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
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
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
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
Sunday, December 20, 2009
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
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
Friday, December 18, 2009
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
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
Thursday, December 17, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
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
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
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