LOSE THE 2009 BLUES

New Yorkers had access to a giant shredder to toss their 'bad' stuff from 2009 into...to say good riddance to 2009. If it didn't fit in the shredder...they even had a sledgehammer to beat the heck out of it!

I'd offer a few suggestions of things to toss in a shredder...anything about Tiger...Jon & Kate...balloon boy...Sarah Palin...octomom...stimulus package...cash for clunkers...Bernie Madoff...H1N1...just to name a few.

I've heard enough about all of 'em. Don't care to hear anymore.

For your New Year...I hope you can throw your 2009 crap into a nearby shredder or take a sledgehammer to it.

Let's start 2010 on an 'up' note. Think the best...do your best. Don't fret over things out of your control.

Hold your head high, stay positive and look for ways "to do what's right".


Dan

COOL POOLS

After you win the lottery, and you want to see some of the sights of the world, you can put the Top 10 cool pools on your list and plan to see them all.

Click here and then click on the 'launch' button. Scroll through the images to see where you're going. I think you'll enjoy your time there.

Send me a card when you get to each one !


Dan

NO FREE TV? SAY IT AIN'T SO!

As most of you know from previous blogs, there is no cable or dish TV at the Clark house. Our TV watching is FREE. Whatever comes in over the airwaves and can be picked up by my antenna, is what we watch.

Now it sounds like the new future of TV, could be ALL 'paid' TV. Free TV may be going the way of Buick and dinosaurs...they just don't...or won't...exist anymore.

It seems with the growth of 'pay-TV', with more and more channel options, the 'free-TV' system is losing more and more advertising dollars...and those stations can't compete with the system that has advertising 'AND' fees being paid into its coffers.

Since they "can't beat 'em"...they may have to "join 'em", and start charging fees. Thus...the demise of free TV.

It may not happen this year...or next...but it's likely gonna happen. Now for those of you faithful readers who have been 'paying for TV' for years, you may think "just MAN-UP Dan" and join the new millennium.

My thought is...I don't mind doing it if it's available and I 'choose' to join. I just hate to 'have to'... if I don't 'want to'.


Dan

ARE ALL LIBRARIES HEADED THIS WAY?

What is more important in a library than anything else - than everything else - is the fact that it exists. ~Archibald MacLeish

The best of my education has come from the public library... my tuition fee is a bus fare and once in a while, five cents a day for an overdue book. You don't need to know very much to start with, if you know the way to the public library. ~Lesley Conger

Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest. ~Lady Bird Johnson

As a child, my number one best friend was the librarian in my grade school. I actually believed all those books belonged to her. ~Erma Bombeck

To those with ears to hear, libraries are really very noisy places. On their shelves we hear the captured voices of the centuries-old conversation that makes up our civilization. ~Timothy Healy

The richest person in the world - in fact all the riches in the world - couldn't provide you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local library. ~Malcolm Forbes

We all know California is a state in debt. Likely, the other 49 are as well, we just hear more about California. States are in financial trouble, cities are in financial trouble. This article is about an unfortunate task the city of Oakland has had to take on. How many other cities have done similarly, or will be forced to?

An unfortunate direction to go.


Dan

DUMB PHONE

With today's new 'lingo' and reading an article about smart phones, I just realized I am in the category of 'owner of a dumb phone'. I mean, if it ain't a 'smart phone', it must be a 'dumb phone'.

Sixty-percent (60%) of my kids (I include my sons-in-laws as 'my' kids) own smart phones. Hey they're young...it's the thing to do...everybody else is...why not?

Cindy & I are among the 'dumb phone' owners of the group.

You know what I'm talking about...right? The iPhone, Blackberry, Palm Pre, Cliq, Droid...all versions of 'smart phones', ie. phones that do more than be used as phones.

From the humongous computers of years ago that filled an entire room -to desktops - to laptops...you can now have the power of a computer...literally...in the palm of your hand.

I first saw one this summer at our family reunion. As an opening get-to-know-you-game, I handed out a game with 20+ questions on it. As everyone else struggled to figure out the answers, my great-nephew, Andrew, plugged the questions into his iPhone, and the answers were spitting out faster than he could enter the question. Soon, he was the 'hit' of the party as all the young kids were copying his answers that he found on that 'computer in the palm of his hand'.

Later, after the reunion, the 60% of our kids that I mentioned, got theirs. They have since used them to an unbelievable advantage...including GPS systems to get us to a wedding...check their Facebook account with it...check on email on their work computers...and 'oh by the way'......it can be used as a PHONE !!

If it has a downfall to me, it is that my kids are so tempted with the gadget, they are 'always' on it. It's like an extension of their hand. Every few minutes...they check to see if their friends have texted...Facebooked...or emailed them. It's like they have no 'free time' of their own, because they are always 'on' their phones.

You know, someday I'll probably break down and get one. But for now, I'm gonna play 'dumb'.


Dan

PROVERBS 20:11

Even a child is known by his deeds,
By whether what he does is pure and right.
Prov. 20:11

If you can read this article and not shed a tear...I got nothin' for ya'.

Maybe there's some gifts we didn't get for Christmas...but we have so many other blessings we need to be thankful for. Try not to complain.


Dan

PAYING IT FORWARD

We've heard about it.
We've seen it.
Hopefully...we've done it.

If you want to get people talking...and scratching their head...and giving yourself a good feeling inside...do something kind for someone...but don't let them know who did it.

And you never know...they might do it in return...for someone else. That's what happened here.

Life is good. Sometimes it's real good.

Dan

CHRISTMAS RECAP 2009

Up early.
Fixed a big breakfast.
Ate breakfast with kids, grandkids, Cindy's aunt.
Played games that Santa brought.
Watched movies that Santa left.
Visited with our friend Grace...one of our 'other' girls.
Talked to grandson away in Iowa to see what Santa brought him there.
Ate, drank, snacked, laughed, loved, hugged and kissed.
Belly's full, house is warm.
Blessings galore.

I'm a lucky man.

Dan

JOBS NOW

The New York Times says the top priority in 2010 needs to be finding jobs for those out of work.

I agree!

Few things will inspire confidence and self-respect in people, than for those who are willing to work...to be able to find it.

Other things are important...but this is MOST important.

This is true in my own family. My daughter has been looking for meaningful work for years. Admittedly, she has been her own worst enemy because of choices she has made over those years. But she's gotten a little wiser. She's trying to now find work to make her life better...there's simply very little meaningful work out there. She MUST put forth the effort to make herself more attractive to employers, but there also needs to be something attractive out there to encourage her to make that effort.

My son-in-law, too, is in need of the job market to come back. A tradesman, he depends on a functioning economy for his trade to be working. When it's not working...neither is he. He needs to work...he wants to work...there's just none there.

The NYT article says that one problem on the horizon in 2010 will be the coming of midterm election politics. Our leaders will need to put less emphasis on this...and more on job creation. I believe their wish to get, or stay, in office will be determined on how they meet the needs for jobs.

But the rhetoric needs to stop...the finger pointing needs to stop...and action needs to start.

Our politicians must be held accountable for doing so. Millions across the land are going to see to it. President Obama, and others in office, were put there by an eager group of Americans, ready for a change. I believe that same group will be equally eager to vote them out of office if they don't uphold their end of the bargain.

If they will 'do their jobs', we'll let them 'keep their job'. And right now...'their job' needs to be creating new ones for our family, friends and neighbors.


Dan

A CHRISTMAS STORY

A man worked in a post office. His job was to process all mail that had illegible addresses. One day a letter came to his desk, addressed in a shaky handwriting to God. He thought, "I better open this one and see what it's all about."

So he opened it and it read, "Dear God, I am an 83 year old widow living on a very small pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had a hundred dollars in it which was all the money I had until my next pension check. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?"

The postal worker was touched, and went around showing the letter to all the others. Each of them dug into his wallet and came up with a few dollars. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected 96 dollars, which they put into an envelope and sent over to her. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of the nice thing they had done.

Christmas came and went, and a few days later came another letter from the old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened. It read, "Dear God, How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your generosity, I was able to fix a lovely dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day, and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. By the way, there was 4 dollars missing. It was no doubt those thieving bastards at the post office."


Dan

PLEASE QUIT....HOWARD

Have any of you wasted your time...ever...listening to Howard Stern? He enjoys being known as a 'Shock Jock'. I guess that translates into cursing, nudity, vulgarity...anything that would shock the 'normal' person...he enjoys doing anything and everything that will gross you out.

I have wasted about 5 minutes of my time on this guy years ago...before he went to satellite radio where he could be even more gross. I hope you have not, nor will, waste 5 minutes of your time on this idiot.

This article is about his contract that is about to expire with Sirius Radio so he's threatening to quit...hopefully in an effort for them to raise the offer on a new contract.

My hope is that he'll follow through with his threat and quit...forever.


Dan

DECADE OF FEAR ?

I saw recently they were trying to come up with a 'catchy' name for the decade that is coming to a quick end. January 1 will be the start of a new decade...the 2010's. What can we name the one that is wrapping up?

This article in the San Francisco Chronicle came up with one. 'The Decade of Fear.'

9/11
Katrina
Foreclosures
Unemployment

We've certainly had our ups and downs since 2000. The four events mentioned above were only a portion of the decade. Can we not think of any positive events of the last 10 years? Do we have only a proclivity to highlight and remember the bad?

The author feels we have lost middle ground. Every issue seems to be 'black or white'...'red or blue'...'liberal or right-winger'.

We'd better find a way to meet somewhere nearer the middle, or the next decade may even have a gloomier nickname.

Let's hope that, as the next decade is coming to an end, we all think 'The Decade of Peace' has a nice ring to it.


Dan

WHY ?

All of us have varying levels of connections to our family members, our good friends and our acquaintances.

Some of our family, we are extremely close to. We share personal (sometimes very personal) information with, knowing that it is confidential and will go no further. Other family members, we love dearly, but there are some things we wouldn't share with them.

Our good friends are the same way. Some we are closer to than others. We are comfortable around them, enjoy our time with them, but we might hold our cards a little closer to our vests with some more than others.

Our acquaintances are generally a little different. We usually have a more "hi, how are you?" type relationship and not much more in depth to share. We likely know only superficial information about them. With some, we might not even know their last name, or even their first name. We recognize their face, but may not even have a name we can place with it.

That was my relationship with Patrick.

Until yesterday, I didn't know Patrick's full name...that he had a wife and children...where he lived...where he came from...none of it.

My only relationship with Patrick was that he and I worked at the hospital. The Radiology Department, for which we worked, is divided into sections. In one area, they take xrays. In another, they do MRIs. Yet another, ultrasounds. I work in the Nuclear Medicine section and Patrick worked in the CT section.

On occasion, we might share a patient who was having a Nuc Med procedure and a CT scan the same day, so we might contact the other by phone to coordinate how we might best care for the patient and not need them in my area at the same time he might need them in his.

On Monday morning, Patrick and I passed in the hall, making eye contact and a smile to one another, but not saying anything to each other. He was with a patient, taking them to CT to do their test. I was on my way back to my department after finishing one of my patients and showing them the way out of the hospital.

Wednesday morning, I heard news that made me wish I'd have taken the time to say something to Patrick two days before. Sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning...Patrick took his life.

Patrick leaves a family that includes a 4-year old daughter and a 9-month old son. It's hard for most of us to understand how someone can feel that things are 'so bad' that their only choice to end their problems, is to end their life. 'We' know it's not the only choice...but 'they' don't think so. They believe they are actually doing their loved ones a favor.

Could I have said something to, or done something for, Patrick that might have made a difference? Having that 'acquaintance' type relationship...probably not. He didn't know me well enough to share what was happening in his life.

Too many times we 'wish' our life away. On Monday we'll say, "I sure will be glad when Friday is here." For me, I wish I knew that Monday morning what I know now. I'd wish it was Monday again.


Dan

EXTREME TROUBLE

Okay, I admit it. On several occasions, I have watched the TV show Extreme Home Makeover. If you didn't include my thumbs, you could probably count the number of times on both hands. But I have watched it. And I've cried like a baby at the sad stories and the happy ending of the episode.

For those of you who haven't seen the show, the premise is that some family has written to the ABC network and nominated themselves, or someone they know, to show the horrible living conditions they must live in, and hope to have their home rebuilt to make their life better. They usually have multiple meanings, in that it's a special needs family and the special needs child is living in a bad-for-their-health home...or a widow is raising her 4 children plus the 6 children from her recently deceased brother...or the old woman who feeds all the kids in the neighborhood working out of a kitchen with a hot plate.

Then a team of designers come in, gather a bunch of community volunteers and business leaders. Building supplies, furniture, and appliances are donated. The family is sent out of town to a luxury vacation for a week, and in the week they are gone, the old house is demolished and a new one, with all kinds of bells-and-whistles is built in its place. The family comes back a week later and they unveil the new house to them while tears flow and people jump up and down and say OMG!

What the show doesn't tell...is what happens after the TV lights go out, and the volunteers go away and reality sets in. Someone has to mow the new lawn and trim the new bushes. Electricity, heating and water bills for the new 4000 sq. ft. home needs to be paid. Billy still needs braces. And on and on.

Well, this article addresses that a number of these families have run into troubles after the new home is built and everyone has gone away.

Surely, not every family has had problems afterwards. Some have probably continued to be a blessing to their family and their community.

But, I'm reminded of the old saying...there is no free lunch.

Some people can't handle new found fame or success. If your priorities aren't right, you can be made up all you want, but in the end, it's still you when the make-up wears off.


Dan

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

At this time of year, it's hard to listen to a radio station, or visit a business, and not hear a Christmas song being played. Most of us enjoy hearing them to help us get in the spirit of the holiday.

Every time I hear the song, I'll be home for Christmas, I am touched by the simple lyrics and reminded of their meaning.

I'll be home for Christmas
you can plan on me
please have snow and mistletoe
and presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
where the lovelight gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
if only in my dreams

The song has been recorded by a number of great artists over the years, including Perry Como and Frank Sinatra, but the singer most of us connect with the song is Bing Crosby. His version was recorded in late 1943. The next year, the song grew in popularity as America became involved in WWII. The lyrics seem to share the raw emotions of soldiers away at war, trying to not let their families worry about them, but wishing to be home with their loved ones.

You can almost see a soldier, hunkered down, scribbling a note on a piece of paper to be mailed back home. These words jump out from the letter...

...I'll be home for Christmas...if only in my dreams.

Many a tear has been shed as a mom back home thought of her son away in a foreign land, facing unimaginable terror...dad worrying for his son or daughter...a brother or sister missing their sibling. Christmas time will just not be the same without them there!

Hearing the words of that song, surely led those family members to bow their head to pray for their soldiers' safety and their quick return home.

Those words and feelings had to be equally heartfelt in following years as soldiers were away for the Korean Conflict, and again in Vietnam.

And now...for those soldiers who are fighting today's war.

Sixty-five years later...those tears are still shed...those prayers are still prayed.

May they all be safe this Christmas and return home soon...to share the wonderful meaning of Christmas with their loved ones.


Dan

ADVANCING TV

An article in the Washington Post caught my eye today. It took me back to my early years.

I imagine part of the reason for increased TV viewership today is due to our current economic climate. Many of us are pinching our pennies and rather than going out to do something (ie. which might cost some money), we stay home and flip on the TV (ie. which doesn't cost anything...at least no more than we normally spend).

This article made me realize the amazing transformation of TV in my lifetime.

We got our first TV when I was 6 years old. Before then, I remember going to the neighbors (the Presnells) on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons.

That first TV was a 'black and white'. My guess would be that it was maybe a 15" screen. Color TVs were rare at that time, and very few color programs were being shown on TV anyway. I think maybe Bonanza or Walt Disney were some of the early color shows. The announcer would come on to say, "brought to you in living color..."

Our TV picked up 2 stations reasonably well, and a 3rd one not as well. You had to watch through the 'snow' many times.

I doubt my children have seen a black and white TV. I'm sure they haven't known of the TV programs stopping at late night and then signing back on the next morning. And they couldn't survive with only 2 channels to pick from! And only 1 TV in the entire house? Are you kidding me?!

As the article in the Post is implying, the not-to-distant future will have us getting our TV over the Internet...which means my kids with iPhones will be watching their TV shows on their phones...from anywhere they're located.

So, rather than trying to move the rabbit ears (my kids probably don't know what those are either) to bring in 1 of those 2 channels...they'll flip on their phone and surf the hundreds of channel options to watch their favorite show.

Ain't technology fascinating?

PS. I don't remember too many 'FAT' kids when I was little. Maybe that's because we didn't have all the TV options known today. Rather, we got outside and played.

Maybe there's a downside to that fascinating technology. Maybe the kids need to pick up their iPhone and watch their show if they want...but do it while they walk around the block.


Dan

WHITE ELEPHANT CHRISTMAS

Earlier this evening, a group of us met at a local pub to visit, share some laughs and hold a white elephant gift exchange. Don’t know what that is? More later.

This group of friends (14 attended…another 4 couldn't make it) has a connection with the hospital where I work. Many of us still work there. All the others worked there at some point in the past. Our paths crossed through the years as we worked together on projects or just down the hall from one another. In some way, we had some commonality over the years. We shared ideas together, moaned and bitched together, failed together and succeeded together.

At our exchange, we caught up on what was going on with ones we haven’t seen in awhile. We shared some drinks and appetizers, made small talk…and laughed like we haven’t laughed in a long time. Then we shared some funny gifts with one another and laughed even more.

A white elephant gift exchange, involves everyone bringing a wrapped, unmarked gift. Each person then draws a number. When it’s your turn, you go to the tree and pick a gift. You open it and pretend it’s the worlds’ greatest gift. After everyone oohs and aahs and laughs, the next person has the option of ‘stealing’ your gift, or choosing a new unopened one from under the tree. This continues until all the gifts are opened.

For the most part, it is some gift that you have received in the past that was the gaudiest…ugliest…stupidest…thing you have ever seen. So much so, you wanted to share it with your friends so you could all laugh together.

Now to be honest, some weren’t too bad. The gumball machine was a great gift…if you needed a gumball machine in your home. There were dishtowels, wall ornaments, snack plates, beer mugs, a ‘pickle to hide’, over-sized green Hulk fists that growled when you pounded the fists together. There were DVD’s that, at one time, were likely in the $5 movie bin at the local discount store…and then they moved into the $1 bin…and then into the ‘buy one/get one’ bin!

My gift that I picked? A troll!

It looked to be carved from a coconut. I’m thinking of contacting Jeft Probst of ‘Survivor’ to see if they want it for next years’ "Immunity Idol". If that doesn’t work, I’ll re-wrap it, and take it back for ‘next years’ white elephant gift exchange.

And we’ll all ooh and aah…and laugh like we haven’t laughed in a year.


Dan

GOING GREEN? YEAH RIGHT

Later this week, the United Nations Climate Change Conference will be wrapping up in Copenhagen, Denmark.

A city normally filled with bicycles; a city that has retro-fitted its old buildings to be energy efficient; a city with lush greenery, it is fitting that the topic of making a more 'green world' would take place in a city that is trying to lead the way.

Ironically, the rest of the world is bringing its old methods and ideas there to poison their air.

Leaders from 192 nations planned to attend the event that will conclude on December 18 after opening on December 7. Will those leaders find housing near the conference and be walking to the event? NO. Will they be using electric or hybrid vehicles for their transportation needs? NO. Well, that's not totally true...5 vehicles have been requested for use during the event.

No...more than 1200 limousines will be used for getting participants around. This, after 140 private jets will be flown into their small airport to bring in the attendees.

So many limousines were requested, they had to drive most of them in from neighboring Germany and Sweden because Copenhagen doesn't have that many.

The airport can't hold an extra 140 jets either, so some will have to fly in, drop off their passengers and then fly off to park in neighboring countries until time to fly back in to pick up their passengers when they're ready to leave.

Even our own President isn't helping. Rather than stopping by the conference while he was in nearby Oslo to pick up his Nobel Prize, he set back his attendance date to the final day, hoping to make a more effective presentation at its closing ceremony. So he flew to Oslo, back to the States, and then will make the return trip to Copenhagen and back again.

Organizers of the event, say the total carbon dioxide count for the conference will be 41,000 tons...roughly the same as the amount of carbon emissions produced in Morocco in 2006.

We have our priorities a little off center. We have good ideas, but we often times trip on our two left feet with bad choices...setting bad examples. Let's hope some realistic goals are set at the conference and we work to make them happen.

Dan

MAN WITH CHARACTER

It is hard to have strong moral principles and stand by them. We 'all' want to believe we could, even when tempted. However, when the challenge is staring us in the face...would we?

Here's an example of a man who did. Given our economic times, how easy would it have been to put the money in your pocket, and tell no one?

Here's a man of character who didn't fold under pressure. As my dad would say, 'he did what was right'.


Dan

FROZEN TONGUE

I mentioned in a recent blog that we watched the movie 'Christmas Story' last weekend. One of the scenes from the movie is when the boys argue about your tongue sticking to a metal pole when the temperature is cold enough. One of them tried it and sure enough...it stuck.

Recent news shows that this trick has to be retested each winter...somewhere.

I recall when I performed this trick...in the dead of summer at about 6 years old. We had an old refridgerator, like everyone in those days, that had to be defrosted when ice built up around the freezer. Along with the ice around the freezer section, ours had a metal door covering the freezer.

One hot day, thinking I could lick the ice off the metal door to cool down, I stuck my tongue on the metal door to take a lick. Unfortunately, there was no licking...because my tongue stuck to the metal door.

With no one else home and not knowing what else to do...I PULLED my tongue off...leaving the top layer of it stuck to the freezer.

After some pressure with a wet washcloth, the bleeding stopped.

The lesson was learned. I would NEVER do that again.

I guess we all have to 'try' a few crazy things as we grow up. That was one of mine!


Dan

UNDEFEATED

The term 'undefeated' is being talked about quite frequently around these parts lately.

The Indianapolis Colts are currently 1 of 2 undefeated teams in the NFL. At some point, there will only be one remaining at the end of the season, unless they both lose before then.

The Purdue Boilermakers mens basketball team are 1 of 10 undefeated teams in the top 25 teams in the country. There are other undefeated teams out there too, but they are not in the top 25 teams. Before long, those undefeated teams will be playing each other, so someone will fall from the undefeated ranks. Again, by the end of the season, there will only be 1 undefeated team left, if any.

One of my favorite undefeated sports stories goes back to my high school years. As a freshman and sophomore at Vincennes Lincoln, we had two consecutive very successful basketball teams in 1968 and 1969. The ' 69 team, made it to the final 4 of the state finals, undefeated. Unfortunately, 2 other teams made it as well, with the fourth team having only 1 loss. The combined winning records of the 4 teams was 105-1.

Along the way to the final 4, Vincennes had to defeat one of the other undefeated teams, to make it there. Adding that fifth team, the combined records were 130-1.

Unfortunately, Vincennes didn't become the state champion, but it was certainly an exciting time to get the opportunity.

Those in this area who are Colts fans, will hope for the same results...to get the chance to win it all.

I know Cindy and I will be hoping our Boilers make it to the very end. Undefeated, or not, we want the chance to be the final team left standing.


Dan

JOHN LENNON

Most of you know I'm a Beatle fan...have been since 1964. Today I heard a John Lennon song and was reminded that yesterday was the anniversary of his death.

John, Paul, George and Ringo had split (as the Beatles) 10 years before. Each had gone on to have solo careers, (John and Paul most successfully), but they were all in the news on occasion.

I still remember waking up to get ready for work on the morning of December 9, 1980, to hear the radio announce that John was murdered the night before. Most people know he was on his way home from working on his most recent album and a fanatic shot and killed him. The same guy who, earlier in the day, had gained an autograph from John, as he stalked him in preparation for the murder.

That morning, on hearing of his death, is one of those 'where were you when you heard' moments for me.

John was the more radical Beatle, but as the years would prove, he was the most sincere about his ideas for world peace.

A wonderful goal to have...a, thus far, impossible one to achieve.


Dan

CLEAN WATER ?

My doctor wants me to drink more water. After reading today's article in the Times, I might have to reconsider.

Last year, I had slowly gotten to the point that I was drinking a six-pack of diet Coke a day. Then, one day I suffered from a kidney stone...and it got my attention! I was later told by the urologist that I should drink more water. I have since cut my diet Coke intake to one a day and began drinking more water.

My brother, Dave, has a real problem with bottled water. I think he believes we're being 'horn-swaggled' into believing we're drinking safe, clean, healthy water from those bottles. Who's to say the real quality of the water being put in those bottles? I'm reminded of a cartoon I saw once, showing a couple of guys using a garden hose running from a faucet at the back of a house, to fill a crate of water bottles.

I don't want to believe it, but I'm cynical enough to believe that my brother may have something. That water might just be 'regular water' packaged in a fancy plastic bottle. And the millions of plastic bottles going into our land fills is another matter.

But this headline doesn't make me feel very good about drinking 'any' water.

I'm reconsidering going back to my diet Coke and taking my chances!


Dan

' TIS THE SEASON

This morning, we awoke to our first snowfall. Not much...just enough to make the roads slick and be a pain-in-the-butt. Traffic was 'slow goin' on the way to work and school, as everyone had to get used to driving for that first time with the streets a little slick.

The snow made it official...winter is coming...and so is Christmas.

To get us in the Christmas mood, (besides all of Cindy's decorations), we watched some of the old Christmas standards over the weekend.

Friday night, we began the weekend by watching 'White Christmas' with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Like you, (probably), we've seen it more times than we can count, but it's one of the old movies we 'have' to watch at Christmas time.

We continued our weekend movie fest by watching 'The Christmas Story' on Saturday. You know, the one where the little boy wants the Red Ryder BB gun as a gift, and all he hears from his mother, teacher and even the department store Santa is "you'll shoot your eye out". Again, one of the 'must watch' movies at Christmas time.

Sunday, we watched 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles'. More of a Thanksgiving movie than a Christmas one, it still maintains the theme of cold weather and getting home for the holidays.

I remember when Cindy and I watched P T & A for the first time. We laughed and laughed at the antics of Steve Martin and John Candy as they try to get home for the holiday. We were headed to Vincennes that weekend so we took the movie along and watched it again with her mom and dad. All of us laughed 'til we couldn't laugh anymore. And you know, that's a fun time when you can get your parents to laugh at a movie with you. Later that night, we went to Cindy's brothers' house and all of us watched it again. We laughed, (partly at the movie and partly at watching them laugh as they watched it), until it hurt. We got our money's worth out of that rental!

As crazy as it seems, when we watched P T & A again last night for the 'umpteenth' time, we still laughed at all the funny parts, even though we knew what was going to happen before it happened. And, we still shed a tear at the end, even though we knew it was coming.

I have no doubt, before Christmas is here, we'll watch James Stewart in 'It's a Wonderful Life' for the 1 millionth time.

Sometimes, those good old movies can't be beat. I'll bet you have some too that you've seen over and over, but still enjoy putting in one more time.

With all the negativity in the news this year, we all deserve a little happiness this holiday season.

I hope the Christmas 'spirit' finds you and jumps all over you.


Dan

WE NEED MORE OF THESE

Here's a nice article about a guy with his priorities in the right place.

He's in the medical profession because of the right reason. He has a growing family who he tries faithfully to be a part of their lives. He loves his small community and they obviously love him.

If they can just keep from 'burning him out'. All he does...can be overwhelming.

We need more people like him.


Dan

WAVE THE FLAG FREELY

Shame on a Richmond, Virginia Neighborhood Association, for threatening to take a WWII veteran to court, to prevent him from using his flagpole to wave his American flag. According to their guidelines, using the flagpole apparently makes their ‘neighborhood’ look bad. They instead want him to hang the flag from his front porch.

Well…shame on them.

One of the reasons they have the right to form...‘their little association with all its rules’...is because of men like him. Oh…he’s not just some ‘kook’...he’s one of the oldest Medal of Honor recipients in our country. They don’t give that medal out to just anyone.

Cindy’s dad was a veteran of WWII. I still remember when he got a flag and flagpole for a gift, and how proud he seemed when it was erected. Each morning, he would go out and proudly raise the flag, and at dusk, would lower it and bring the flag inside. He taught my children how you raise and lower the flag so that it doesn’t touch the ground, so not to show disrespect to the colors or country.

Too many times, a flag is seen flying in inclement weather or after dark. I believe proper etiquette and respect of the flag suggests you should not fly it during those times.

Now these idiots think it would be ‘prettier’ for their neighborhood if the retired Colonel would hang it from his porch.

This 90-year-old retired Colonel has earned the right to display the flag anyway he wants.

Shame on the neighborhood association. They just don’t get it.

Maybe they call it an ‘ASS’ociation for a reason.


Dan

D2B LESS THAN 90 MINUTES

A recent article in HealthDay, speaks of the nationwide goal of getting patients with heart attack symptoms in the door of the hospital and to the cath lab for an ‘artery opening procedure’ within 90 minutes.

The hospital where I work is one of the hospitals across the country who has worked hard to perfect their method.

According to statistics from our hospitals’ Cardiovascular Division Director, “we have made great strides and are now working to help nearby, smaller hospitals do the same.”

The director states, “a recent study has shown that patients who suffer a heart attack, have a higher risk of in-hospital death if the ‘door to balloon time’ (D2B) is delayed.” The (D2B) again refers to the amount of time it takes for the patient to arrive at the hospital until their artery is opened in the cath lab.

He goes on to say, “the study showed the mortality rate for patients (D2B) time of 60 minutes was 3.5%, 90 minutes 4.3%, and 270 minutes 10.3%."

Obviously, the faster that artery can be opened, the better the outcome.

Our hospitals' average is 68 minutes.

Even though they continue to try to improve that time, they have now began to assist the smaller hospitals within a 30-40 mile radius to improve theirs as well. The director asks, “what about the hospital that may not have a cath lab? How do those people get cared for?”

Using the expertise of our own physicians, nurses and cardiology staff, they began to evaluate that difficult task. Imagine the challenge of caring for those patients who are 30-60 miles away from a major hospital who report they are suffering chest pain or heart attack symptoms. They must get an EKG to diagnose the cause of the chest pain, get medication, get transportation, find a cardiologist and cath lab staff…as quickly as possible.

The planning and hard work by all involved has paid off. The director reports of the two smaller hospitals they have worked with within a 30 mile radius, one now has the (D2B) down to 90 minutes. The second is just above the 90 minute level.

Great work done by great staff. Similar, I’m sure, to work going on across the country by great medical staff teams working to do their part to make all our lives a little better.


Dan

MINI COOPER

While looking at headlines last weekend, the words ‘Mini Cooper’ caught my eye. I continued to read the few brief sentences written below the headline. Basically, it said:

In California, a family of four, (parents and their 2 children), were killed when their car was broadsided at an intersection by a driver of a Mini Cooper who ran a red light.

(A Mini Cooper is one of those little ‘box’ type cars that looks like a very small station wagon.) Maybe you saw that headline or heard the sad story as well.

Today, I saw a headline in the San Francisco Chronicle that also got my attention. It said two persons were arrested after they were caught having burglarized the home of a dead family.

There are lots of sad things that people do in this world, but that would have to rank right up there as pretty heartless…stealing belongings from the home of a family that has died.

Well, I had to read the rest of the story to see if, hopefully, the thieves had been flogged in public, or left hanging upside down by their toenails in the town square. As I continued reading, I was saddened to find out they hadn’t even been dragged from their home and beaten senseless.

Basically, the woman was pulled over for a traffic stop and found to have a credit card belonging to someone who wasn’t her. After further police investigation, her boyfriend was also later arrested, driving the stolen vehicle from the deceased family.

Only after reading further, and seeing the words ‘Mini Cooper’ did I make the connection. The deceased family the thieves stole from…was the same family who had been killed three days earlier in the accident involving the Mini Cooper.

The article revealed some more facts from the initial accident. The parents killed were in their 40’s and their two children were ages 8 and 5. The family had, earlier in the day, returned from a family vacation in Hawaii. They were all killed instantly.

The driver of the Mini Cooper was 19 years old. It was reported that he had been seen drinking at a local bar earlier in the evening. At age 17, he was arrested for drunken driving and had his license suspended for 1 year. It was estimated that he was driving the Mini Cooper 70-90mph when it entered the intersection. He survived the initial accident, but died the following day.

There are not enough tears to shed for the parents, grandparents, and other family…who lost their four loved ones in a senseless accident.

There are not enough words to express to ease the pain of the parents of the young man causing the accident. Parents who will wonder if they’d done something different years ago…how many lives would have been changed…including their sons'.

There are not enough ‘I forgive you’s’ that can be given to the two thieves…who would sink so low, that they would read about the death of an entire family in the newspaper, and have the gall to locate their address and steal their personal belongings because the owners weren’t home to protect them.

God be with all of them. He’ll cry with them…He’ll say the words they need to hear…He’ll forgive.

He can. I can’t


Dan

CLOSE FRIENDS

Last week, I caught a little of the Paul McCartney concert in New York. No, I wasn’t there…they replayed part of it on TV. Being a long-time Beatles fan, I can never hear too much of most of their music.

One segment of Paul’s show caught my attention. He dedicated a song to John Lennon, one he wrote after Johns’ death in 1980. Paul sang of an imaginary conversation with John, telling him how much ‘he loved him’. Paul admits in the song, that John would probably laugh at hearing the words, but it was no less true.

Between 1958 and 1969, John and Paul wrote and published nearly 200 jointly credited songs. Sometimes a song was written entirely by one, but credit was given to the other out of their respect and friendship. Most times, songs were started by one but would be completed with input from the other. They developed a friendship and working relationship that was inseparable.

We can only imagine what times they, (with George and Ringo), shared in those 5 years of unbelievable fame from 1964 to 1969. They were…after all…The Beatles. Anytime they were in public, they couldn’t safely do something as simple as walk the streets, or have a meal, without being noticed and mobbed. The pressure they were under every day for all those years, took its toll. They had only one another to share their time with. Only ‘they’ could understand what each one was going through. When the Beatles were no more…Paul and John, (particularly),…were no more. It was a ‘marriage’ that had just gone sour.

Pauls’ song made me think back to my high school years. My friend Scott and I became very close, so much so that you would rarely see one without the other. We had other friends in our circle…Mark…Barry…Tree…among others…but Scott and I had a special bond…or so I felt. If I wasn’t home sleeping, I was at Scott’s house. I became another son to his parents. Scott and I did everything…together. Games at his house, pinball at Teresa's Greasy Spoon, basketball in the garage, discovery of beer, lusting after pretty girls, trick or treating…together. We grew through those teen years…together.

Our relationship began to dissolve by the end of high school. After 4 years of a great friendship…it was gone. We had different ideas…different goals, and we drifted apart. I have spoken to Scott, ‘maybe’, 5 times in the last 35 years. We’ve never found that common ground to get back together…and there is some sense of sadness for me.

Close friendships. Where do they go?

Like Paul and Johns’, sometimes friendships just serve their purpose and then they’re gone. Maybe that’s for the better. Each person can then go on to find their own ‘separate’ purpose in life.

I hope Scott has found his. I believe I have found mine.


Dan

SNEAKERS

No…not the shoes. How about the Virginia couple who snuck into President Obama’s White House state dinner? Those 'sneakers'!

As if Obama wasn’t looking bad enough on the issues that are piling up, he gets showed up by a couple of idiots searching for their 15 minutes of fame. Unfortunately for all of us, they found it at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Like the parents who tried to convince the authorities their son had been swooped up in a helium filled, UFO-type balloon…only later did we find it was just a ploy to advertise themselves for a reality show. (A few years behind bars would be a ‘real reality’ that I’d suggest they receive). Now we have an equally, self-absorbed, all-important couple of nin-com-poops who want a TV show, or millions for their book rights or, preferably, both.

Those who want to bash the President, now have more fodder to battle with. I suppose some heads will roll within the security and secret service ranks over this latest escapade, but it’ll be Obama as the real loser of the ordeal.

His credibility is already under attack, and now Mutt and Jeff bring their cartoon show…right to the White House.

The sooner I forget their names…the better.

Dan

OBAMA WINS 4 MORE YEARS !

Looks like it will be 2016, (at best), before the Republicans get a chance to get ‘one of theirs’ back in office. That is…if they follow the advice of John Meacham in his recent Newsweek article.

In the article, Meacham suggests that Dick Cheney should run for president in 2012.

If this becomes true, my comment is…“Welcome back Mr. Obama.” (I believe the same can be said if the Republicans feel that Sarah Palin is their best candidate for 2012).

I am not a ‘tried and true’ Democrat, nor am I Republican. I’d consider myself one who votes for the person and their ideals, before I would vote for a particular party, just for the sake of voting for ‘a party’.

If the GOP believes these are the two best candidates to run in 2012, woe for the Republican party…and us.

In my opinion, (and I believe many others), Dick Cheney plays by only one set of rules…HIS! It is his type of ‘holier than thou’ attitude that had much of the world believing Americans were the ‘bullies’ of the neighborhood. As Barack Obama assumed office in January of this year, much of the world felt like, finally, Americans were taking the right approach to being ‘the good guys’ again. Now, 11 months later, I’m not sure they still feel that way, but they surely think more of Obama than the Bush/Cheney method of governing.

And Sarah Palin is, and will continue to be, her own worst enemy. If she’ll just keep talkin’, no one else needs to say anything. She’ll shoot her own foot. She does not need to be in Washington, D.C., (and I don’t believe she will be), except to promote her book.

I admit I am not impressed with all that President Obama has done, to this point, in office. I believe his credibility, and ours, has dropped now that the ‘honeymoon’ is over and there are real issues sitting in piles on his Oval Office desk.

Apparently the memoirs of Dick Cheney will come out in the spring of 2011, just prior to the caucuses and primaries. But Dick Cheney is not the answer. I know there are better Republicans out there. For that matter, there are better Democrats than Obama out there. But if the option comes down to Cheney, (or Palin), running against Obama, it’ll be a field day and another 4 years for Barack.

That’s not what the Republicans want…but that’s what they’ll get.


Dan

OFFICERS GUNNED DOWN

Today’s news tells of 4 police officers gunned down in Parkland, Washington.

Many of us likely know an officer...no not through breaking the law. Maybe there's one who lives in the neighborhood, or attends our church, or we've met through an aquaintance, or is a friend.

Cindy & I are in that category. For much of the last 25 years, Cindy has worked with Vicky. Cindy & Vicky are best friends. Vicky’s husband, Mike, is a police officer for our city, and has been for nearly 30 years.

Some officers joined the police force because their family members were officers before them. Some join because of the power the position gives them. Some may enjoy the notoriety. I'm guessing none of them join because of the money...because they aren't that well paid. Especially considering that they, at any time, on any day, could come across that ‘one bad guy’ who could mean the difference of them going home that day.

I believe most officers are there because they wish to uphold the law, and see that persons who obey the law, aren’t taken advantage of by those who don’t.

These 3 men and 1 woman officer, it appears, were gunned down in cold blood...ambushed. They had not arrived at a crime scene. There was no warning. They were enjoying a few minutes as comrades as they prepared to start their day, to provide safety and well being for the citizens of their city.

One would presume there are spouses and children at home, who just a few days ago celebrated a day of thanksgiving with their loved one...and now must prepare to say goodbye.

I would hope that this would never happen to the officer that lives down your street, or attends your church, or known through an aquaintance, or who is your friend.

A sad day in Parkland, Washington…and in our land.


Dan

YOU CAN KEEP THE DIME

The other day I heard the song, ‘Operator’, by Jim Croce and one of the lyrics jumped out at me and caused me to think. I wondered if today’s generation were to hear the lyrics, would they understand their meaning.

The song itself is about a guy calling the operator for help in finding a phone number. He tells her his story about a past love that had left him…for his best friend. After some time for healing had passed, he planned to call the two of them to say that he was doing fine…that he was over the hurt they had caused him…and things were okay between them.

The operator gives the guy the number he needs and he writes it down, but he asks her to repeat it because he can’t read what he wrote down…through his tears.

He realized, he wasn’t over her…nor the pain, and instead of making the call, he thanks the operator for being so kind, and tells her…‘you can keep the dime’.

For some reason, those words…‘you can keep the dime’…caught my attention. With the ever disappearing payphones and the increase in cell phones, I wondered if my kids had ever used a payphone and asked for operator assistance. Then I continued thinking that, by the time my grandchildren are a little older, there may not be such a thing as a pay phone, as we remember them.

Before the advent of cell phones, the next best thing to quick access to a phone while away from home was a payphone. If you were making a local call, you inserted a dime (I remember when it was a nickel) and dialed the number. If the person answered, you could talk to them just like you had called them from home.

If you needed to make a long distance call, you had to use the help of an operator. You would tell her the number you wanted her to call and she would tell you the cost of a 3-minute call to that number. After you inserted the proper amount of money, she would place the call for you.

As in the case of the caller from the song, if you didn’t know the number, you put in your dime, dialed ‘0’ and an operator came on the phone to help you. When she answered, your dime dropped back down into the change slot for you to put back in your pocket or for later use. After she found the number you requested, she’d tell you the cost for a 3-minute call and then place the call after your money was inserted.

The songwriters’ reference line in the song was that since ‘the operator’ had been so helpful and listened to his sad story, she could just keep the dime.

I have no idea how much a payphone call costs today…if you can find a payphone! (When was the last time YOU used one? Do you even know where the closest payphone is to your house?)

Operators and payphones. Another lost part of our younger years…


Dan

STUPID PARENTS

A recent report says a father locked his kids in the trunk of his car while he did some quick shopping.

In a separate story I saw on the TV news within the last week, an Indianapolis news station reported about a father who stopped his semi at a strip club and went inside. The problem was he left his child (supposedly asleep) in the vehicle while he went inside.

Reportedly, after being inside the establishiment for 45 minutes, he walked outside, apparently forgetting where he parked his truck. He called 911 to report someone had stolen his truck with his child inside it. The police arrived and found the truck...where he had left it, still with the keys in the ignition. Fortunately, and luckily, the child was in the back of the truck watching a movie.

The child’s mother picked up the child...the truck was towed away...the father was taken to jail.

Maybe he, and the other idiot, should stay there awhile.


Dan

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

On September 6, 1620, 102 passengers, (The Pilgrims), left Plymouth, England on The Mayflower, with a destination of The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, the New World offered civil and religious liberty. For over two months, the passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea.

Arriving in Massachusetts in late November, the Pilgrims sought a suitable landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the "Mayflower Compact" - America's first document of civil government.

After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters. Unprepared for the starvation and sickness of a harsh New England winter, nearly half died before spring. Yet, persevering in prayer, and assisted by helpful Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

In early autumn of 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims celebrated their successful harvest, (as was the English custom), and declared a three-day feast to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. Indian chiefs Massassoit, Squanto and Samoset joined in the celebration with ninety of their men in the three-day event.

No further ships arrived in Plymouth until immediately after that "First Thanksgiving" when ‘The Fortune’ arrived in November of 1621.

But it’s not ‘that’ first Thanksgiving I’m speaking of.

Cindy’s dad, Moe, died in January of this year. When a family member is lost, each holiday seems to be thought of as ‘the first’ since their passing. The first birthday, the first Christmas, the first anniversary...

This will be ‘the first Thanksgiving’.

We will say a prayer, shed a tear, and then celebrate. Moe would not want us to be sad because of him. He’d say, “Pass the turkey and dressing and let’s eat.”

So let’s eat.

Happy Thanksgiving

Dan

STRESSFUL JOBS

I found an article listing 8 jobs that the author considered stressful. I don’t want to demean anyone’s job…all have some validity to someone...but a few other jobs come to mind that weren't listed.

WORKING SINGLE MOTHER
While at work, they worry about their child(ren)... they worry about the cost of daycare... they are exhausted at being a parent and bread winner. Some may even have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Their thoughts range from...do they pay the bills or spend time with the kids. Worse yet, what bill do I pay, and which one do I not. You can't tell me they aren't stressed.

CONSTRUCTION
With the shape of our economy, we’re afraid to start new building for fear of losing our own job and not being able to complete it. Many electricians, ironworkers, framers, anyone with connections to the construction industry, have either lost their jobs or those jobs are few and far between. There is no less stress for them than any other.

THE REST OF US
For too many, we are out of a job or within a bad day of being out of one. There is stress of how to pay bills, will we lose our car, will we lose our house.

It is a stressful time for all of us. Whether we have a job...and especially if we don't.

I struggle to limit it to a few.

It’s all relative. When you are the one affected...it is a stressful time.


Dan

TUBS FULL OF HAPPINESS

My wife, Cindy, is a great interior decorator. We've talked about how, (after we win the lottery), she would like to open a shop where she can help people decorate their homes. She's never had any formal training to do it, she just seems to have an eye for what looks good. She's able to add some ribbon here, a few clumps of flowers there, twist some vines together, and voila! a beautiful wreath or flower group to place somewhere. She has good color coordination too, just sensing what goes together.

Well, it's Christmas time...and Cindy loves to decorate at Christmastime. I spent an hour yesterday getting into our storage area in the attic to get the tubs and tubs and tubs of Christmas stuff down and into the garage. She will spend much of this week emptying the tubs and finding their contents a place in our house. We'll likely have 3 Christmas trees of varying sizes and styles lit up and decorated. Santa nic-nacs will be everywhere. The mantle will be covered with greenery and 'Christmasy' stuff. The fireplace will be decorated. Pictures will be hung. Lights and candles will be aglow. It'll look good...and smell good.

She'll be exhausted. Her back will hurt. She'll move something from here to over there...and then back again. But it'll look great. And she'll be happy.

I LOVE Christmastime.


Dan

NEW TIRES

For a good year...maybe two...my old jeep has needed some new tires. I really didn’t want to part with the money (tightwad…as discussed before) and it's used basically as an ‘in town’ car. We take Cindy’s car on long trips so mine’s just for the short trips.

The rule of thumb I had always heard is that if you stick a penny into the tread groove on your tire and you can see the top of ‘Lincolns’ head, then there’s not enough tread on your tire. Nearly 2 years ago, I was seeing the top of Lincolns' head. I’m not saying they were bald, but much longer and they’d be down to the rims.

Well, this morning, Cindy was off to Vincennes to get her mom and bring her to our house for the holiday, and Mason had spent the night at a buddys’ house. I called a few places to get some estimates and decided to ‘just do it’.

After arriving at the store, we settled on the bottom price and I was told I should be ready to go in 45 minutes. I got my laptop out and began working on some stuff while I waited.

When I paid attention, I overheard several phone conversations between the ‘desk man’ and the callers on the phone. Most were simple calls but one was an in depth conversation, and the desk man laid it on thick. ‘The testing the tire went through…it’s flexibility…it’s response in severe weather…blah…blah…’ He gave it everything he could to make the deal. He surely gets a commission on each tire he sells because he knew his stuff…or at least tried to sound convincing enough that he did.

After about 45 minutes, I got up to see how things were going and saw my car still parked in the same spot I left it. When I asked how we were doing, of course I got the perfunctory, “you’re next.” One hour later, I drove off with my new tires.

In the end, I got a pretty good deal…I overheard more tire info than I cared to know…and my car should be much safer in getting us where we need to go...short distance or long distance.

Sometimes, tightwads have gotta part with some of their money to do the right thing.


Dan

WHERE WERE YOU WHEN...?

This Sunday is November 22. For many of the Baby Boomer Generation, it is a day that many of us can say, “do you remember where you were when you heard the news?”

For today’s generation, it is likely a similar scenario they will play out for much of their remaining years…except the date recalled will be September 11, 2001.

On November 22, 1963, then President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while in Dallas, Texas. He was a young president, much like the president in office today. He came into the office with a spunk and desire that the nation had not seen from their president in a long time…if ever. There was a great feeling across the nation that this ‘young man’ was going to lead the country into a new time.

History has since shown us, that he wasn’t that great of a president after all, and his failings and faults were many. But on November 22, 1963, he was killed in Dallas and the nation mourned at hearing of his death.

I was in the fourth grade at Franklin Elementary School in Vincennes on that day. Mrs. Pepmeier was my teacher. I recall a student knocking on the classroom door and bringing a message written on paper and handing it to Mrs. Pepmeier. I remember her uttering an “Oh!” as she read the note. She then laid her head in her arms on her desk and began to sob.

Minutes later, the principal came over the loudspeaker that each class had in their room. He said he had just received some sad news that the president had been assassinated. He asked that we remain quiet and pray for the president’s family and our nation during this sad time.

I don’t remember anything else at school that day, but I recall getting home and telling dad what I had heard at school. He seemed as if it was new news to him, like he hadn’t heard about the assassination yet. My guess now, is that he too had heard the news, (it had happened several hours before I got home), but he was allowing me the chance to tell him about it as if I was the first person to do so.

That is basically my recollection of that day. Not a whole lot, but a vivid memory that I likely won’t ever forget. As I said, the newer generations’ recall of the day the terrorists flew the planes into the twin towers of New York, will likely live within them as well.

It has been 46 years since the assassination of JFK and we still recall it. By the time the nation is remembering the 46th anniversary of 9/11, those of us who remember November 22, 1963 probably won’t be around. Unfortunately, there’ll likely be some other sad anniversary that will take its place.


Dan

HOSPITAL CHART COMMENTS

Actual Sentences Found In Patients' Hospital Charts

1. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.
2. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
3. On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.
4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.
5. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.
6. Discharge status: Alive but without my permission.
7. Healthy appearing decrepit 69 year old male, mentally alert but forgetful.
8. The patient refused autopsy.
9. The patient has no previous history of suicides.
10. Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.
11. Patient's medical history has been remarkably insignificant with only 40 pound weight gain
in the past three days.
12. Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.
13. Between you and me, we ought to be able to get this lady pregnant.
14. Since she can't get pregnant with her husband, I thought you might like to work her up.
15. She is numb from her toes down.
16. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.
17. The skin was moist and dry.
18. Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.
19. Patient was alert and unresponsive.
20. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.
21. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.
22. I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for physical therapy.
23. Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.
24. Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.
25. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.
26. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.
27. Skin: somewhat pale but present.
28. The pelvic exam will be done later on the floor.
29. Patient was seen in consultation by Dr. Blank, who felt we should sit on the abdomen and I agree.
30. Large brown stool ambulating in the hall.
31. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.


Dan

SOMETIMES, THEY'RE JUST PLAIN STUPID

Yesterday a report was released that recommended that women without unusual cancer risks should not begin regular screening for breast cancer until age 50. Prior to this report, the consensus seemed to be age 40. The group behind the suggestion is the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

The task force also recommended that women aged 50 to 74 should have mammograms every two years rather than every year and, in perhaps the most surprising advisory, that doctors should stop advising women to regularly examine their own breasts.

The New York Times newspaper listed several comments from their readers in response to the report.

“Why all of a sudden this change?”

From one woman who agreed with the report: “I’ve been waiting for common sense regarding mammograms for years.”

Most, however, were like this one: “I already don’t trust these big groups who issue statements like this, but this really makes me question.”

“To tell women that self exams are not necessary, that is absurd. I think the FDA and insurance companies can be a bit like mafias, there are motives that we don’t see.”

“I cannot help but think that this decision has less to do with protecting a woman’s health and more to do with the financial advantages gained through less insurance coverage.”

“While I certainly understand the risks of over-treatment, I have gotten to know a shocking number of young women under 40 who have been diagnosed. Very often, there are no symptoms, other than those detectable through a mammogram or a sonogram. And very often, there is no genetic history of the disease.”

“Everything I’ve heard from the health advertisements to the medical professionals, says that even if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, it doesn’t mean you won’t get it. This sends a real confusing message. Wow, they’re doing a complete 180.”


If we didn’t have enough mixed feelings going on with our health care today, this report seems to have many women’s heads spinning.

I have to believe there are untold numbers of women out there, of all ages, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer before they turned 50. Many of them would not be here today had it not been for that screening mammogram or self-examination they performed.

I truly hope that years from now, we don’t read about all the 50-year old women who waited to get their mammogram, (because that’s what they were told), to find out that a cancer has been found too late.

This group has some real explaining to do. Personally, I hope women don’t listen to their report, or their reasoning, and do what their better judgment tells them to do.

Our daughter Jaime, lost one of her school friends to breast cancer before she celebrated her 30th birthday. She left behind her 2-year old daughter. If it can happen to women in their 20’s…!

I just don’t get it. If anything, I question why the report didn’t suggest under 40 as the new standard. But what do I know? I’m just a guy who lost a mom and a sister to breast cancer. I don’t want to lose any more of my family or friends to this disease.


Dan

ZOE DOG

She’s a Golden Retriever, but she’s more red than gold. She’s always been a big girl, but in recent years has gotten a tad bigger. A short walk outside is enough for her and then it’s back inside to rest from all the exercise. The red face has turned more white than red as age has come. She likes to sleep a lot, finding places where she’s near the family…but out of the way. That way, she can still see, and hear, things going on, but still get her ‘cat naps’ as needed. Her vision is failing, she has several lipomas (fatty tumors) and she passes gas that’ll peel wall paper.

Zoe (pronounced ZO---E) Marie, is our lovable old Golden. Friday will be her 11th birthday. As with most families with pets that have been around many years, she isn’t our ‘dog’…she’s one of the family.

Zoe came along at a time when our black lab, (Layla), was in need of company…or so we reasoned. When we got Layla, our girls were 15, 11, and 8. Layla was good company for them as they were at ‘that age’ of teen or about to be teens. They wrestled with Layla, dressed her in people clothes, made her run, made her speak, made her shake hands, “now the other hand”, loved on her and grew up with her.

Six years later, as Layla began to slow down, a friend of Cindy’s asked if we would like to have a new puppy to keep Layla company.

NO!...was the answer.

But one night Tam brought 5 golden pups over to the house. They were little bundles of the softest fur I have ever felt on a dog. They romped with the girls and sniffed at Layla and ‘wanted’ her to play, but she really wasn’t interested. The girls fell in love with the one temporarily named ‘little Zoe', (named after her mother). Before you could say "what the heck are we doing?"…little Zoe lived at our house.

True to our schools’ colors, (Purdue’s black and gold), we now had a ‘black and gold’ living at the Clark house. Zoe was indeed good for Layla. Zoe put a little spark back in Layla’s spirit and Layla helped to run some of the ‘puppy’ out of Zoe and teach her how things ran in the Clark house.

Two ‘big’ dogs in the house was no easy task to put up with. Layla was probably 80 pounds while Zoe grew to a svelte 115. They took up their space and if they got to playing and running in the house…GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! And the yard bombs were everywhere! But we loved both of those big varmints. They were great for the girls…loving and loyal.

Layla has been gone for some years now, surviving to nearly her 10th birthday. She lays buried in a corner of our garden. We still mention her name many times when a thunderstorm passes by…Layla hated thunder storms.

Zoe became the queen of the house. When the grandbabies came along, she just accepted what they would do to her…wrestle, pull hair, ride her like a horse and play with her toys. She would never harm a hair on their head and became that loving, loyal dog to them, that Layla had been to their mothers.

One day, Zoe will rest in the other corner of the garden with Layla…and since she hates thunder storms too…we’ll think of her AND Layla when one passes by.

Cindy and I have gotten stronger as we have aged. There will be no more dogs after Zoe (we won’t let any friends drop by with puppies to show off.) We’ll hire a super vacuum company to come in and vacuum all the dog hair out of the house that’s accumulated in corners and places we can’t get to. And we’ll smile and probably shed a tear and remember our two special dogs.

But for now, we’ll still love around on and talk to our good buddy Zoe. We might even put a little icing on one of her dog bones for her special day. Zoe Marie…our big little Golden.


Dan

COLA WARS

The other day, while I was enjoying a Diet Coke, someone asked me, “How do you drink that stuff?” I thought to myself…do they mean Coke vs. Pepsi…Diet Coke vs. Coke...or pop in general? After clarification, I found out they were a Coke drinker and they couldn’t see how someone could drink ‘diet’.

In my younger years, my favorite was Pepsi. I could drink a Coke, but I could tell the difference. Years later, I switched to diet and Diet Coke was much better than Diet Pepsi in my opinion. When we go to a “Pepsi” product restaurant today, I’ll end up drinking tea.

But the guys question led me to a little investigation. I say little, because I do have a life (don’t I…?) and there is a ton of information out there on the internet. But here’s the basic info I gathered.

One thing I was interested in was the answer to the amount of sugar in Coke and Pepsi. I had heard ‘the legend’ that there is 10 teaspoons of sugar in Coke and Pepsi. The secret formula listing the exact ingredients in both Pepsi and Coke is closely guarded...like Colonel Sanders secret recipe for his fried chicken and McDonald’s formula for the ‘special sauce’ on a Big Mac…they are holding their cards close to their vest.

Most articles I found agreed that Pepsi is sweeter than Coke. Pepsi lists 41 grams of sugar while Coke has 39. I guess that little difference is just enough to give Pepsi that sweeter taste. Coke is also known to have more carbonation so it’s ‘fizzy’, another difference between the two. Neither product confesses to actually using sugar in their United States product, they both use high fructose corn syrup instead. But they still list 'sugar' as their ingredient.

According to one writer, 1 teaspoon of sugar is equal to 4.2 grams. So both products would equal nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar in a 12 ounce can. So ‘the legend’ is apparently true. But who drinks a 12 ounce can of pop these days? Many times, we stop to get the 32 ounce or even 42 ounce ‘bladder buster’. That 42 ouncer would equal almost ¾ cup of sugar. Get a second one and you’ll have consumed enough sugar to bake 4 dozen cookies!

The diet drinks both use aspartame (NutraSweet). I swear there is some difference between the two, but uncertain what that is and a listing isn’t there to help either.

One writer throws the guilt trip in the mix. If you’re drinking pop...you’re not drinking water...or milk...and you are not getting calcium...and your body isn’t getting the water it needs to flush its system and keep everything functioning well.

Let’s just say this. As with most things, moderation seems to be the key. A can of pop a day, regular or diet, isn’t going to kill us any more than a can of beer or a shot of whiskey. It’s when we overdo it that gets us in trouble.

So guy...leave me alone. Let me drink my Diet Coke. When you see me knock back a six-pack, then you can try to SAVE me.


Dan

GOSSIP

I read an article in the NY Times submitted by Shayla McKnight about gossip in the workplace. Ms. McKnight works for an online printing company based in Livingston, Montana.

When she had her job interview with the company two years ago, she was told about the company’s no-gossip policy. She was told, “There’s no back-stabbing here, and no office politics. Gossiping and talking behind someone’s back are not tolerated.”

After accepting the job and having worked there for two years, she says the policy makes a real difference in the work environment. She goes on to say there is a ‘greater sense of being part of a team here than in other jobs I've had'. If employees do violate the company policy, a manager speaks to them, and if they don’t stop, they’re let go. It has happened.


That isn’t a policy at my work and I’m guessing not at yours either. I’d have to admit, I’ve contributed more than I should have to the gossip grapevine, and I’ll guess you have too.

There’s something good about this policy. It's the right thing to do. Even if our companies don’t have the policy, it wouldn’t be a bad thing for us to on our own.

How about making your own gossip policy? Imagine the person were sitting in the room with you. What would you say about a person if they personally heard the words come out of your mouth? Would you say something differently, or perhaps even better, just not say anything at all? That might eliminate some of the spread of gossip.

I’ll work on it. Will you?


Dan

THAT'S A BUNCH OF SHIP

I remember when we watched the movie, Titanic, how huge it appeared, even on the movie screen. I imagine when seeing it in person it was unimaginably big.

The Titanic was built in Belfast. Built to be the largest, most luxurious ship ever, construction began on March 31, 1909 and was completed 2 years later.

The Titanic was over 882 feet long, 92 feet wide and 59 feet in height from the water line to the boat deck. There were 29 boilers fired by 159 coal burning furnaces that made a possible top speed of 26 mph.

The ship could carry a total of 3547 passengers and crew. Some of its amenities included an on-board swimming pool, gymnasium, squash court, Turkish bath, a café, two libraries, two barber shops, 3 electric elevators, and electric lights. First class passengers paid a one-way trans Atlantic passage of $4350 ($95,000 in today’s dollars).


In October of this year, a newly built cruise ship left Finland heading for Florida. It is the world’s largest cruise ship, called the Oasis of the Seas.

How big is it? It is 5 times larger than the Titanic.

Built for $1.5 billion, the 16-deck vessel can accommodate 6300 passengers and 2100 crew members.

The ship features neighborhoods, parks, squares, and one tropical area that includes palm trees.

The Oasis of the Seas will leave Florida on its first cruise on December 5.

I couldn't find how much it costs to get on it, but surely not $95,000.

Five times the size of the Titanic…that’s a bunch of ship!


Dan

TIME ZONE HELL

I often hear comments about our time zones in Indiana. Sometimes I’m even the one leading the conversation!

Part of our state is on Eastern Time, the remainder is on Central Time. For most of us, it’s just a way to drive us crazy.

Why can’t we draw the lines around the border of the state? The entire state is on either Eastern or Central. Logic, would suggest that we all be on Central Time. But who determines ‘logic’ around here anyway?

I guess it could be worse. We think we have problems in Indiana with 2 time zones? In Russia, they have 11 time zones! And like us Hoosiers, some of them are wondering 'why', while others are saying, “Please don’t change it!”

An Associated Press article states, President Dmitry Medvedev suggested Thursday that Russia reduce the number of time zones in the name of economic efficiency, which could have residents in the far eastern city of Vladivostok eating their breakfast at the same time their Chinese neighbors just a few miles away are slurping their noodles at lunch.

With one-ninth of the world's land mass, Russia stretches from Kaliningrad, which is next to Poland, more than 5,500 miles to the eastern tip of Chukotka, across the Bering Strait from Alaska. By contrast, it's nearly 2,700 miles across the four time zones of the 48 contiguous states in the U.S.

Thus, when the Kremlin’s bell tower on Red Square tolls 9 a.m. at the start of the business day in Moscow, it's already 6 p.m. in the farthest part of Russia's Far East. Russia's vastness is a source of national pride, but it also hinders economic development, Medvedev said. "The examples of other countries — the U.S., China — show that it is possible to cope with a smaller time difference," Medvedev said in his annual state-of-the-nation speech. "We need to examine the possibility of reducing the number of time zones."

Medvedev didn't say how extensive any cut would be, but it would likely mean shrinking to just four time zones: one each for Kaliningrad, Moscow, the Ural Mountains region and the vast reaches of Siberia and the Far East.

Cutting down to four zones would likely mean residents of the Pacific coast would see the sunset before 3 p.m. at this time of year.

I guess the old saying "you can’t please everyone"…applies…when you’re messing with our time.


Dan

SPACE...THE NEW FRONTIER

I read in the paper that Thomas J. O’Malley died last week at age 94. I could ask 1000 people who Thomas J. O’Malley was, and probably 999 of them wouldn’t know, maybe all 1000.

On the morning of February 20, 1962, Mr. O’Malley pressed the button that fired the Atlas booster rockets and sent John Glenn on his way to becoming the first American to orbit the Earth.

Tape recordings caught Mr. O’Malley’s words at that moment: “May the good Lord ride all the way.”

Memorabilia from the early days of the space age surrounded Mr. O’Malley at his home in Cocoa Beach, not far from the launching pads. Mounted on a piece of varnished wood was the black starter button from the 1962 Glenn flight.

At Cape Canaveral, a plaque bolted to the base of a streetlight on the road leading to Pad 14, the site of the Glenn launching, reads, “O’Malley’s Guiding Light.”

In the fall of 1962, I started 3rd grade. I somehow had coaxed someone into buying me a model spaceship and astronauts in their spacesuits. I took it to school one day, mainly to show off to my classmates, and my teacher Mrs. Snider set it on a table for display for a week.

Space travel was in its’ infancy. Children, and adults, were fascinated by the prospects of what might happen and what we might discover. Anytime there was another launch of a rocket carrying an astronaut, it had our attention over the radio or TV. It ‘was’ the news.

Today, few even pay attention to men and women in space. We’ve gotten bored with the thought of it and have found other things to keep our attention.

But in those early years of space flight, particularly to that 3rd grader, it was fascinating.


Dan

YUCK !

An article on MSN.com caught my eye and I thought I would share the highlights of the story. If we all weren’t being bombarded enough already with commercials and postings to wash our hands frequently…here’s some more. Not only should you wash your hands frequently, you may want to start carrying those disinfecting wipes with you too.

Germs that cause illness lurk in some out-of-the way spots, and bacteria and viruses can remain active on surfaces for days or even weeks, especially in wet areas. "Because of the natural moisture of our skin, we easily pick up these organisms, and we transfer them to our face," says Elizabeth Scott, co-director of Boston's Simmons College Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community. Good hygiene in the home is especially important for people with compromised immune systems.

REMOTE CONTROL
Your favorite gadget may bring you hundreds of channels — and even more germs.University of Virginia researchers found six out of 10 remote controls tested positive for rhinovirus. Traveler’s alert: Remotes in hotel rooms are rarely cleaned.

SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS
Other germ reservoirs in the kitchen include refrigerator and dishwasher handles.

PURSE
Your bag may carry a load of bacteria. Think about some of the contents…lipstick, pens, keys…things you touch frequently and then touch your face. Hang up your purse and keep it off the kitchen counter. Wipe the bag with a mild soap or disinfectant.

GROCERY CART
A recent University of Arizona study found that the handles of almost two-thirds of shopping carts were contaminated with E coli. Drool, saliva and mucus from children also collect there. The grocery cart "is one of the most surprising places [for germs] we’ve come across," says Chuck Gerba, a microbiologist who conducted the study. Swab the handle with a disinfectant wipe. Bag your fresh produce and keep it off the seat where diaper-bottomed children have been sitting.

DESK
Office desks contain hundreds of times more bacteria per square inch than office toilet seats. Researchers at the University of Arizona, Tucson, did a study that found desks are also habitats for viruses, the pesky bugs responsible for the flu and colds. "Desks in schools are much germier than office desks," microbiologist Gerba says. "Women's desks are germier than men's," he adds, because women tend keep a lot more food and cosmetics in and around their desks than men. Wipe them down with disinfectant wipes and wash hands frequently.

CELL PHONE
Your hands can be home to plenty of germs, and with regular cell use, the result can be a filthy phone. Cell phones also are stowed in nice, warm pockets, making a good breeding laboratory. Your phone can carry lots of bacteria, including staph, which can cause skin infections. The University of Arizona tested 25 cell phones and found staph growing on nearly half of them. "The flip phone is germiest because it keeps moisture in more," says Gerba. Use a disinfecting wipe regularly and think about where you lay your phone down. Wash your hands frequently. And be careful in borrowing someone else's cell.

CARPET
Besides tracking in dirt, the soles of shoes can bring indoors traces of coliform, which includes fecal bacteria. Carpets also harbor tons of bacteria, dust and pesticide residue. "It's a living world right under your feet," Gerba says. His University of Arizona study found more than 200,000 particles of bacteria in one square inch of carpet. Vacuum regularly with a strong vacuum cleaner. Even vacuum cleaners can have E. coli and salmonella growing inside them, Gerba says. Make sure you wash your hands after you handle a vacuum bag or receptacle, he adds. You may want to consider leaving your shoes at the door before entering the home.

As if we didn’t have enough things to make us neurotic…add these to your list. Don’t go overboard, but use some common sense. Some of the simplest things can keep us and our families healthy.


Dan

PARENTHOOD

One of my favorite movies is Parenthood. I think I enjoy it because it seems to portray a realistic look at the craziness that goes on in families. There are no ‘perfect’ families as some might try to promote. Everyone has problems and challenges they must get through. This movie makes me realize my life isn’t so different from others.

Made in the late 80s, the movie is about a dysfunctional family headed by Gil Buckman (played by Steve Martin). His own family consists of his ‘newly announced’ pregnant wife and their 3 children. Gil desires to be a good, active father, unlike his own father was. The seemingly abnormal actions of his 3 children, and the upcoming birth of a fourth makes Gil question his abilities as a father.

His siblings are no different. One sister is divorced, trying to raise a seemingly disturbed son and an intelligent daughter who is struggling through high school. Another sister wants more children while her husband feels that another child will take away from the devotion they need to give to their current child. Gil's youngest sibling is his brother (Larry) who has drifted through life trying to cash in on get-rich-quick schemes. Though he is the black sheep of the family, he is their father's favorite (mainly because he reminds him of himself at a younger age).

I particularly enjoy two scenes in the movie. In the first, Gil is telling his wife how he is frustrated with how his world, and thus hers, is falling apart…life is so ‘messy’ he says. Gil’s grandmother enters the picture having overheard the conversation. She says, “When I was 19, grandpa took me on a roller coaster. Up-down-up-down. Oh, what a ride. It was always interesting to me that a ride could make me frightened…so scared…so sick…so excited and so thrilled…altogether. Some didn’t like it. Some went on the merry-go-round. It just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.” I like her comparison that the hecticness of life also makes life exciting and challenging. Who wants a boring life? It’s the challenges that make us stronger.

The second scene takes place as Gil is reluctantly leading team baseball practice for his son, Kevin. Gil’s dad (Frank) shows up and wants to speak to him. As they walk to the dugout to talk, Gil’s dad says, “I need your advice.” His father goes on to explain how Larry, Gil’s little brother, has financial troubles and Frank is wanting Gil’s advice on what he should do. When Gil asks why he’s asking for his advice, Frank says, “Because I know you think I was a shitty father.” Frank tells Gil of a painful memory still fresh in his mind. “I never should’ve had 4 (kids). When you were 2 years old, we thought you had polio. For a week we didn’t know. I hated you for that. I hated having to go through that caring…worrying…pain, it’s not for me. You know it’s not like that all ends when you’re 18 or 21 or 41 or 61. It never…ever ends. Like your aunt Edna’s ass! It goes on forever and it’s just as frightening! There is no endzone… you never cross the goal line and spike the ball and do your touchdown dance…never. I’m 64 and Larry’s 27…and he’s still my son. Like Kevin is your son. You don’t want them to get hurt."

As Frank walks away, seemingly answering his own questions that he’d come to get Gil’s advice for, Gil confesses, “hey who’s to say who’s a shitty father. My kids are a mess, my career’s in the shitter.” Frank walks back toward Gil and lovingly slaps him on the cheek and says, “You worry too much…you always did.”

The film ends on a sentimental note with a new generation of Buckman children being born to Gil and his 2 sisters and the personal growth of all the parents, including Frank, who is now raising the young boy left behind by Larry who left town on another search for a get-rich-quick scheme.

Life is good. It can sometimes seem too much, like riding that roller coaster, but we can adapt and make the best of our lives.

Everyone…let’s buckle in and go for a ride on that roller coaster.


Dan

BLESSED

Today I watched the movie Pelham 123. One of the main characters of the movie is played by John Travolta, a bad guy named Bernard Ryder. Ryder is angry with the system and plans revenge for his misfortunes. Even though the movie held my interest, when watching Travolta play his role, I couldn’t stop thinking about the pain he, and his family, suffered earlier this year with the sudden death of his son, Jett.

Recently, I performed a test on a patient that confirmed a tragic circumstance. Earlier in the morning, a teenage daughter had found her mother unresponsive. The test confirmed the suspicions of the doctor, that the mother wasn’t going home that night, or ever. In the short time of going to bed one night, and waking the next morning, this young daughter’s world had changed in ways she could never have imagined.

My family was blessed, this past weekend, to attend the wedding of a great niece. We enjoyed a large family gathering…my brother, sister, nieces, nephews and even their children, were in attendance. Many of these nieces and nephews and ‘greats’ are quite close to one another, in age as well as friendships.

Kelly, the bride, and Joni, my daughter, are only 1 month apart in age, and get along well, sharing many similarities. Daughter Julie and, great nephew, Kory share their age and experiences. Daughter, Jaime, and great nephew, Andrew, the same. My sons-in-law have developed good friendships with all of them as well.

They, and others in the family, shared time together at our family reunion this summer. That event this summer and again this weekend seemed to continue to ‘gel’ those friendships and relationships.

Not only do they, and other nieces, nephews and cousins, share many good similarities, some of them have shared tough issues as well…addictions, legal issues, job losses, relationship struggles.

For some of these younger members of our family, and for those of us parents, life hasn’t all been smooth sailing. We’ve shared smiles and tears…but we have gained strength from these challenges. We should consider ourselves lucky. Those children are still here with us. Things could be better…but they could be a lot worse.

We are very blessed.


Dan