It's why guys like ole Keith Olbermann can switch from sport's anchor to new's anchor so smoothly. We even have our colors and mascots.

If you haven't already noticed, and I'm sure you have, watch how the media stirs the s--t.
We all feel forced to join one of the teams. We often can't acknowledge when the other team has a good idea, we filter everything they say with a bias. Giving the other team any credit for having a good idea might give them a little edge.

The only time we act as one team and really work together in this country is when we are forced to because of some horrible tragedy that effects all of us. Just maybe that's why the Universe seems to be throwing a lot of them at us lately.

jan said...

Watched the speech and then got distracted about half way through. I did like the way people sat together. Noticed lot of women wearing red jackets.

jan said...

Idol's on tonight. Dying for some distraction from work these past few days. Really am questioning my sanity. The students are nice but so exhausting to work with them and the families too. How did I do this for so many years?

Anonymous said...

"Really am questioning my sanity."

Ha Jan, I thought I was the only one doing that! Join the club!

Human interactions, especially in a situation like yours, where's you have so much responsibility is usually (always) stressful and nerve wracking.

Run away from the things that you don't enjoy. Life is too short to waste too much time doing things we don't want to be doing.

Remember, we always have choices.

Anonymous said...

"The only time we act as one team and really work together in this country is when we are forced to because of some horrible tragedy that effects all of"

I agree, Carol.
But how long does 'that' last.

Anonymous said...

Remember guys, looking after ourselves is our most important job. Then everything else falls into place.

Our needs don't have to conflict with others needs either.. When we're good to ourselves, then we're effortlessly good to everyone else around us.

Anonymous said...

... there's only one person we have any control over. And even that is a lot of work.

Anonymous said...

Going to get some sleep, then back to the drawing board.

Carol said...

First of all, Coreen, are you OK. You need to check in and let us know you are with all that snow falling up your way. How much have you actually had this year and how does it compare to your typical year?

Carol said...

Jan, I forgot about Idol and I would have watched it. I do like the new judges. My comedies were reruns, don't know why. I guess they needed another vacation. You know that rich people need lots of those vacations so they have time to spend all that money they make. It's just us in the middle that can't afford to take many because we have to pay their salaries.

I often forget about Fox because they aren't on my local option on my Dish. I don't know why. To watch Fox, I have to change over to regular anntenae and I don't think about that.

Carol said...

Jan, I was concerned about your decision to work part time at the U. In my experience, it usually doesn't turn out as part time as you think it will.

I do understand your need to slowly wean yourself from your career. One is that our identities are so wrapped up in our work/jobs. Also, we can feel guilt when we have any spare time to enjoy. And working is an addiction and like other addictions, even if it's not always good for you, it's hard to give up. And last, I think many people are afraid that spending too much time with a spouse can cause a burden on that relationship.

Carol said...

Chloe, has the company left yet? Are you back to just your normal hectic life yet?

Coreen said...

Well, not a happy camper...

there is another foot or more of snow overnight...added to the 3" from yesterday that was plowed...& the 3" from Tuesday that was plowed....have not opened the doors yet, have no idea how & when it will be cleaned up...since it is heavy wet snow...

The real problem is that it has been so cold that none of it has melted so there is really no place to put it...I will probably not be able to get the car in my end garage out for awhile, since the snowpile is inching into that
path...

There is a lot of snow on the roof, lots of
long icicles all around...so far no leaks, no creaking in the roof from heavy snow, but
that could change....

I will be lucky to get out of here by Saturday...

Coreen said...

Tried to watch Idol, but honestly I just do not
like it...what I saw was a lot
of angry, swearing people walking out unhappy...

Do not like any of the 'judges' at all, but then I never really liked the show from the start...

Coreen said...

Amazing...my driveway is plowed...it took him over an hour, he got stuck 4X in the driveway...but he finished it...this snowfall
total is 15"...

The good thing is the sun is out & it is warmer...36...I know you guys would say brr....
so some melting already...which will then freeze overnight, but better than the deepfreeze we have been in...

The street is plowed too...down to the black,
but there are tremendous piles of snow around...in my backyard maybe 7 feet where it
has been plowed...

jan said...

Hi my dear friends,
Coreen, you poor thing - snowed in like you have been. what have you been doing to entertain yourself? I started to write that I would like to be snowed in on some work days - but I take it back.

jan said...

Work is better today. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my busiest days. Those are students' clinical days. I have 8 students. There are days I feel like a mama duck with 8 little ducklings trailing behind. Tues was not too bad. I had them all in together for orientation. Wed was a nightmare. I had them one at a time with me in health screenings with families - some out in other clinical areas. It will be like this for the next 4 week. One health screening with a family was in the home - we did a home visit and I took the students. It was a very chaotic home with a 21 year old single mom with a 2 1/2 year old and a newborn. Her sister was there with her 2 preschoolers and the 3 children were yelling and screaming and I was trying to conduct an interview with the mom - in a small apt. The student who was with me didn't say a word. I think she was in shock.

jan said...

correction - I took one student on the home visit.

jan said...

Coreen, we don't all have to like the same programs, TV shows or whatever. Isn't it great that we are all different with unique interests. I just read through you guys' writings about political stuff and sports and don't feel I have to comment. I do try to keep up with who wins when your favorite teams are playing like the Jets and Saints and the Yankees.

Carol said...

Jan, does your clinical assignment require a lot of homework for you? That's the part I hated the most. I enjoyed the time in clinical and teaching but hated the homework. I do still get to do a lot of teaching with my inmates. Some are receptive and some are not.

Remember I told you weeks ago that I was doing affirmations on my way to work for things to go well that day. Things have been going really well ever since, knock on wood.

I've noticed that my inmates are even more receptive to the my teaching and seem to appreciate it.

Carol said...

I get lots of inmates with diabetes and almost all are totally out of control when they come in. Most often it is their fault but almost as often, their management program, prescribed by their medical practitioner, is grossly inadequate. Can't say I blame their medical practitioner since you almost need your patients to be a captive audience to plan a good management program and I definitely have that advantage. Hopefully when they get out, they will keep it up.

Unfortunately proper diabetes management is expensive and many don't have any health care financing and just can't afford it. We do use the most inexpensive options for adequate management.

Most of the meds I prescribe for everything, not insulin, will be on those 4 or 5 dollar plans at the pharmacy. You wouldn't believe how many Docs prescribe these high dollar, hot off the press, drugs that so many of my patients can't afford so they don't even get them filled. I found that to also be the case when working in the "free world".

Carol said...

Coreen, how many inches of snow do you have stacked on your roof? Your house is two stories isn't it? Would be pretty difficult to get that off. I was thinking about that today. I think if I expected that kind of snow I would plant a long rope over the roof in the fall, long enough for someone to get on either side of the house and rack it back and forth to knock some of that snow off every now and again. Would that be a possibility?
To dress it up, you could put a Yankee flag on one end and a Jets flag on the other.

Carol said...

"..a bipartisan panel created by Congress to investigate the root causes of the financial crisis concluded":

that we were screwed by "...nearly every every cog in the financial system: Wall Street investment banks, government regulators, the Federal Reserve, hedge funds and credit rating agencies."

"The crisis panel blamed Wall Street for taking excessive risks and creating exotic financial instruments that even bank chiefs didn't understand. It criticized federal regulators for ignoring clear warning signs that the meteoric rise in home prices was unsustainable and the bubble would one day pop. Credit rating agencies were faulted for telling investors that mortgage-linked investments based on sketchy home loans deserved to be rated as highly as Treasuries. And government officials were taken to task for allowing bloated mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help inflate the bubble, then resisting calls to rein them in because it threatened political goals of maximizing the national homeownership rate.

And they also concluded that "The worst financial crisis since the Great Depression was avoidable"

And what you want to bet...most of the people involved are rolling in dough, our dough.

And the Republicans want less regulation?? Of course those regulators were too busy to do their jobs, busy downloading porn.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/27/wall-street-appears-to-ha_n_815206.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/27/financial-crisis-inquiry-commission-findings_n_814935.html

Carol said...

"Scientists determined it's likely that unusually loud noises reported before the birds began falling frightened them so much that they flew off in the dark, even though they have poor night vision and typically do not fly at night. The Fish and Game Commission also said New Year's Eve fireworks likely led the birds to fly at a lower-than-normal altitude and into buildings or trees. It's estimated that 4,000 to 5,000 birds fell before midnight."

I still don't buy it. Why doesn't that happen more often? They have had those bird there before and the fireworks.

They reported that "The tests ruled out bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, pesticides and chemicals used to kill birds as causes of death."

I do buy that because it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that those things wouldn't cause 5000 birds to fall out of the sky at close to the same time. It still could be some other phenomena.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/27/dead-birds-and-fish-in-ar_n_814853.html

jan said...

Carol, The students have 2 papers to turn in at the end. One is a family paper - based on the family they follow - sort of a care plan and the other is a "prevention paper" that is really just a teaching project. The paper work is minimal. And that is fine with me. I don't like to grade papers any more either.

I think you give the men and women in your facility good care especially for DM.

jan said...

Enjoyed Idol tonight. I do like this group of judges better. They kid around with contestants more - Steve Tyler got onto the other guy - the memory is going- for telling a kid he was "not good."

jan said...

off to bed.

Carol said...

Going to bed now with C2C. George Noory interviews this... "Gary J. McDonald holds dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Finance from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. A Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, the author is well versed in spiritual subject matter, dream interpretation, trained in past life regression, and has worked with Celtic, Native American, and Peruvian shamans. A businessman and entrepreneur, McDonald has dedicated his life to serving humankind both nationally and internationally."

The show is "Metaphysics and Prophecy"
A friend heard this program the other night when working the night shift and she said it was very interesting. This dude thinks "... we are in the midst of 'End Times," If he's really convincing, I might consider retiring soon.

Carol said...

Jan, I also watched some of Idol tonight. They sure do let a lot of them thru, more than I would, but I do like the nicer judges.

Carol said...

Well, I fell asleep before that guy could convince me that we're in the midst of "End Times" even though the way our government is functioning I think they may believe we are. I did hear George say that Mr. McDonald was the first he's interviewed who really thinks that those times are actually near. So, for now, I'll keep my day job.

The weather here was absolutely beautiful today. Another early taste of Spring. Sorry Coreen. It said 71 on my vehicle and it was bright and sunny. It's suppose to be nice again tomorrow, during the day, before the rain returns.

I'm tentatively planning to go fishing tomorrow but the water level is so low that my boat, sitting on that platform, is about a foot above the water. I'm not sure I can push it off and if I can, I certainly won't be able to get it back on.

Anonymous said...

Company's gone, but I need to take a short blogging sabbatical guys.
Hope everyone is doing well -- will be checking in as much as possible.

(... this weather today was Heaven sent here too Carol - and 73 tomorrow. Enjoying it while it lasts, and it's not all that long 'til Spring. Yippee!)

jan said...

I am trying to catch up on my reading here.

Coreen, I am wondering how you have been getting through the days and nights snowed in. I remember while living in Montana that we would get snowed in for 2-3 days at a time. We lived in a little development outside the city limits and they did not plow our little streets. I am trying to remember what we did to get through it. I guess it has been too long ago. I know we did buy cross country skis there. so probably did do some of that.

Anyway Coreen, I am just thinking about you and hope you are doing ok.

Chloe, I will miss you. Do check in every so often. I have been as busy as a "cat covering manuer" Can't spell any more. My dad used to say this. I have tried to come in and say hi once in a while.

jan said...

Carol, interesting about that guy predicting the end is near. I just don't believe that as so many people have predicted that before. I probably won't try to listen to him, as that sort of thing just raises my anxiety and I don't need any more of that.

I probably won't sign another contract to do this again But I think I will try to finish the contract I signed. It is just that there is no way to do 10 hours a week when I have students. They have to do 64 hours of community clinical in about 6 weeks time. when you have students in a hospital setting you can assign all 8 of them to one patient each. In a community setting, you can't take all 8 students in with one family visit.

jan said...

I hope you guys don't mind my complaining - I need to remember this when they call me next time to do this.

I like to work some - 10 hours a week sounded great, but as you say Carol, these part time things never work out like we think they will.

jan said...

One nice thing I am getting out of this word deal is that they are sending me to Las Vegas 1st week in March to a nursing conference. I am taking John with me for just the cost of his plane ticket and his food of course. The conference will be a good one - it is 3 1/2 days long and I will get almost all of my continuing educ credits I need for my relicensure for the next 2 years. Whenever I get stressed about the job now I just think about March.

jan said...

word=work

jan said...

The nurs conference is on "the child with special needs" There is a whole day on autism.

jan said...

Chloe, did your enjoy your time with company?

Carol said...

Your conference sounds interesting Jan.

I went out fishing but we didn't get a bite. A friend from work went with me and it was still nice and relaxing getting out and the boat needed the exercise. Everything is pretty dead out there. Not a lick of green in some places.

Going to one of my favorite restaurants for a Mexican fix tonight.

jan said...

Mexican sounds good. We are going to take Terry and his family out to a salad and soup place tonight.

Carol said...

Been watching some of that revolt in Cairo. The unrest seems to be spreading around. I wonder if one day that might happen here if our government officials continue to take care of the rich and screw the rest of us. I'm actually surprised there hasn't been some protests here already.

Carol said...

7 Tips to Fix Your Cholesterol Without Medication

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/lower-cholesterol-naturally_b_815393.html

Interesting article. Mine was way up but I did have it checked at this health fair about an hour after I ate bacon and buscuit. It probably wasn't exactly accurate since you are suppose to fast for 12 hours.

I don't want to start a statin and have seen more and more controversy about them lately.

jan said...

Carol, John has been on statin's for 15 years. They do his liver tests regularly.

jan said...

New post

Carol said...

They probably sucked a piece of that bacon into the test tube with my blood.

jan said...

Carol, I am going to the new post.

Carol said...

Remember when Katie and I worked with Arthur at the hospital lab when we were in college? We did it just for the experience. It was in the day before there were so many blood borne critters to worry about. Heck, we would be running the lab tests with one hand and eating a hamburger with the other. Good old days.

We used to test our own blood for different stuff. We needed the practice doing venipunctures. One day I had some blood drawn shortly after eating an avocado, the whole thing. My blood was full of these masses of white globs. Scared me. Arthur said it was just the fat. Hey, that's suppose to be good fat. I was surprised it could move thru my arteries without plugging something up.

jan said...

Carol, move to the new post.