Why is it important for some people to gather at a crowded restaurant in order to visit with a friend? It would certainly seem that a quiet, peaceful setting would be more appropriate to exchange pleasantries rather than have to compete with loud golf scores and perhaps a televised football game.
To many folks, calling a friend whom they have not seen in ages and saying; “let’s Do Lunch” is second nature. I have never figured out just how one ‘does lunch.’
Either you eat or you visit. Wouldn’t it be much better to ask if the friend would enjoy getting together for a visit and re-hashing old memories while at the same time enjoying a salad or a sandwich in the home?
Surely the visit as well as the lunch would be more enjoyable in either yours or their homes or for that matter, over the telephone. In fact, conversation would be more relaxed without a dissimilar audience.
Perhaps a secret or two could be shared which otherwise would be circumspect if in the presence of strangers. (In this day of modern technology, caution should be exercised if using a remote or cordless telephone).
A dinner out with friends, without worry of preparing and cleaning up afterwards, can be the ultimate in relaxation when casual conversation is continued over desert and coffee in the comfort of one or the others home. This method allows intimate conversation devoid of the prying ears of those whom you had rather not share this closeness.
“Let’s do lunch,” you say? Would it not have been much better to simply call me and say, “I’ll fix a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and we’ll sit around and talk about other folks for an hour or two.”
Makes sense to me.
Demijon
Definition of the day: DERANGE: Where the deer and the Antelopes play.
March 31st, 2009
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Politicians are constantly telling us that they have to have more and more taxes in order to repair and maintain the roads throughout this country.
I am in favor of a modest increase in my taxes only IF they will be used to make our roads better and safer. Somewhere along the way, these monies seem to disappear before reaching the committees that are responsible for the maintenance of the aforesaid roads.
We all have noticed at one time or another that a huge pothole appears in one of the roads in which we travel frequently. It gets deeper and wider as we bounce through it day after day.
After two sets of tires and numerous alignments, we call our congressperson only to find out that the funds that were allocated to our roads are exhausted and a referendum for a tax increase for road repair is pending. I thought that we had just had one.
With the pothole still in place, we read in the newspaper that our congressperson is among the group of officials that are touring Lower Slobovia in order to study their road maintenance. It certainly makes one wonder if OUR pothole money went to finance this trip.
They return and hold a town meeting to inform us that a one mil tax increase would solve all of our problems with regard to our potholed road. When we finally get enough of bouncing through this hole, we take the bull by the horns and throw dirt into the hole. We are visited by an inspector who tells us that we do not have the necessary expertise to repair a pothole and he will have to take the dirt out, and the state will repair it as soon as funds are available.
Eventually, our taxes do go up and the pothole is repaired. Maybe I just don’t understand the workings of governments but it seems to me that something is lacking here. Do they think that the fact that we are buying all those tires and paying for all those alignments is stimulating the economy? This may be true but wouldn’t it be easier to get more taxes out of us if we don’t have to pay for all those repairs?
As I stated before, I don’t understand their workings or their thinking but I am willing to listen if they are willing to explain. If they are not willing to explain all this to me, here is my final word on the subject.
Dear Mr./Ms. Congressperson:
For the record, I am hereby informing all of my congresspeople that “I PAY MY TAXES, THEREFORE, I DO OWN MY ROADS AND I WANT THEM KEPT IN TIP-TOP SHAPE!”
Demijon
I’ve learned … That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
March 29th, 2009
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I’m sorry: I simply do not understand the world of high finance. It is not hard to be aware of a business losing money to the point of being unable to meet their expenses. In my own personal world, there is usually too much month left at the end of the money.
What I cannot comprehend is a situation where it becomes necessary for a business to lay off or fire employees; but yet, can still provide the top executives with multi-million dollar bonuses.
In many cases, the money saved by the layoffs do not equal the amount paid in bonuses. In my weak mind, this is not a matter of 2 plus 2 equals 4.
During the pep talks that most employees receive on a regular basis we are told; “Work hard and the business will prosper, thus, the employees will thrive.”
Okay: They work hard and the company prospers only to find that any surplus profits are used to line the pockets of the executives while the laid off employees are standing in line at the unemployment office.
There are known instances when an audit reveals such expenses as thousands of dollars being spent to provide golf balls for the annual golf retreat held for the top brass.
There also have been cases when tax breaks were given for expenses incurred for transportation to these extravaganzas; or even reimbursement for the cost of laying off these same employees.
What makes the cheese more binding is the fact that the businesses will appeal, and receive money from our Government in the form of tax dollars, as reimbursement for these excursions.
Does this make sense to you? Personally, I consider myself fortunate that I do not own any stock in such businesses. However, if I did, I would be among the first to cry foul at such shenanigans as recounted above.
If every employee, including the top executives, would live by the creed of, “A day’s work for a day’s pay,” instead of “How much will my bonus be this year?” I predict that more businesses will survive a downturn in the economy.
Demijon
It appears that the ones who beg for “bail-out” funds are “a few cans short of a six-pack.”
March 29th, 2009
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As soon as the Government announced the conversion from analog signals to digital, I ordered two vouchers to help with the cost of converter boxes, (the limit for one household), to convert my old T V sets.
This changeover was supposed to take effect on February 17, 2009. However, the conversion was delayed until June when the funds ran out and there were still many who have yet to order the vouchers.
Today, I read that more vouchers are again available (for free) to those who have yet to take advantage of this conversion.
The conversion boxes can be purchased from retail stores for amounts ranging from $49.00 to $70.00, depending on the brand and style. By using the free (Government sponsored) $40.00 vouchers, the one’s that I purchased cost me $9.00 and change for each.
I feel sure that there are still those who cannot afford to spend even this small amount to convert their older T.V. to receive the digital signals, therefore the main purpose of this post is to appeal for those who do not need the converter boxes to order the vouchers and donate them to their church or other charitable organization for distribution to the needy.
If you are so inclined, a cash amount to pay the small price that the vouchers do not cover could be included with your donation.
Hopefully, we can be assured that everyone will be able to receive the signals in June, even if they cannot afford to purchase a new digital television.
It just simply makes sense.
Demijon
March 28th, 2009
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There are courses being advertised every day by way of newspapers and television on the subject of winning friends and influencing people.
No doubt these courses are beneficial to some, whereas, there are a few of us who have no need for such trivia. We were born with a certain knack for making those around us feel great. Judging from the apparent success that many of the advocates of these courses enjoy, I have, after much soul searching, decided to reveal my secrets, for a fee, of course.
Graduates of the Demijon School of Positive Greetings will be in demand as keynote speakers at any and all formal gatherings, and the money will just keep rolling in.
The only qualification for entry into this course is simply that one must possess a strong desire to amount to something. Anyone who lacks this aspiration need not apply. Granted, completion of the course is not without effort. Rather, it requires dedication and a willingness to put forth enormous energies in study to learn the five basic words. Is it worth it? Certainly it is. Just listen to the unsolicited testimonies of a few graduates.
Mr. A. C. – Salt Lake City: “I was once just like you. I was a nobody. I was shunned by my peers. I could hardly speak without raising someone’s hackles. Then I enrolled in the D.S.P.G. and here I am, known worldwide for my charm.”
Ms. B. R. – Phoenix: “When I began the course, I too, had doubts. Now I receive invitations to parties in homes of the rich and famous. Thanks D.S.P.G.”
Mrs. H. T. – Sarasota: “Before completing the course, my friends would snicker behind my back. I even adopted a habit of performing all outside activity at night, so fearful was I that I would be required to speak to someone. You have given me confidence.”
As you can readily see, the course is amazing. Send $897.56 plus S&H, today for your application for enrollment. Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery. Cash only. Sorry, no checks, money orders or C.O.D.’s.
Oh, you want to know those five magic words?
“HAVEN’T YOU LOST SOME WEIGHT?”
Demijon
Don’t let folks constantly say, when speaking of you; “Somewhere, a village is missing its IDIOT!” Dj
March 26th, 2009
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He possessed no formal training for his self-appointed job as veterinarian for the whole of the community. It was rather that there was a need, and the fact that a few years prior he had acquired a book on veterinarian medicine.
After absorbing the contents, he made the decision to offer his services as the defender against the many common animal diseases that were prevalent in an era. Preventative vaccines had yet to make their debut.
At first, he had looked upon this endeavor as a means of increasing his livelihood with the small amounts of cash the position afforded. Soon the concept of himself becoming known as Doc gradually overtook his craving for monetary compensation. Instead of just another poor dirt farmer, he was finally a force to be reckoned with throughout the county.
The demands for his proficiency in diagnosing and treatment had escalated to the point that he had little free time for anything except this chosen profession.
The tools of his trade were simple. Contained in the cloth and leather valise was an assortment of herbal remedies, over the counter tonics, an eight ounce soft drink bottle, several knives, a roll of bandages torn from a bed sheet, and of course, The Book.
If one or another of the animals on a farm began acting strangely or was noticed to be off their feed, one of the children would be dispatched to fetch Doc Abernathy. Soon the rattling Model “T” would appear with Doc at the wheel and the tow-headed child alongside him.
Removing the valise from the vehicle, he would make his way to the animal in question. In this instance the “patient” was a mule that stood quietly, except for an occasional cough, in the barn lot.
Placing the valise within easy reach, Doc examined the animal from bow to stern. When he was satisfied with his analysis, he would remove the book and browse through several pages before speaking. “The Book says this mule’s got the distemper.” Adjusting the wire rimmed glasses on his long nose, he would continue. “Only one thing to do and that’s to ‘Drench’ him.”
Asking for a bucket of water and a length of rope, he would remove a bottle of a certain tonic and mix with the water. From the valise would come the soft drink bottle, and using one cupped hand as a funnel, he would pour the mixture into the bottle.
The patient was led to a nearby tree and a loop was then made in the rope. The rope was looped around the mule’s nose and pulled over a limb of the tree until the animal’s head was stretched upward. With the bottle in one hand, Doc parted the side of the lips where there were no teeth and shoved the bottle into the mouth until the contents ran down the animal’s throat. The head was held in this position for several minutes to assure that the medicine had been swallowed and then the rope was removed.
Replacing the tonic, the bottle and The Book in the valise, “Doc” would say, “The Book says to give him three or four days and he’ll be fine.” After collecting his fee of $2.00, he would hand-crank the Model “T,” and rattle his way to another patient.
Whether or not the cure was adequate could be debated, but in this day and time, no one doubted the diagnosis or the treatment. What choice did they have? After all, was it not “in the book?”
Demijon
FACT: The surest way to gain knowledge is to listen to folks smarter than you.
March 25th, 2009
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Efforts for readying the machinery for another season of lawn care prompted re-posting of this article for the enjoyment of those who know little of the days “Back When.”
For most of my young life, I was forced to spend most of my waking hours applying the teachings from early childhood that grass was evil and all means were to be exercised to eradicate this scourge from the face of the earth. Our livelihoods depended on the ridding of the fields of this prolific deterrent to the health of the young, tender plants on which we depended for food as well as income.
The abhorrence that we held for grass in the crops was carried over into the yards of most farms. Hours were spent in hoeing, raking and smoothing the entire yards with brush-brooms that were nothing more than dogwood branches which had been allowed to dry until all the leaves had fallen from them. They were then tied into small bundles. These so-called brooms left the yards with a clean, swept look that everyone considered appropriate for a well cared-for homestead.
As time passed, the thinking of many farmers changed in favor of customs that were practiced by their uptown neighbors, and they began to cultivate within the confines of the yards, the same grasses that they worked so hard to remove from their fields.
It became evident that a way to control the growth of this grass would have to be found, hence, the Sling-Blade. A strip of flat metal that was sharpened on both sides and mounted to a handle by means of two metal bars shaped in a semi-circle. This tool, when used properly, would allow the operator to clip the tops from the grasses with a back and forth swinging motion.
Necessity for an easier and faster way to keep the grass in control prompted the invention of a series of blades, powered by cogs attached to wheels. These blades were positioned in a way that forced them to contact a sharpened bar, creating a cutting motion when pushed through the grass by the operator, holding onto a “ T“ shaped handle.
This reel-type mower was used extensively until the invention of a small gasoline engine which could be attached to the top of this contraption and served as the power to not only turn the blades but could also self-propel the mower by belts and pulleys.
Eventually, this mower gave way to the modern rotary, power mower that is still in use today in many forms. Although the engines power a spinning blade that does the cutting, much effort is required by the operator to push the mower through the grass.
As more powerful engines were developed and easier ways to perform this laborious chore were sought, the invention of the modern-day riding mower changed our lives as much as any innovation in history. Instead of struggling with sling-blades, push type, and self-propelled mowers, we now can sit in a somewhat comfortable seat and simply drive the mower to the designated area and relax as it performs the work for us. Along with these power tools came a different designation of the areas around our homes.
We now refer to the grassy carpets that surround our houses and require so much of our time as lawns instead of yards. No more do we cut the grass. Now we mow. As a result of these innovative machines, our lives have been made easier and our waistlines have become larger, but I for one would not relish the thoughts of returning to the days of swept yards and / or sling blades.
Demijon
Doing things the hard way is a part of my past that I’d rather forget. Dj
March 25th, 2009
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When we think of something that we really want to do, our thoughts of expectation seems to overpower our sense of realism, and the concepts of these thoughts become much larger and tend to change our original attitude toward the matter at hand. Take for instance a story that I heard about a couple, (we’ll call them Ben and Agnes).
Ben and Agnes had for years preferred to sleep in twin beds. On one particular night upon retiring, Ben said to Agnes, “Sweetie Pie, would my little sweetums like to come over to my bed for a while?” “I think that I’d like that, sugar dumplin’” was the reply from Agnes.
Groping her way in the dark, Agnes stubbed her toe on the bed post and Ben was quick to say, “Did my little honeybun stub her itsy, bitsy little toe on that mean old bed post?” No serious damage was done, however, so she continued her trek to his bed.
Arriving at his bed, the two of them became engulfed in the throes of passion for some time while exchanging sweet nothings and appraising each others dexterity in the art of making love.
Later when Agnes was returning to her own bed, she had the misfortune of stubbing her toe again on Ben’s work boots that sat beside his bed. Ben immediately retorted, “Woman, I’ll be damned if you ain’t the clumsiest one woman that I’ve ever seen!” Agnes’ reply was, “If you had put your damned shoes where they were supposed to be, I would not have hurt my foot!”
How many times have we all planned something with great expectation and then discover when it is over that our attitude had changed, and we felt that it was not as exciting as we had originally thought?
This is not unusual. It happens to the best of us at one time or another. Perhaps the desire for things to be greater than they actually are is a contributing factor.
Maybe it is time for us to just step back and look at life with a different perspective; and realize that we have to accept things as they really are instead of trying to make them into something that we want at the moment. Possibly this would tend to put our attitudes on an even keel and the changes would not be necessary.
If this works then, not only would we benefit from a better outlook toward life in general, but others around us would also view this as a change for the better and might wish to try it for themselves.
It certainly is worth a try. Our attitudes play an important role in how others look at us and, once changed, they could influence a much better first impression. This can bring about much closer relationships, not only between friends, but also between those that we meet on a daily basis.
Let’s all endeavor not to anticipate too much, but merely take life as it comes. If we can accomplish this, we will not feel that it is necessary to temper our attitudes and we will no longer be required to apologize for remarks that were made when events were not as great as our high expectations had pictured them.
It’s worth a try because we have very little to lose and everything to gain. This could very well be the beginning of an entirely new personality.
Demijon
A Perk: If you are over 60 years of age and become involved in a hostage situation; you will most likely be among the first to be released.
March 24th, 2009
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There are times when I question designers of products that are advertised as something we cannot live without. I suppose the greatest flaw lies in the area of clothing.
Once, while shopping for a pair of walking shorts in one of the major retail outlets, I maneuvered my cart into the department displaying rack after rack of attire for men. I searched the racks of thousands of shorts with sizes from 28 to 34 only to find two pairs of size 42. One was the color of pale vomit and the other was a vivid shade of baby-sh*t yellow.
It became abundantly clear to me that the designers had determined that those of us who sport huge belly’s and gaunt legs are not to appear in public wearing shorts of any kind.
I then moved to the shoe department in search of a pair of soft, smooth soled loafers with bunion protectors. Every pair of shoes in stock were those with soles, apparently removed from tractor tires. I visualized attempting to stuff my corns and calluses in the thick, stiff, padded, nylon that would reach well above my ankles. To make matters worse, they were described as running shoes.
Can you imagine someone like me, who becomes winded rising from an overstuffed recliner trying to run in any kind of shoe? The next shock came when I glanced at the price tag, ($98.88). I vowed to go to the tool department before I left the store and buy a roll of duct tape to repair my tennis shoes that I purchased in 1966 for $3.97.
Shirts are another problem where clothing manufacturers apparently do not realize that us old folks sometimes have a need to replace garments that we bought in the early 90′s. Ten racks of shirts were on display with sizes ranging from 12 to 15 and priced $19.95. Almost hidden is a rack with sizes 17 to 19. A sign on this rack noted that the price for these was $26.45; (sizes 18 and above $38.66).
It is obvious that clothing stores have been led to believe that the only ones who have a need for clothing are the young people with plenty of money. It is also obvious that they have forgotten that most of their money came from us mature old folks.
From the looks of the attire that many teens wear today, they have been rooted from the high end of the money trough for quite a spell.
I can well remember when rips and patches were on practically every garment except the Sunday clothes. This was from necessity rather than style; but as a general rule, each item was clean.
Another rule was that no youngster would be allowed to stroll around with the crouch of their pants hanging to their knees and three or four inches of colorful, boxer shorts, showing above their belts.
It’s a shame that designers and manufacturers were not raised in an era when pride took precedence over style.
Demijon
When one is on the far side of Medicare, NO one expects them to run anywhere. Dj
March 23rd, 2009
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What child has not used this phrase over and over? “Star light, star bright, first star I’ve seen tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.” “I wish I had a bicycle.” “I wish I had a Pony.” “I wish school was out.” “I wish I could go to the circus.” “I wish this.” “I wish that.”
It seems we were never satisfied with the blessings we already had. We wanted more. Attempts to convince us that we were blessed with enough food and clothing, a home and loved ones usually fell on deaf ears when we would see a friend with a shiny, new racing bicycle or we were bogged down with homework. Posters advertising that the circus was coming to town were more than enough to cause us to search out the evening star.
You will note that the wishes were never for that bike or that pony, simply because we were taught from early childhood that we were not to covet possessions of another person. We were careful to only wish for a similar product. Many times, wishing prodded us to exert more effort in order to attain our hearts desire.
Wishing is not altogether bad if used in the proper context. We would be a sorry lot indeed if we did not have a desire to improve on what life had handed us. If our desire was great enough to cause us to work harder to attain our goals, then we are the winners.
Suddenly we are grown and our wishes have changed. Now; “We wish you well.” “We wish you a happy birthday.” “We wish you a merry Christmas,” etc. No longer are we possessed with a desire for material things. By the sweat of our brow, we have managed to attain the necessary components for a happy lifestyle and our wishes turn toward others.
The prophet said it best. “When I was a child, I thought as a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Wishes have a way of becoming reality when the desires are great enough to work harder to achieve them.
Demijon
“Dare I wish that I will win the Power Ball Lottery?”
March 22nd, 2009
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