We hold onto our lives as hard as we can. Isn't it strange how we say we seek adventure, travel, and new experiences, but will do everything we can to preserve the status quo? Weird creatures we are, as Yoda would put it.
Sometimes our world gets shaken. Sometimes we are forced to confront the unknown. I'd like to think I'd face such a change with my eyes wide open, my body straining against the new wind. But too many times, I've tried to retreat. Tried to preserve what couldn't be preserved. Done it too many times with too many relationships and life situations. I know me too well.
When I was younger and quicker and harsher with my judgments, I used to think it was cowardly to not embrace change. But now that I'm older with too many sins of my own to presume to judge the sins of others and now that I've seen so many changes that definitely weren't for the better, I know that both ways take courage, stubbornness, and hope.
Talk to you later.
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Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
We need a laugh or two
These announcements are supposed to be from actual church bulletins. Don't know if they are, but they're still funny.
The 1991 Spring Council retreat will be hell May 10 & 11.
The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
Thursday night-Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.
The associate minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Now Up Yours."
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Irving Beltson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy lunch.
The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.
A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by one of our members in honor of his wife.
The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.
Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use back door.
Ushers will eat latecomers.
Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on "It's a Terrible Experience."
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
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The 1991 Spring Council retreat will be hell May 10 & 11.
The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
Thursday night-Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.
The associate minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Now Up Yours."
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Irving Beltson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy lunch.
The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.
A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by one of our members in honor of his wife.
The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.
Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use back door.
Ushers will eat latecomers.
Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on "It's a Terrible Experience."
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
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Monday, September 21, 2009
Surprisingly similar
Despite the huge change regarding work, the work day was surprisingly similar to previous days. It was high stress in the morning and calmer in the afternoon. Of course, we had a lot of rain in the afternoon, and that always cuts down on the number of customers who come by.
Things remain unclear, but I'll know more as the week progresses. At least, I think I will. Who knows? I still feel amazingly calm about it. Well, calm for me, which I've been told is somewhat less than calm for other people, but since it's the only calm I know, I stick with amazingly calm.
Tomorrow falls begins, and we're supposed to have a cold front move through. Sigh. Goodbye summer. I'll miss you muchly. I'm already looking forward to your return.
And now I'm going to call it a night. I'm very tired. You have a good night and a great day tomorrow. I'll talk to you then.
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Things remain unclear, but I'll know more as the week progresses. At least, I think I will. Who knows? I still feel amazingly calm about it. Well, calm for me, which I've been told is somewhat less than calm for other people, but since it's the only calm I know, I stick with amazingly calm.
Tomorrow falls begins, and we're supposed to have a cold front move through. Sigh. Goodbye summer. I'll miss you muchly. I'm already looking forward to your return.
And now I'm going to call it a night. I'm very tired. You have a good night and a great day tomorrow. I'll talk to you then.
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Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tomorrow things change
Tomorrow I will get up and eat breakfast. Like I've done a thousand and more times before.
Tomorrow I will shower, shave, and dress. Like I've done a thousand and more times before.
Tomorrow I will drive to work and open the doors and answer the phones and take care of customers as best as I can. Like I've done a thousand and more times before.
But tomorrow will be different. My work world has changed. It will not change back. The situation has changed, and I must adapt -- or not -- as I choose, but the situation is different no matter what my response.
My friends and family keep asking me about the future of my job. I have no answers. I won't be making any of the decisions concerning it. I don't think anyone knows. The decisions will come or be forced upon us all as we deal with how things have changed.
Strangely enough, I feel quite peaceful about it. Maybe I just haven't realized the gravity of the situation. I know I might still be in shock. It takes a while to recover from a hard jolt to our system. But overall, I'm doing okay.
Yes, okay. Not perfect. Not untroubled. But okay. I feel like I'm going to survive this and be okay no matter how this works out. That doesn't mean I don't need your prayers. I do. And that doesn't mean I know any answers. I don't. But I still believe I'll be okay.
Talk to you tomorrow, my friends. I hope you have a good night and great tomorrow. Good night.
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Tomorrow I will shower, shave, and dress. Like I've done a thousand and more times before.
Tomorrow I will drive to work and open the doors and answer the phones and take care of customers as best as I can. Like I've done a thousand and more times before.
But tomorrow will be different. My work world has changed. It will not change back. The situation has changed, and I must adapt -- or not -- as I choose, but the situation is different no matter what my response.
My friends and family keep asking me about the future of my job. I have no answers. I won't be making any of the decisions concerning it. I don't think anyone knows. The decisions will come or be forced upon us all as we deal with how things have changed.
Strangely enough, I feel quite peaceful about it. Maybe I just haven't realized the gravity of the situation. I know I might still be in shock. It takes a while to recover from a hard jolt to our system. But overall, I'm doing okay.
Yes, okay. Not perfect. Not untroubled. But okay. I feel like I'm going to survive this and be okay no matter how this works out. That doesn't mean I don't need your prayers. I do. And that doesn't mean I know any answers. I don't. But I still believe I'll be okay.
Talk to you tomorrow, my friends. I hope you have a good night and great tomorrow. Good night.
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Office announcement
My office will be open again on Monday. We will continue for the time being as the family adjusts to these terrible events. That's all I know right now.
Please have the Ensey family in your prayers tomorrow as they make it through the funeral.
Good night.
Please have the Ensey family in your prayers tomorrow as they make it through the funeral.
Good night.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Obituary
John Nelson Ensey of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, was born to John Cebran and Mildred Imogene (Nelson) Ensey on March 27, 1949 in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and passed from this life on September 13, 2009, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 60 years.
John grew up and attended school in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, graduating in 1967. He then attended East Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University where he obtained his Bachelors of Science in Accounting in December of 1971.
Due to a blind date, John began dating Lucille Little at the age of 15. Six years later they were married on August 22, 1971, in Pauls Valley and joined the family to create the LBE Ranch.
After twenty years of farming, John opened his own insurance agency with Allstate in Ada. In 2002, he found a way to fulfill his desire to help others by forming Ensey Bail Bonds.
Because he never got the dirt from under his fingernails, John added a third job, which was his true passion, and began farming and ranching again.
In his spare time he enjoyed the lake and boating and any opportunity to spend time with his family.
Mr. Ensey is survived by his wife: Lucille Little Ensey of the home; two sons: Corey Ensey and his wife Telise of Duncan, Oklahoma, and Craig Ensey and his wife Crystal of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; his mother: Mildred Ensey of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; two sisters: Jere Hanchak and her husband John of Bradenton, Florida, and Luanne Howk and her husband Andy of Norman, Oklahoma; five grandchildren: Chase, Cade, Faith, Tag, and Jack; and a host of other family and friends. Mr. Ensey was preceded in death by his father: J. C. Ensey.
Funeral services for Mr. Ensey are scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in the Pauls Valley High School Auditorium with Rev. Tom Buzbee officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the Bosa Center. You may send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that friends send donations to Regional Food Bank , Food 4 Kids Program/Garvin County, P. O. Box 272153, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73127-2153
Visitations:
9:00AM to 7:00PM on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 at Wooster Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1601 South Chickasaw, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
9:00AM to 7:00PM on Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 at Wooster Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1601 South Chickasaw, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
John grew up and attended school in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, graduating in 1967. He then attended East Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University where he obtained his Bachelors of Science in Accounting in December of 1971.
Due to a blind date, John began dating Lucille Little at the age of 15. Six years later they were married on August 22, 1971, in Pauls Valley and joined the family to create the LBE Ranch.
After twenty years of farming, John opened his own insurance agency with Allstate in Ada. In 2002, he found a way to fulfill his desire to help others by forming Ensey Bail Bonds.
Because he never got the dirt from under his fingernails, John added a third job, which was his true passion, and began farming and ranching again.
In his spare time he enjoyed the lake and boating and any opportunity to spend time with his family.
Mr. Ensey is survived by his wife: Lucille Little Ensey of the home; two sons: Corey Ensey and his wife Telise of Duncan, Oklahoma, and Craig Ensey and his wife Crystal of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; his mother: Mildred Ensey of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; two sisters: Jere Hanchak and her husband John of Bradenton, Florida, and Luanne Howk and her husband Andy of Norman, Oklahoma; five grandchildren: Chase, Cade, Faith, Tag, and Jack; and a host of other family and friends. Mr. Ensey was preceded in death by his father: J. C. Ensey.
Funeral services for Mr. Ensey are scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in the Pauls Valley High School Auditorium with Rev. Tom Buzbee officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the Bosa Center. You may send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that friends send donations to Regional Food Bank , Food 4 Kids Program/Garvin County, P. O. Box 272153, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73127-2153
Visitations:
9:00AM to 7:00PM on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 at Wooster Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1601 South Chickasaw, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
9:00AM to 7:00PM on Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 at Wooster Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1601 South Chickasaw, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Funeral
Funeral services for John Ensey will be at 4:30PM at Pauls Valley High School Auditorium on Thursday, September 17th, 2009. Contact Wooster Funeral Home in Pauls Valley for more information at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Horrible news
My friend and boss John Ensey passed away early this Sunday morning after an auto accident Friday morning. Please pray for his wife Lucille and their family and friends that God will give them comfort and strength during this terrible time.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Happy Labor Day
I had a very good Labor Day. We kept Mikey this weekend, and today, my roomie's son and daughter-in-law and their three precious childen came to visit. We talked and cooked out. The kids swam and watched cartoons and played. It was a great time, and although I'm exhausted, I enjoyed it. I hope your Labor Day was as good.
And now I'm going to bed to read a bit. Night!
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And now I'm going to bed to read a bit. Night!
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Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Nada
I don’t have anything to say.
Which is obviously incorrect. Because by saying “I don’t have anything else to say,” I’ve said something. It would be more correct to say “I don’t have anything else to say.”
But then someone will ask, “About what? You can’t say you don’t have anything else to say unless you’ve said something about some subject to begin with.”
So … I should really say this: “I don’t have anything else to say about any subject other than this sentence.”
And then I should be quiet so that the sentence is true.
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Which is obviously incorrect. Because by saying “I don’t have anything else to say,” I’ve said something. It would be more correct to say “I don’t have anything else to say.”
But then someone will ask, “About what? You can’t say you don’t have anything else to say unless you’ve said something about some subject to begin with.”
So … I should really say this: “I don’t have anything else to say about any subject other than this sentence.”
And then I should be quiet so that the sentence is true.
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
Breaking the toe
Did I mention I broke my toe Monday night? I broke my toe Monday night. I dropped a book on my foot. It hurt a lot, but I thought it would be okay. The next morning it was swelled and started to develop some impressive bruising. Not anything they can do for a broken toe besides a little foam splint. It just has to heal. The bruising is spectacular, though. Blue, black, green. Lovely.
I have a new healthcare proposal: Send all your money to me. I will use it to get me the finest healthcare available today. Now there's a plan!
By the way, I love it when I have super speed on World of Warcraft. Wish I had it in real life. That would be so cool to zip along that speed.
You may notice the fish went away. (Yes, you may. I'm giving you permission.) Apparently after the latest rounds of upgrades, Internet Explorer 6 & 7 were having trouble opening my page due to the coding of the fish. Bye, bye, fish. Thanks to Gloria Williams for letting me know about this problem. I knew I was having trouble -- except not with Google Chrome -- but I didn't know other people were. A lot of my readers use Chrome or Firefox or IE 8. So far, no trouble reported on any of those browsesr. Let me know if any crop up.
The June family newsletter will be mailed out tomorrow. I had hoped to have the July one out by this time, but couldn't quite make it. I intend -- God willing -- to put the July one out next week. Then I'll just need the August and September one to catch up. The newsletter is a lot of work, but I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the actual designing of each issue.
And that's all the news I have now. How are you? I hope things are going well. Good night!
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I have a new healthcare proposal: Send all your money to me. I will use it to get me the finest healthcare available today. Now there's a plan!
By the way, I love it when I have super speed on World of Warcraft. Wish I had it in real life. That would be so cool to zip along that speed.
You may notice the fish went away. (Yes, you may. I'm giving you permission.) Apparently after the latest rounds of upgrades, Internet Explorer 6 & 7 were having trouble opening my page due to the coding of the fish. Bye, bye, fish. Thanks to Gloria Williams for letting me know about this problem. I knew I was having trouble -- except not with Google Chrome -- but I didn't know other people were. A lot of my readers use Chrome or Firefox or IE 8. So far, no trouble reported on any of those browsesr. Let me know if any crop up.
The June family newsletter will be mailed out tomorrow. I had hoped to have the July one out by this time, but couldn't quite make it. I intend -- God willing -- to put the July one out next week. Then I'll just need the August and September one to catch up. The newsletter is a lot of work, but I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the actual designing of each issue.
And that's all the news I have now. How are you? I hope things are going well. Good night!
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Monday, August 24, 2009
Mondo Monday
Missed work today because I was sick. No, that's not right. I didn't miss work; I was absent from work because I was sick ... if you catch my meaning. However, being home sick definitely makes work more attractive.
The antibiotic is doing its best to put me down for the count. I'm not sure if it's working since I'm still coughing blood, but I'm only half-way through and the doctor said it might take a while. After all, I've coughed blood for a year now. Yes, that's got really old. About the only time I haven't coughed blood was right after the lung scope -- which was supposed to make me cough blood. Contrary to the extreme, I am.
I've been attempting to get writing on Murder by the Mile. The story is refusing to come. Quite annoying. I don't have the story straight in my head yet. Have to keep thinking about it.
Going to call it a night now. I hope you had a good Monday. Talk to you tomorrow.
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The antibiotic is doing its best to put me down for the count. I'm not sure if it's working since I'm still coughing blood, but I'm only half-way through and the doctor said it might take a while. After all, I've coughed blood for a year now. Yes, that's got really old. About the only time I haven't coughed blood was right after the lung scope -- which was supposed to make me cough blood. Contrary to the extreme, I am.
I've been attempting to get writing on Murder by the Mile. The story is refusing to come. Quite annoying. I don't have the story straight in my head yet. Have to keep thinking about it.
Going to call it a night now. I hope you had a good Monday. Talk to you tomorrow.
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Sunday, August 23, 2009
We Fall Down
Today I got up sick after having spent the night sick. I started reading Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham. I wanted to share part of what I read:
In the midst of his suffering, Job said, "Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." (Job 5:7, NIV). It is true. I have never met a person who did not have troubles of some kind. Fear and sickness rob us of happiness; broken relationships and shattered dreams destroy our peace.
But one of God's greatest promises is that all of these will be forgotten in Heaven, where "there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Rev. 21:4)
This is the supreme reality of Heaven. Throughout eternity there will be an intimate relationship between Christ and His Church. He will be the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne, and He shall lead them to the fountains of living waters.
I found comfort in those words. I hope you will, too. Have a blessed and peaceful week.
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In the midst of his suffering, Job said, "Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." (Job 5:7, NIV). It is true. I have never met a person who did not have troubles of some kind. Fear and sickness rob us of happiness; broken relationships and shattered dreams destroy our peace.
But one of God's greatest promises is that all of these will be forgotten in Heaven, where "there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Rev. 21:4)
This is the supreme reality of Heaven. Throughout eternity there will be an intimate relationship between Christ and His Church. He will be the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne, and He shall lead them to the fountains of living waters.
I found comfort in those words. I hope you will, too. Have a blessed and peaceful week.
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Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ananias
Didn't mean to leave the health care post up so long, particularly since the public option is apparently going to be sacrificed for political expediency. A good rule of thumb is that anytime a politician gives up on a program because of political pressure, the program was probably going to hurt wealthy people and corporations who have the money to oppose it -- and program would have helped people who don't have the wealth to lobby government.
This is a country of haves and have-nots. The ruling class likes it that way. They intend to keep it that way. Frankly, I've given up. There isn't any hope of ever having a government by the people for the people, not while the Republicans and Democrats exist. A bit bleak, but that's how I feel lately.
I think there's going to be a reckoning some day. I keep thinking about Russia before their Red Revolution. The czar and their nobles partied in their palaces, never realizing that the their downtrodden people would eventually rise and be willing to die to sweep them away. Sadly enough, their people only exchanged one tyranny for another. I wonder what will happen here and if I'll be around to see. Let's change the subject.
It's been hard week emotionally and physically. The OKC doctor started me on a ten-run of a particularly nasty antibiotic. They found two different bugs in my lung, one of which could be lethal so we're trying to wipe it out. The antibiotic has made me incredibly sick. And I'm exhausted. I can't sleep for more than a couple of hours without having to get up. Not fun, but this is my fourth day. Halfway there.
It's late, and I'm tired. We'll close now. Tomorrow will be better. It's Sunday, and I always feel better on Sundays. Something about putting my eyes on God. Anyway, good night and good morrow.
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This is a country of haves and have-nots. The ruling class likes it that way. They intend to keep it that way. Frankly, I've given up. There isn't any hope of ever having a government by the people for the people, not while the Republicans and Democrats exist. A bit bleak, but that's how I feel lately.
I think there's going to be a reckoning some day. I keep thinking about Russia before their Red Revolution. The czar and their nobles partied in their palaces, never realizing that the their downtrodden people would eventually rise and be willing to die to sweep them away. Sadly enough, their people only exchanged one tyranny for another. I wonder what will happen here and if I'll be around to see. Let's change the subject.
It's been hard week emotionally and physically. The OKC doctor started me on a ten-run of a particularly nasty antibiotic. They found two different bugs in my lung, one of which could be lethal so we're trying to wipe it out. The antibiotic has made me incredibly sick. And I'm exhausted. I can't sleep for more than a couple of hours without having to get up. Not fun, but this is my fourth day. Halfway there.
It's late, and I'm tired. We'll close now. Tomorrow will be better. It's Sunday, and I always feel better on Sundays. Something about putting my eyes on God. Anyway, good night and good morrow.
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Taking sides
I want you to know that I support a public option for health care, even one as flawed as the current one on the table. Yes, get ready your "socialized medicine" and "one world government" comments. I'll load up my "selfish" and "short-sighted" ones. We can have at each other in a moment.
I thought this post by Roger Ebert expressed exactly what I feel about the current health plan debate. Read the comments, too, as they are insightful.
Let me acknowledge my bias in this: I do not have health insurance and cannot not purchase it due to preexisting conditions (diabetes and respiratory problems). I have been turned down by several companies, including ones that said they make allowances for preexisting conditions. As a result, the bills from my recent medical problems have pushed me to the edge of bankruptcy. My budget is razor-thin. One more medical test or a car breakdown or a roof leak or another unexpected bill and I'm toast. I want health insurance. I'm willing to pay for health insurance. But I cannot get it.
And don't mention the Oklahoma's Department of Human Services to me. I make too much money at my present job to qualify for any assistance with health care costs. I have tried several times, but there is no aid for people in the middle.
I mention all this not to get any sympathy, but for you to realize that I'm the face of the uninsured in America. Me. Stephen. Think about that the next time you casually dismiss any chance for a public option on health insurance. What you're saying is that it's okay for me to be uninsured, that it's okay for me to be beat down by my bills. Think about that.
And one more thing: I don't forgive you for saying that. Because you're not truly sorry. There's no apology to be accepted. And even if you offered it, I won't accept. Whether we like it or not, health care is war, and I've picked my side. Now it's up to you to pick yours.
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Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
I thought this post by Roger Ebert expressed exactly what I feel about the current health plan debate. Read the comments, too, as they are insightful.
Let me acknowledge my bias in this: I do not have health insurance and cannot not purchase it due to preexisting conditions (diabetes and respiratory problems). I have been turned down by several companies, including ones that said they make allowances for preexisting conditions. As a result, the bills from my recent medical problems have pushed me to the edge of bankruptcy. My budget is razor-thin. One more medical test or a car breakdown or a roof leak or another unexpected bill and I'm toast. I want health insurance. I'm willing to pay for health insurance. But I cannot get it.
And don't mention the Oklahoma's Department of Human Services to me. I make too much money at my present job to qualify for any assistance with health care costs. I have tried several times, but there is no aid for people in the middle.
I mention all this not to get any sympathy, but for you to realize that I'm the face of the uninsured in America. Me. Stephen. Think about that the next time you casually dismiss any chance for a public option on health insurance. What you're saying is that it's okay for me to be uninsured, that it's okay for me to be beat down by my bills. Think about that.
And one more thing: I don't forgive you for saying that. Because you're not truly sorry. There's no apology to be accepted. And even if you offered it, I won't accept. Whether we like it or not, health care is war, and I've picked my side. Now it's up to you to pick yours.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A few items of interest or not
I restarted my family newsletter. I haven't published it for the past four months. Simply didn't have the energy. But I feel better and finally mailed out the May (!) issue this Monday. I'm busy on the June issue and hope to finish it this week. Then I'll start work on the July issue. And after that, the August issue ... which means I'll probably be caught up some time in late September. I hope. I could have skipped those months, but my subscribers paid for 12 issues a year, and I'm going to try to give them 12 issues a year. We'll see how that goes.
World of Warcraft is taking some of my time these days. I've gone up four levels over the past three weeks and should go up another level tonight. Which will make me 66th level. In the past few months, weeks went by without me playing at all. In fact, I have considered cancelling it. However, I guess I was away from it enough that I'm interested again. Also, I'm high enough level that some of the more frustrating aspects have lessened. Or maybe I've finally learned how to play the game with a bit of skill. Either way, I'm having fun playing again.
Next week will be the season finale for The Closer. This season hasn't been as strong as previous seasons, although last night's episode about a shooting at a school was powerful and sad. I kinda like Warehouse 13, but they sure need better scripts. And get rid of the new girl. Or at least tone down her annoying personality. Leverage has been good, but not as good as their first season. And a couple of their cons -- particularly the one at a middle school -- were simply silly. Bones is good, but I'm hoping their upcoming season, starting in September, will be less personality and more puzzling crimes.
My roomie worked extra hard and got the swimming pool set up. I've been in it several times now. Very nice to float in the water and stare up at the blue sky. Is there a job where I could do that all day and make lots of money? There should be. I want that job!
Did you take advantage of the government's Cash for Clunkers program? Me, neither. My clunker, sadly enough, didn't qualify. Not that I could have afforded a car payment right now, but it was nice to dream. Guess my '89 Topaz needs to keep going for a few more years if it can. I could have afforded a car payment except I'm busy sending money to the various medical establishments. All of them -- except one -- have been really nice as I worked out a payment plan with them. One of them, however, still calls me every day, Monday through Friday, in a vain attempt to squeeze blood out of a stone. Good luck with that.
I received some news on my health yesterday. I'm not sure exactly what it means yet, but maybe they finally have a handle on what's been making me so ill. They've started me on new medicine this morning. It's a ten-day run of this. I'm hoping I will feel better soon.
Now I'd better get to work. Talk to you tomorrow! Have a great Tuesday.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
World of Warcraft is taking some of my time these days. I've gone up four levels over the past three weeks and should go up another level tonight. Which will make me 66th level. In the past few months, weeks went by without me playing at all. In fact, I have considered cancelling it. However, I guess I was away from it enough that I'm interested again. Also, I'm high enough level that some of the more frustrating aspects have lessened. Or maybe I've finally learned how to play the game with a bit of skill. Either way, I'm having fun playing again.
Next week will be the season finale for The Closer. This season hasn't been as strong as previous seasons, although last night's episode about a shooting at a school was powerful and sad. I kinda like Warehouse 13, but they sure need better scripts. And get rid of the new girl. Or at least tone down her annoying personality. Leverage has been good, but not as good as their first season. And a couple of their cons -- particularly the one at a middle school -- were simply silly. Bones is good, but I'm hoping their upcoming season, starting in September, will be less personality and more puzzling crimes.
My roomie worked extra hard and got the swimming pool set up. I've been in it several times now. Very nice to float in the water and stare up at the blue sky. Is there a job where I could do that all day and make lots of money? There should be. I want that job!
Did you take advantage of the government's Cash for Clunkers program? Me, neither. My clunker, sadly enough, didn't qualify. Not that I could have afforded a car payment right now, but it was nice to dream. Guess my '89 Topaz needs to keep going for a few more years if it can. I could have afforded a car payment except I'm busy sending money to the various medical establishments. All of them -- except one -- have been really nice as I worked out a payment plan with them. One of them, however, still calls me every day, Monday through Friday, in a vain attempt to squeeze blood out of a stone. Good luck with that.
I received some news on my health yesterday. I'm not sure exactly what it means yet, but maybe they finally have a handle on what's been making me so ill. They've started me on new medicine this morning. It's a ten-day run of this. I'm hoping I will feel better soon.
Now I'd better get to work. Talk to you tomorrow! Have a great Tuesday.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Sunday, August 16, 2009
Many blessings
Whenever I throw a pity party, whenever I get too whiny even for me, I try to reflect on the many blessings I have just because I was born in the United States. I have a roof over my head, food in my (too-large) stomach, clothing to fill a closet, access to health care, more books than I can ever read, more TV shows than I ever want to watch, more opportunities undenied. It helps to realize that by the accident of my birth country, I do not face what so many of our world's people do. Whether I remember it all the time or act like it all the time, God has greatly blessed me, and I give Him my thanks.
Have a blessed and safe Sunday. Talk to you Monday!
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Have a blessed and safe Sunday. Talk to you Monday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Junkie
I think it’s time I confess something ... I have a monkey on my back. No, his name isn’t George. No, I have an addiction that I’ve struggled with for years, and it’s time to come clean. Don’t judge me. Try to understand my torment. It’s this: I’m addicted to office supplies.
Yes, that’s right. Office supplies. I. Love. Them. Pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, staplers, erasers, rulers, three hole punchers, paperclips, envelopes, sticky notes, letter openers, tape dispensers, labels, journals, ledgers, and correction tapes. Those are just the things on my desk. I have much more, piled on shelves in my hallway and in my closets.
I even have variations on the items I do have. Pens in all colors and sizes. Pencils with movie themed designs on them. Reams of specialty papers from a dozen different stores. Paperclips of all sizes, including a jumbo one that you could use as crutch if you had an office supply injury.
Other people drive to Oklahoma City or Tulsa to go to the theater or to eat at a 4-star restaurant. I go to visit Office Max. Or Office Depot. When my town got a Staples store, I was there on opening day. I wandered the aisles, enraptured by the gleaming merchandise, all the glorious office supplies! It was mine, all mine! Two clerks followed me with an oxygen tank and mask just in case I was overcome.
I’ve often wondered if the reason I chose to become a writer and dabble in graphic design was because then I’d have a good reason to collect office supplies.
But don’t think I’m the only one with this curious bent in their personality. I see other people in the aisles at Staples, their carts filled with wonderful gadgets and enough paper for seven high schools. Our eyes meet briefly. We know what’s going on, but we pass silently, me on the way to the display of computer-printable greeting cards, they to their particular addiction.
We’re stronger than this yearning, of course. We know we could turn away from the clearance bin items. We don’t really need a stapler with a bright blue metallic finish or heavyweight envelopes with clever geometric designs or colored folders for our files. We always know we can stop if we want to.
But we don’t want to stop. And I’d be careful if I were you even suggesting it. Some of our monkeys carry letter openers. Sharp ones.
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Yes, that’s right. Office supplies. I. Love. Them. Pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, staplers, erasers, rulers, three hole punchers, paperclips, envelopes, sticky notes, letter openers, tape dispensers, labels, journals, ledgers, and correction tapes. Those are just the things on my desk. I have much more, piled on shelves in my hallway and in my closets.
I even have variations on the items I do have. Pens in all colors and sizes. Pencils with movie themed designs on them. Reams of specialty papers from a dozen different stores. Paperclips of all sizes, including a jumbo one that you could use as crutch if you had an office supply injury.
Other people drive to Oklahoma City or Tulsa to go to the theater or to eat at a 4-star restaurant. I go to visit Office Max. Or Office Depot. When my town got a Staples store, I was there on opening day. I wandered the aisles, enraptured by the gleaming merchandise, all the glorious office supplies! It was mine, all mine! Two clerks followed me with an oxygen tank and mask just in case I was overcome.
I’ve often wondered if the reason I chose to become a writer and dabble in graphic design was because then I’d have a good reason to collect office supplies.
But don’t think I’m the only one with this curious bent in their personality. I see other people in the aisles at Staples, their carts filled with wonderful gadgets and enough paper for seven high schools. Our eyes meet briefly. We know what’s going on, but we pass silently, me on the way to the display of computer-printable greeting cards, they to their particular addiction.
We’re stronger than this yearning, of course. We know we could turn away from the clearance bin items. We don’t really need a stapler with a bright blue metallic finish or heavyweight envelopes with clever geometric designs or colored folders for our files. We always know we can stop if we want to.
But we don’t want to stop. And I’d be careful if I were you even suggesting it. Some of our monkeys carry letter openers. Sharp ones.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Monday, August 10, 2009
WoWified
I've been WoWified the past couple of weeks. Yes, World of Warcraft has sucked me in again. I've actually went up two levels over this time period and are well on my way toward achieving another level. Yes, it's non-productive. Yes, I have plenty of other things to do. But yes, it's a lot of fun, and I'm going to continue. At least until I get bored again
I was supposed to meet my friend Roen on WoW to get some help from here, but I had to work late and came home ill so I didn't get any real WoW time in. Too much stress at work. Maybe tomorrow night.
Otherwise, not much to tell you. I did have a productive weekend. Had a huge list of chores and got lots of them done. And hey, my pool is finally set up. We're still working on getting the water clear so I haven't been in yet, but maybe tomorrow if it's not raining.
And now, it's 10:20 p.m. so I'm going to close. Y'all have a great Tuesday. Night!
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I was supposed to meet my friend Roen on WoW to get some help from here, but I had to work late and came home ill so I didn't get any real WoW time in. Too much stress at work. Maybe tomorrow night.
Otherwise, not much to tell you. I did have a productive weekend. Had a huge list of chores and got lots of them done. And hey, my pool is finally set up. We're still working on getting the water clear so I haven't been in yet, but maybe tomorrow if it's not raining.
And now, it's 10:20 p.m. so I'm going to close. Y'all have a great Tuesday. Night!
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Sunday, August 09, 2009
The Beatitudes
The Beatitudes come from the Sermon of Mount and are recorded in the Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10. Biblical scholar Andrej Kodjak says that Jesus opened the Sermon with the Beatitudes in order to shock His listeners to attention. The Beatitudes were shocking because they inverted the standard values of that day. That shock value has been lost, however, due to the commonness of the text today.
Common or not, the Beatitudes contain true wisdom and a hope for a better world.
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Have a blessed and peaceful Sunday. Talk to you tomorrow!
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Common or not, the Beatitudes contain true wisdom and a hope for a better world.
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Have a blessed and peaceful Sunday. Talk to you tomorrow!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Made for more
It always comes down to this: Every second we live is a second closer to death. Most of us prefer to not think about it since it doesn’t seem healthy to dwell on our approaching demise. There are a few rare (thankfully) individuals who focus on death, sometimes to the extreme of choosing to commit murder or suicide or both. But most of us live our lives in the now. No one knows when they’re going to die, which allows us to make some terrible choices since we think we’re going to survive the consequences of our foolishness. Youth makes us immortal, we not-think.
All religions focus on death, or really the afterlife. It seems inconceivable to us that we won’t survive in some fashion, be it Heaven, Nirvana, or merging with the Cosmic Flow. To think of the earth as a staging area or a practice arena for what comes next helps many of us to find meaning in our lives. Other people choose to hedonistically live for the pleasure now. “You only get one life; live it to the fullest.” A slogan that seems to be particularly popular for selling beer and sport cars.
Time overwhelms us. If you think about all those nameless people who went before us and all those who will follow us, you can feel lost in the multitudes. Few of us will achieve the fame to be remembered 100 years from now – not that such remembrance could factor into our lives now because we won’t know if we will be remembered or what we will be remembered for. The vast majority of us will not be remembered here.
You have to shy away from such knowledge, you know. You can’t live your life with eternity peering over your shoulder. The responsibility of living for the future can drain away your joy now. There is a balance we should seek between now and eternity, between pleasure and responsibility, and between us and other people. “Moderation in all things,” to quote a very wise man.
Balance. There’s the rub. How to gain it. How to keep it. How to be an adult in a world that celebrates bad behavior. We’re not a society that appreciates good behavior. Bad behavior will get you on a so-called reality show. Bad behavior will get your name in the tabloids. People will know you if you have more money than sense, cheat on your lover, steal money from friends, curse to shame a sailor, and perform other egregious actions. It helps if you can blame your actions on a substance abuse problem. That way you can go into detox, and the stories you’ll tell and will be told about you! You won’t be happy, but you’ll be busy with yourself, and isn’t that what life is all about? If you kill yourself later on, well, that’s sad, but you might even get songs written about you and at least one made-for-TV movie on one of the thousands of cable channels.
But we’re made for so much more. We can be a light to our friends. We can be kind to our enemies. We can leave the world a better place than we found it. We can be adult and reasonable and sane and right. Not because there will be a reward for it – because there won’t be – but because it’s the right thing to do. When we humans finally do the right thing because it’s right and not because we’re rewarded for such, then we will have finally at long last grown up.
I hope it’s soon. Don't you?
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Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
All religions focus on death, or really the afterlife. It seems inconceivable to us that we won’t survive in some fashion, be it Heaven, Nirvana, or merging with the Cosmic Flow. To think of the earth as a staging area or a practice arena for what comes next helps many of us to find meaning in our lives. Other people choose to hedonistically live for the pleasure now. “You only get one life; live it to the fullest.” A slogan that seems to be particularly popular for selling beer and sport cars.
Time overwhelms us. If you think about all those nameless people who went before us and all those who will follow us, you can feel lost in the multitudes. Few of us will achieve the fame to be remembered 100 years from now – not that such remembrance could factor into our lives now because we won’t know if we will be remembered or what we will be remembered for. The vast majority of us will not be remembered here.
You have to shy away from such knowledge, you know. You can’t live your life with eternity peering over your shoulder. The responsibility of living for the future can drain away your joy now. There is a balance we should seek between now and eternity, between pleasure and responsibility, and between us and other people. “Moderation in all things,” to quote a very wise man.
Balance. There’s the rub. How to gain it. How to keep it. How to be an adult in a world that celebrates bad behavior. We’re not a society that appreciates good behavior. Bad behavior will get you on a so-called reality show. Bad behavior will get your name in the tabloids. People will know you if you have more money than sense, cheat on your lover, steal money from friends, curse to shame a sailor, and perform other egregious actions. It helps if you can blame your actions on a substance abuse problem. That way you can go into detox, and the stories you’ll tell and will be told about you! You won’t be happy, but you’ll be busy with yourself, and isn’t that what life is all about? If you kill yourself later on, well, that’s sad, but you might even get songs written about you and at least one made-for-TV movie on one of the thousands of cable channels.
But we’re made for so much more. We can be a light to our friends. We can be kind to our enemies. We can leave the world a better place than we found it. We can be adult and reasonable and sane and right. Not because there will be a reward for it – because there won’t be – but because it’s the right thing to do. When we humans finally do the right thing because it’s right and not because we’re rewarded for such, then we will have finally at long last grown up.
I hope it’s soon. Don't you?
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Sunday, August 02, 2009
The 23rd Psalm
This is, of course, my favorite Psalm. I think it is for most people who have a favorite. Its message of comfort never fails to encourage me no matter what I'm going through.
The 23rd Psalm (King James Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
This is a marvelous adaptation of Psalm 23 to music. Keith Green was an amazing musician. The world is less since he passed away, but Heaven is greater.
Have a wonderful, blessed, peaceful Sunday. See you Monday!
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The 23rd Psalm (King James Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
This is a marvelous adaptation of Psalm 23 to music. Keith Green was an amazing musician. The world is less since he passed away, but Heaven is greater.
Have a wonderful, blessed, peaceful Sunday. See you Monday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Birthday eve
Sometime tomorrow morning around six or so, I'll be officially 48 years old. You'd think there would be some sort of national celebration ... well, maybe not. Anyway, I don't have much to talk about tonight other than I've been reading some books about the ancient advanced civilization that is actually the source of the pyramids and countless stone structures and was destroyed by a terrible cataclysm that shifted the planetary plates and moved Antarctica to its current position and shattered all the people and made them forget their heritage. Yeah, amazing isn't it. Who knew?
Anyway, you probably saw this video already, but it made me laugh so here it is.
Talk to you tomorrow.
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Anyway, you probably saw this video already, but it made me laugh so here it is.
Talk to you tomorrow.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
15 minutes of blogging
Sorry I've been such a whiny-hiney the last couple of days. Work has been particularly frustrating and annoying. But hey, I won't be at work Thursday and Friday so I'll have four days away from it and can regain -- I hope -- some of my equilibrium. And then I won't whine about it as much, but can adopt a calm manner while secretly bottling up my anger until I snap and use my mega-missiles to take out a few blocks as the screaming people run in terror. Sigh. Good times, but then you know how that feels. Who doesn't these days?
Anyway, I'm taking just 15 minutes to blog tonight so that I can get to bed at a decent hour. I run on too little sleep, and that's not good for you. It's not good for me, either. Let's both cut it out.
Been slipping a bit on my diabetes diet, and my blood sugar has inched up. It's back to the straight and narrow. I hope to start exercising again by walking (panting, sweating, collapsing) at the local fitness center. I got out of the habit when I was sick a few weeks back and haven't taken it up again.
I'm out of money for the doctors at present. For a couple of months I don't have anything major planned. At least not anything I haven't already told you about. I need to get some of these places paid down so that I can use them again. Good health is priceless, but being sick costs a lot.
I've been attempting to get Murder by the Mile started again. I've got all these notes and thoughts and no organization yet. I think I know why the murderer(s) kills all those people in that particular fashion, but I'm not totally sure. You know, some people want to be caught. They want to brag about how clever they are, not realizing that being caught negates that. My murderer won't want to be caught. Some secrets are meant to stay buried.
I'm going to be 48 this Thursday. 48. Forty-eight. XLVIII. 110000. Cuarenta y ocho. Quarante-huit. Quarantotto. However you say it, it's old! Or maybe not. We'll see, won't we? And if you knew me better, that last sentence would send a cold delicious chill up your spine ...
Good night!
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Anyway, I'm taking just 15 minutes to blog tonight so that I can get to bed at a decent hour. I run on too little sleep, and that's not good for you. It's not good for me, either. Let's both cut it out.
Been slipping a bit on my diabetes diet, and my blood sugar has inched up. It's back to the straight and narrow. I hope to start exercising again by walking (panting, sweating, collapsing) at the local fitness center. I got out of the habit when I was sick a few weeks back and haven't taken it up again.
I'm out of money for the doctors at present. For a couple of months I don't have anything major planned. At least not anything I haven't already told you about. I need to get some of these places paid down so that I can use them again. Good health is priceless, but being sick costs a lot.
I've been attempting to get Murder by the Mile started again. I've got all these notes and thoughts and no organization yet. I think I know why the murderer(s) kills all those people in that particular fashion, but I'm not totally sure. You know, some people want to be caught. They want to brag about how clever they are, not realizing that being caught negates that. My murderer won't want to be caught. Some secrets are meant to stay buried.
I'm going to be 48 this Thursday. 48. Forty-eight. XLVIII. 110000. Cuarenta y ocho. Quarante-huit. Quarantotto. However you say it, it's old! Or maybe not. We'll see, won't we? And if you knew me better, that last sentence would send a cold delicious chill up your spine ...
Good night!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, Munday, Mudday
It's been a Monday so far. You probably think that is obvious, but what I'm saying is that it's been one of those Mondays. You know the ones. The Mondays that make you doubt the world's sanity, that make you want to curl up in bed and never come out from beneath the covers.
Unfortunately, I have bills. Plenty of them. So hiding isn't an option. Instead I grit my teeth and go to work just like you. We're good soldiers, you know. We do what has to be done, and we pay for it by the erosion of our spirits.
By this, you may gather that I no longer believe in the myth of "career." You know, the job that's going fulfill you and take you to exciting places where you will work with funny, wise, intelligent, beautiful people who naturally will end up being your romantic interest. That's how it works on TV. It's also a lie.
A job is a job is a job. Jobs give you money so that you can do things you like to do when you're not a work. Your mission is work as little as possible while receiving the salary necessary for you to pursue your pursuits.
Yes, it's a bit bleak here. Sorry. Tomorrow will be better, or heads will roll! Probably eyes, too. Don't think about it. Have a great day and a wonderful Tuesday. Talk to you then.
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Unfortunately, I have bills. Plenty of them. So hiding isn't an option. Instead I grit my teeth and go to work just like you. We're good soldiers, you know. We do what has to be done, and we pay for it by the erosion of our spirits.
By this, you may gather that I no longer believe in the myth of "career." You know, the job that's going fulfill you and take you to exciting places where you will work with funny, wise, intelligent, beautiful people who naturally will end up being your romantic interest. That's how it works on TV. It's also a lie.
A job is a job is a job. Jobs give you money so that you can do things you like to do when you're not a work. Your mission is work as little as possible while receiving the salary necessary for you to pursue your pursuits.
Yes, it's a bit bleak here. Sorry. Tomorrow will be better, or heads will roll! Probably eyes, too. Don't think about it. Have a great day and a wonderful Tuesday. Talk to you then.
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Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Lord's Prayer & Tenth Avenue North
The context of this is Jesus instructing the people on how to pray. It's one of the most powerful and touching moments in the New Testament.
Matthew 6:9–13 (King James Version)
After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in Heaven
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
forever.
Amen.
My friend Adam posted this video on Facebook. I wanted to share it here.
I hope you have a restful and wonderful Sunday. Talk to you tomorrow.
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Matthew 6:9–13 (King James Version)
After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in Heaven
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
forever.
Amen.
My friend Adam posted this video on Facebook. I wanted to share it here.
I hope you have a restful and wonderful Sunday. Talk to you tomorrow.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
As your king ...
The health care industry is sick. Perhaps fatally so. It's no wonder the government wants to fix it; however, we should know now that government rarely fixes anything. They just develop new and more expensive problems. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, and there's only so much pie. If I were the government -- and as soon as I finish my Army of Killer Robot Monkeys, I will be -- I'd make the pie larger.
Here's how I would do it:
1. Drugs will cost in the United States exactly what they cost in other countries. America has the highest drug prices in the world, even though the drugs are still the same... Read More. This is an open secret that people in Washington D.C. seem to ignore. For example, the ACTOS for my diabetes costs $400 a month for me. The EXACT same drug in Canada -- made by the same company -- is only $223 a month. It's no wonder people cross the border to buy drugs in Canada. Why is this? Because in other countries, their drug prices are monitored and controlled. And note, no drug company loses money on their drugs or are forced to sell below cost in other countries; they're just not allowed to make a 1,000 percent profit. And ACTOS is the only drug so far that is able to control my diabetes. I have no other choices.
2. Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies will pay claims within 45 days. Currently hospitals and doctors wait up to 120 days or more for payment. The hardship that this places on medical establishments is immense.
3. The government will mandate that every insurance company will offer a minimum health plan that will offer: $1000 deductible, $2 million lifetime cap, 20% co-pay until $10,000. This plan will cost per individual $250 a month. This plan will accept everyone. This makes the plan $3,000 a year. This price is fixed. Insurance companies can offer other incentives to get you to purchase their plan: lower deductible, prescription plan, higher caps, etc., and charge for these bonuses. However, they must offer the minimum plan. (Note: I don't have any stats on what a family plan should cost. Need more info.).
4. The government will give a $3,000 tax credit to everyone who makes below $75,000 a year who purchases the plan.
6. Companies will also receive these tax credits for purchasing the plan for each employee.
7. Next, we will pay for medical school for 2,500 general practice medical students. As part of their contract, they will have to work as a GP for five years following their graduation. Per Jean's suggestion, they will have to work during that five years in places that are unable to attract GPs: rural areas, inner cities, etc.
8. We will continue to pay for med school for 2,500 GPs for five years and as necessary.
9. We will also offer scholarships for RNs, PTs, LPNs, PAs, EMTs, etc.
10. We will make excellent prenatal care available for free for low income mothers. It's a shame and disgrace that our infant mortality rate is so high among the Western nations. What is wrong with us?
I have more, but we'll let you react as I continue work on the AKRM. The uprising is coming! Join with me or be swept away!
Ahem. Have a good Thursday!
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Here's how I would do it:
1. Drugs will cost in the United States exactly what they cost in other countries. America has the highest drug prices in the world, even though the drugs are still the same... Read More. This is an open secret that people in Washington D.C. seem to ignore. For example, the ACTOS for my diabetes costs $400 a month for me. The EXACT same drug in Canada -- made by the same company -- is only $223 a month. It's no wonder people cross the border to buy drugs in Canada. Why is this? Because in other countries, their drug prices are monitored and controlled. And note, no drug company loses money on their drugs or are forced to sell below cost in other countries; they're just not allowed to make a 1,000 percent profit. And ACTOS is the only drug so far that is able to control my diabetes. I have no other choices.
2. Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies will pay claims within 45 days. Currently hospitals and doctors wait up to 120 days or more for payment. The hardship that this places on medical establishments is immense.
3. The government will mandate that every insurance company will offer a minimum health plan that will offer: $1000 deductible, $2 million lifetime cap, 20% co-pay until $10,000. This plan will cost per individual $250 a month. This plan will accept everyone. This makes the plan $3,000 a year. This price is fixed. Insurance companies can offer other incentives to get you to purchase their plan: lower deductible, prescription plan, higher caps, etc., and charge for these bonuses. However, they must offer the minimum plan. (Note: I don't have any stats on what a family plan should cost. Need more info.).
4. The government will give a $3,000 tax credit to everyone who makes below $75,000 a year who purchases the plan.
6. Companies will also receive these tax credits for purchasing the plan for each employee.
7. Next, we will pay for medical school for 2,500 general practice medical students. As part of their contract, they will have to work as a GP for five years following their graduation. Per Jean's suggestion, they will have to work during that five years in places that are unable to attract GPs: rural areas, inner cities, etc.
8. We will continue to pay for med school for 2,500 GPs for five years and as necessary.
9. We will also offer scholarships for RNs, PTs, LPNs, PAs, EMTs, etc.
10. We will make excellent prenatal care available for free for low income mothers. It's a shame and disgrace that our infant mortality rate is so high among the Western nations. What is wrong with us?
I have more, but we'll let you react as I continue work on the AKRM. The uprising is coming! Join with me or be swept away!
Ahem. Have a good Thursday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Chance
I have a friend who is fairly wealthy. Being as I am not, I asked him how he became wealthy and hoped for a secret that would improve my finances drastically. Here’s what he said as close to word to word as I can make it.
“I was lucky,” he told me. “I accidently invested in the right company back when I had more guts than brains. It was a ten thousand to one shot, and it paid off. But it shouldn’t have. And then I sold out before the company crashed; once again I was lucky. I did no research. My broker told me not to sell, but truthfully I was tired of worrying about the stock so I sold it so that I wouldn’t have to worry. Since then, I’ve kept my money in very safe investments. Bonds, mutual funds, saving accounts, CDs. I can’t claim any credit for it, other than I’m very fugal. I was just lucky, and you can’t count on luck.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
This is not to say that I think following sound financial procedures won’t benefit you. In fact, I know you can drastically improve your finances and get out of debt by faithfully following some simple methods, but I’m not sure such methods will make you wealthy except over the long term.
I would have been out of debt this year. Unfortunately the bills from the hospitals, labs, and doctors have put a drastic end to that. Right now I have eight different bills from various medical facilities, and they all want to be paid now. I intend to pay them, but I don’t have the money so they’re going to have to wait. Doesn’t matter how many times they call me or mail me; the money simply isn’t there.
This is the reason I support some type of universal health care. Because I’m watching my dreams and hopes fall away, and there isn’t a thing I can do about it. And that’s that.
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“I was lucky,” he told me. “I accidently invested in the right company back when I had more guts than brains. It was a ten thousand to one shot, and it paid off. But it shouldn’t have. And then I sold out before the company crashed; once again I was lucky. I did no research. My broker told me not to sell, but truthfully I was tired of worrying about the stock so I sold it so that I wouldn’t have to worry. Since then, I’ve kept my money in very safe investments. Bonds, mutual funds, saving accounts, CDs. I can’t claim any credit for it, other than I’m very fugal. I was just lucky, and you can’t count on luck.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
This is not to say that I think following sound financial procedures won’t benefit you. In fact, I know you can drastically improve your finances and get out of debt by faithfully following some simple methods, but I’m not sure such methods will make you wealthy except over the long term.
I would have been out of debt this year. Unfortunately the bills from the hospitals, labs, and doctors have put a drastic end to that. Right now I have eight different bills from various medical facilities, and they all want to be paid now. I intend to pay them, but I don’t have the money so they’re going to have to wait. Doesn’t matter how many times they call me or mail me; the money simply isn’t there.
This is the reason I support some type of universal health care. Because I’m watching my dreams and hopes fall away, and there isn’t a thing I can do about it. And that’s that.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Time like a river
A couple of weeks back, I filled out an entry form for the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. I don't usually do that, but I had the time and why not? Stranger things have happened. However, since that entry, my mailbox has been flooded with other notices from PCH. Every couple of days, I receive a missive that gives me yet another chance to win gobs of money, no purchase necessary, but look at what we're offering you! It's quite annoying. Should have thrown the first one away. Of course, if by some unlikely chance I win, wouldn't this complaining be ironic?
We had a storm blow through last night. In about an hour or so, it dumped an inch and a half of water (according to the rain gauge in my backyard). Lots of lightning and some wind. Today the sky is cloudy, but I don't think we're expected to get any more moisture. We could probably do with some more.
Speaking of writing -- we weren't, but we are now so keep up -- I think the thing that surprised me most when I started taking it seriously was the time and energy it takes. After I spoke to some other authors, I realized this is almost universal. We write about people having exciting events and taking wonderful trips, but we don't have time to do so ourselves. Even the full-time authors find themselves chained to the chair in front of their computers. I think that's why so many of them resented Jessica Fletcher of Murder, She Wrote. That wench went everywhere having great adventures and apparently still had time to write a best-selling novel each year. She's lucky that she wasn't surrounded by an angry mob of writers and beat to death.
In other news, I actually leveled (went up a level from 62 to 63) in World of Warcraft. Yeah man! It's taken a couple of months, mostly because I hardly ever play. At this rate, I will reach level 80 (the current highest level) in about ten years or so ... I like WoW, but it takes so long to do anything interesting. I get bored easily.
Oh, I found a book on making gunpowder! I've always wanted know how to do that. Not that I'm going to. Although it doesn't seem hard. You just have to be really careful. Which I would be if I was going to make some, but I'm not. No, seriously, I'm not. I don't know why my roomie keeps hiding the book from me. That's annoying.
Well, I'm writing this during my lunch hour, and I need to feed my face now. I hope Tuesday is treating you well. Talk to you Wednesday! Have a super day! No, you should. Because I said so. Don't argue.
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We had a storm blow through last night. In about an hour or so, it dumped an inch and a half of water (according to the rain gauge in my backyard). Lots of lightning and some wind. Today the sky is cloudy, but I don't think we're expected to get any more moisture. We could probably do with some more.
Speaking of writing -- we weren't, but we are now so keep up -- I think the thing that surprised me most when I started taking it seriously was the time and energy it takes. After I spoke to some other authors, I realized this is almost universal. We write about people having exciting events and taking wonderful trips, but we don't have time to do so ourselves. Even the full-time authors find themselves chained to the chair in front of their computers. I think that's why so many of them resented Jessica Fletcher of Murder, She Wrote. That wench went everywhere having great adventures and apparently still had time to write a best-selling novel each year. She's lucky that she wasn't surrounded by an angry mob of writers and beat to death.
In other news, I actually leveled (went up a level from 62 to 63) in World of Warcraft. Yeah man! It's taken a couple of months, mostly because I hardly ever play. At this rate, I will reach level 80 (the current highest level) in about ten years or so ... I like WoW, but it takes so long to do anything interesting. I get bored easily.
Oh, I found a book on making gunpowder! I've always wanted know how to do that. Not that I'm going to. Although it doesn't seem hard. You just have to be really careful. Which I would be if I was going to make some, but I'm not. No, seriously, I'm not. I don't know why my roomie keeps hiding the book from me. That's annoying.
Well, I'm writing this during my lunch hour, and I need to feed my face now. I hope Tuesday is treating you well. Talk to you Wednesday! Have a super day! No, you should. Because I said so. Don't argue.
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Monday, July 20, 2009
Blogkeeping
Been making several minor changes to this blog and others. I've added links where people can read the first chapter of Murder by Dewey Decimal and Murder by the Acre and updated the blogs for MBDD and MBTA. I also created the blogs for Murder by the Mile and Debt Free At Last!, neither of which is open to the public yet.
I meant to write more this morning, but I had a bad night -- having trouble sleeping for some reason -- and I'm running really late. I'll try to update later, but for now, have a great Monday. No, I'm not sure that's possible, either, but try! I'll either talk to you later today or Tuesday! Bye.
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I meant to write more this morning, but I had a bad night -- having trouble sleeping for some reason -- and I'm running really late. I'll try to update later, but for now, have a great Monday. No, I'm not sure that's possible, either, but try! I'll either talk to you later today or Tuesday! Bye.
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Sunday, July 19, 2009
Jars of Clay & Billy Graham
Our Sunday Thought today is from Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham.
Loving Compassion
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loves us. 1 John 4:10
"The supreme happiness of life," Victor Hugo said, "is the conviction that we are loved." "Love is the first requirement for mental health," declared Sigmund Freud.
Unfortunately, many people go through life feeling unloved -- and unlovable. Perhaps they were constantly criticized or ignored as children, or their family was torn by conflict. Perhaps they made bad choices about important issues in life -- which only confirmed their belief that they were unworthy of love. This may be your experience.
But listen: I have good news! No matter the reason, your feelings aren't telling you the truth! God loves you, and if you begin to see yourself the way God sees you, your attitudes will begin to change. If He didn't love you, would Christ have been willing to die for you? But He did! The Bible says, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us" (1 John 3:16).
God loves you. Hammer that truth into your heart and mind every day. It will make all the difference.
I hope you have a love-filled Sunday. See you Monday when we will tackle another work week together. Nothing can defeat us! We are mighty, mighty! Talk to you then.
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Saturday, July 18, 2009
Oh, I haven't fought a windmill in forthnight ...
I finished Susanna Gregory's A Vein of Deceit. I made it last as long as I could, limiting myself to just a few chapters a day, but the book is over. Sigh. If you like medieval mysteries, I recommend the series highly. You'll enjoy the mysteries, but the characters and setting will keep bringing you back. They're why I keep reading the series.
Unforunately, I was badly sick last night and lost several hours of sleep so I didn't do too much today. Just housework and laundry with a bit of sleeping, reading, and napping. Overall, a good day, I think.
To my amazement, I have discovered that I like ice cold Perrier mineral water with twist of lemon. Yeah, I know, after all the ridicule I heaped on people who drink bottled water. Serves me right.
The weather has cooled off some, thank the Good Lord. I thought I was going to melt earlier in the week.
Did you look up the Voynich Manuscript yet? I was told by a reader that I should provide the links or, even better, just tell everyone what it is. Well, I think discovery is part of the fun so you'll have to search it out on your own, but trust me, you'll find plenty about it if you look.
It's late enough, and I'm a bit tired. I'm going to call it a night. I hope you had a good Saturday and have a wonderful Sunday. Talk to you then.
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Unforunately, I was badly sick last night and lost several hours of sleep so I didn't do too much today. Just housework and laundry with a bit of sleeping, reading, and napping. Overall, a good day, I think.
To my amazement, I have discovered that I like ice cold Perrier mineral water with twist of lemon. Yeah, I know, after all the ridicule I heaped on people who drink bottled water. Serves me right.
The weather has cooled off some, thank the Good Lord. I thought I was going to melt earlier in the week.
Did you look up the Voynich Manuscript yet? I was told by a reader that I should provide the links or, even better, just tell everyone what it is. Well, I think discovery is part of the fun so you'll have to search it out on your own, but trust me, you'll find plenty about it if you look.
It's late enough, and I'm a bit tired. I'm going to call it a night. I hope you had a good Saturday and have a wonderful Sunday. Talk to you then.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Friday, July 17, 2009
What were we talking about?
It has occurred to me more than once -- as I'm sure it has to you -- that I'm simply one handsome guy, a prince among men. I think we're all agreed on this. Yes, we are. Don't make me come over there, bucko. You wouldn't like it.
So I'm a prince, and my question is -- one that surely ranks up among the great questions in the universe like The Ultimate Theory of Physics and The Mystery of Ear Wax -- why isn't there some princess for me? Or truly the question is why aren't there many, many princesses for me, but we'll focus on one.
Although I can't focus on one anymore because of what that silly judge did with his protective order. Or at least I can't focus on my attractive neighbor up the street who has taken to wearing a black sack that completely covers her from head to toe, only comes out at night, and carries mace (an actual spiked club, not the pepper spray) for some reason that eludes me. Or really she's eluding me. She must have been a long distance runner in high school. Sigh. Nice legs, though.
But that's beside the point or really to the left of the point or maybe to the north of it, but I'm not sure because I was never clear on that whole north-south-east-down thing. I hate it when people give directions like: "Go south for 1.7 miles then turn to a bearing of south-east by 40 degrees and use the star Polaris to triangulate your position." I'm much better with: "Go past the Dairy Queen and turn right at the gas station with the four pumps out front and go until you see the house with the green statue of George Washington." Those are directions I can follow.
Where was I? Oh, yeah, about that green statue of George Washington. It isn't moss that covers that concrete tribute to the Father of Our Country. (Which is an odd nickname because he didn’t have any children, and did anyone ever think that just maybe he resented that nickname and wanted to be called Bubba or Red?) Anyway, the statue's owner got tired of people writing graffiti on Bubba Washington so he painted it bright lime green, going on the theory that anything that was painted on it could only improve it from that point on. Perversely, it hasn't been defaced since.
But I keep thinking that wasn't what I was talking about earlier, but to find out, I'd have to stop and go back and re-read what I wrote, and frankly I think you should do it and tell me so that I wouldn't have to. I'm tired.
Fine. Give me a moment. I have to do everything around here. Oh yeah, why isn't there a woman for me? It's an unanswerable question, although a girl once told me that it was because I couldn’t focus on anything for very long, but that doesn't sound right. Just ask my neighbor up the street.
Copyright 2009 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved.
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Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
So I'm a prince, and my question is -- one that surely ranks up among the great questions in the universe like The Ultimate Theory of Physics and The Mystery of Ear Wax -- why isn't there some princess for me? Or truly the question is why aren't there many, many princesses for me, but we'll focus on one.
Although I can't focus on one anymore because of what that silly judge did with his protective order. Or at least I can't focus on my attractive neighbor up the street who has taken to wearing a black sack that completely covers her from head to toe, only comes out at night, and carries mace (an actual spiked club, not the pepper spray) for some reason that eludes me. Or really she's eluding me. She must have been a long distance runner in high school. Sigh. Nice legs, though.
But that's beside the point or really to the left of the point or maybe to the north of it, but I'm not sure because I was never clear on that whole north-south-east-down thing. I hate it when people give directions like: "Go south for 1.7 miles then turn to a bearing of south-east by 40 degrees and use the star Polaris to triangulate your position." I'm much better with: "Go past the Dairy Queen and turn right at the gas station with the four pumps out front and go until you see the house with the green statue of George Washington." Those are directions I can follow.
Where was I? Oh, yeah, about that green statue of George Washington. It isn't moss that covers that concrete tribute to the Father of Our Country. (Which is an odd nickname because he didn’t have any children, and did anyone ever think that just maybe he resented that nickname and wanted to be called Bubba or Red?) Anyway, the statue's owner got tired of people writing graffiti on Bubba Washington so he painted it bright lime green, going on the theory that anything that was painted on it could only improve it from that point on. Perversely, it hasn't been defaced since.
But I keep thinking that wasn't what I was talking about earlier, but to find out, I'd have to stop and go back and re-read what I wrote, and frankly I think you should do it and tell me so that I wouldn't have to. I'm tired.
Fine. Give me a moment. I have to do everything around here. Oh yeah, why isn't there a woman for me? It's an unanswerable question, although a girl once told me that it was because I couldn’t focus on anything for very long, but that doesn't sound right. Just ask my neighbor up the street.
Copyright 2009 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Mostly TV
I'm really enjoying Susanna Gregory's A Vein of Deceit, the 15th Matthew Bartholomew mystery. I'm trying to slow down as I read so the book will last longer. It will be a long year until the next one. Someday I hope people wait for my books as eagerly as I wait for hers. Wouldn't that be cool!
I added four more fish to the sidebar aquarium, two white and one more each of the green and orange. That's the max you can have. I also made the background a darker blue and changed the color of the food to white so that it showed up better against the darker background. Isn't that more than you wanted to know about it? I thought so.
Did you look up the Voynich Manuscript yet? Really, you should. You might find it useful later if things work out as I think they will. Take 10 minutes and delve into the mystery. You might find it illuminating.
I wanted to share this link again to The Best Cancer-Fighting Foods article. Lots of good info in it, and I've yet to find any research that contradicts the information presented. Add these foods to your diet. I likes ya and wants ya to stay 'round!
I gave up on the Tonight Show. Can't get used to Conan. Mostly I don't think he's funny. I'll check back in a few months and see if he's smoothed out. I'm looking forward to Jay Leno's new show. We'll see if Jay can make the new time slot work.
Speaking of TV, I've been enjoying The Closer and Bones. The Bones episodes, of course, are reruns, but I haven't seen them so they're new to me. I also think I like Eureka and Warehouse 13, at least so far. UFO Hunters was cancelled, which disappointed me. Stargate: Universe is coming. So far, I don't like what I've heard about SGU, but we'll see how it goes. Last night the new season of Leverage started. I think that show could become a favorite, also.
Well, enough of this. Have a great Thursday. I hope your day is good! Talk to you Friday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
I added four more fish to the sidebar aquarium, two white and one more each of the green and orange. That's the max you can have. I also made the background a darker blue and changed the color of the food to white so that it showed up better against the darker background. Isn't that more than you wanted to know about it? I thought so.
Did you look up the Voynich Manuscript yet? Really, you should. You might find it useful later if things work out as I think they will. Take 10 minutes and delve into the mystery. You might find it illuminating.
I wanted to share this link again to The Best Cancer-Fighting Foods article. Lots of good info in it, and I've yet to find any research that contradicts the information presented. Add these foods to your diet. I likes ya and wants ya to stay 'round!
I gave up on the Tonight Show. Can't get used to Conan. Mostly I don't think he's funny. I'll check back in a few months and see if he's smoothed out. I'm looking forward to Jay Leno's new show. We'll see if Jay can make the new time slot work.
Speaking of TV, I've been enjoying The Closer and Bones. The Bones episodes, of course, are reruns, but I haven't seen them so they're new to me. I also think I like Eureka and Warehouse 13, at least so far. UFO Hunters was cancelled, which disappointed me. Stargate: Universe is coming. So far, I don't like what I've heard about SGU, but we'll see how it goes. Last night the new season of Leverage started. I think that show could become a favorite, also.
Well, enough of this. Have a great Thursday. I hope your day is good! Talk to you Friday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Bit of this, bit of that
I confess to getting a good amount of enjoyment by feeding the fish in my sidebar aquarium. (Just click inside the aquarium to feed them.) And I like how they follow the cursor when you hover it over the aquarium. It's a small program, but it's fun.
I cannot believe how unrelenting the heat is! Yesterday was horrible in my office. The A/C unit only has one outlet and that's at the back of the building. Upfront where I sit with the huge windows, it's gets warm fast. Admittedly not as hot as outside, but hot. I think we're supposed to get some relief tomorrow. The middle 90s. Funny how that seems much cooler now.
You may have noticed that I finally put up a wordage meter for Murder by the Mile in the sidebar. The wordage is wrong, but I'll get that fixed tonight. Also, if you scroll further down, you'll find the links under "More of My Writing" actually work now. The links used to point to some pages on AOL Hometown, but AOL shut down all the Hometown pages a couple of months back and I had never got around to fixing the links. Now you can read the Humor essays and Poems posted to 51313 Harbor Street.
Did you look up the Voynich Manuscript yet? I think you'd find it interesting. Particularly considering ... well, I think you'd find it interesting. Check it out.
In good news, my copy of Susanna Gregory's A Vein of Deceit finally came in yesterday afternoon. This is the 15th Matthew Bartholomew mystery. I've read several chapters and am greatly enjoying it. This series just gets better and better. If only Gregory would produce more than just one book a year!
Time to get ready for work. I hope you have a great Wednesday. If not, work on it. Remember, the weekend is only two days away! Talk to you Thursday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
I cannot believe how unrelenting the heat is! Yesterday was horrible in my office. The A/C unit only has one outlet and that's at the back of the building. Upfront where I sit with the huge windows, it's gets warm fast. Admittedly not as hot as outside, but hot. I think we're supposed to get some relief tomorrow. The middle 90s. Funny how that seems much cooler now.
You may have noticed that I finally put up a wordage meter for Murder by the Mile in the sidebar. The wordage is wrong, but I'll get that fixed tonight. Also, if you scroll further down, you'll find the links under "More of My Writing" actually work now. The links used to point to some pages on AOL Hometown, but AOL shut down all the Hometown pages a couple of months back and I had never got around to fixing the links. Now you can read the Humor essays and Poems posted to 51313 Harbor Street.
Did you look up the Voynich Manuscript yet? I think you'd find it interesting. Particularly considering ... well, I think you'd find it interesting. Check it out.
In good news, my copy of Susanna Gregory's A Vein of Deceit finally came in yesterday afternoon. This is the 15th Matthew Bartholomew mystery. I've read several chapters and am greatly enjoying it. This series just gets better and better. If only Gregory would produce more than just one book a year!
Time to get ready for work. I hope you have a great Wednesday. If not, work on it. Remember, the weekend is only two days away! Talk to you Thursday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Too dang hot!
Ooookay, it's too hot. Yes, too hot even for me, an avowed sun worshipper. And we don't have our pool set up yet. My roomie and I are supposed to work on it this week, but I hurt my back so I won't be much help. (Yes, I suppose my back going out is suspiciously convenient, but trust me, I'd rather it not hurt and I get to work on the pool.) I hope we have up by this weekend, although the water will probably be too cold for a few days after that.
Hey, have you ever heard of the Voynich Manuscript? You should Google it. It's either one of history's greatest mysteries or one of the greatest hoaxes. What do you think?
I got another bill from the hospital yesterday. Another one from a different department apparently involved in the scope or maybe they just saw the other departments were billing me and wanted to get into the action. It wouldn't surprise me at this point to receive a bill from Labor & Delivery.
I'm running a bit late this morning so I'll close now. I'll try to post another update later today. But if not, I'll see you Wednesday! Have a great Tuesday. Or else ...
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Hey, have you ever heard of the Voynich Manuscript? You should Google it. It's either one of history's greatest mysteries or one of the greatest hoaxes. What do you think?
I got another bill from the hospital yesterday. Another one from a different department apparently involved in the scope or maybe they just saw the other departments were billing me and wanted to get into the action. It wouldn't surprise me at this point to receive a bill from Labor & Delivery.
I'm running a bit late this morning so I'll close now. I'll try to post another update later today. But if not, I'll see you Wednesday! Have a great Tuesday. Or else ...
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Monday, July 13, 2009
Mostly medical
Yesterday for no good reason, my back went out. Very annoying to have to use a cane again. And I get tired of the pain and the limitations on my movement. I had a long list of things to do this weekend, and basically I did only a third of them. I didn't need another health issue right now. Oh well, that's life.
I'm still researching holistic medicine and folk cures. There's a lot of information out there, but sorting out the misinformation and downright lying takes a bit of time. Everyone -- including the so-called "regular" doctors -- have something to sell, and they're quite willing to deceive. Our government does a poor job in policing the medical establishment. We won't fix health care in this nation until our doctors recommit to "First, do no harm" and put the patients' well-being above their paycheck. And insurance companies -- which make tremendous amounts of money -- need to be forced to pay as their contracts say they will. But it will be a cold day in Hades before any of that happens. Both of those two groups have plenty of money to spend on lobbyists, and spend they do. It's no wonder that people turn to alternative medicine. It's a shame that alternative medicine doesn't have more science to offer them.
The above paragraph is a bit mixed, but I think you can follow it. Perhaps it would have worked better as several paragraphs. I do have a lot to say about medicine and doctors lately. I need to get it organized.
I thought I would get more responses to the new look for Harbor Street, particularly since I got a lot of (negative) feedback a few years ago when I thought about changing it. It could be an indication of my lack of readers now that Facebook has taken over my blogging circle. I'm still on Facebook, but I have cut back on my entries over there. I desire the longer communication that this blog allows -- although I couldn't prove it based on my latest posts. I'll work on that.
Well, it's time to get ready for work. Man, the weekend just isn't long enough. I'd sure like a four-day weekend every now and then. But it seems when I'm off, I just get sick or injured. I'm beginning to think that work -- however dreary and stressful -- is a safer environment than my house!
Anyway, you have a good Monday. Keep your chin up. Duck the blows. Land a few of your own. Talk to you tomorrow!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
I'm still researching holistic medicine and folk cures. There's a lot of information out there, but sorting out the misinformation and downright lying takes a bit of time. Everyone -- including the so-called "regular" doctors -- have something to sell, and they're quite willing to deceive. Our government does a poor job in policing the medical establishment. We won't fix health care in this nation until our doctors recommit to "First, do no harm" and put the patients' well-being above their paycheck. And insurance companies -- which make tremendous amounts of money -- need to be forced to pay as their contracts say they will. But it will be a cold day in Hades before any of that happens. Both of those two groups have plenty of money to spend on lobbyists, and spend they do. It's no wonder that people turn to alternative medicine. It's a shame that alternative medicine doesn't have more science to offer them.
The above paragraph is a bit mixed, but I think you can follow it. Perhaps it would have worked better as several paragraphs. I do have a lot to say about medicine and doctors lately. I need to get it organized.
I thought I would get more responses to the new look for Harbor Street, particularly since I got a lot of (negative) feedback a few years ago when I thought about changing it. It could be an indication of my lack of readers now that Facebook has taken over my blogging circle. I'm still on Facebook, but I have cut back on my entries over there. I desire the longer communication that this blog allows -- although I couldn't prove it based on my latest posts. I'll work on that.
Well, it's time to get ready for work. Man, the weekend just isn't long enough. I'd sure like a four-day weekend every now and then. But it seems when I'm off, I just get sick or injured. I'm beginning to think that work -- however dreary and stressful -- is a safer environment than my house!
Anyway, you have a good Monday. Keep your chin up. Duck the blows. Land a few of your own. Talk to you tomorrow!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday Song & a health prayer
I love this song. It always moves me.
My aunt Jeanice send this Daily Word to me. I find a true comfort. I thought I'd share it with you.
Healing
With a growing awareness of Spirit within, I claim health and well-being.
Saying yes to life and yes to healing, I claim health and wholeness now. As I keep my thoughts about my total well-being held high, I continue to affirm life.
Knowing that the spirit of God permeates every organ, cell, and atom of my body, I hold a vision of myself as energetic and strong. I am aware that the healing presence of God is moving throughout my body; and because this is true, I am healthy and whole.
Being health-minded, I continually turn in thought and expectation to the perfect, free-flowing life of Spirit within me. I give thanks for the awareness of this healing presence, which uplifts me in every way.
I know that God is life. Divine power and presence are within me, and with God all good is possible.
"Your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly." - Isaiah 58:8
Have a blessed Sunday. See you Monday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
My aunt Jeanice send this Daily Word to me. I find a true comfort. I thought I'd share it with you.
Healing
With a growing awareness of Spirit within, I claim health and well-being.
Saying yes to life and yes to healing, I claim health and wholeness now. As I keep my thoughts about my total well-being held high, I continue to affirm life.
Knowing that the spirit of God permeates every organ, cell, and atom of my body, I hold a vision of myself as energetic and strong. I am aware that the healing presence of God is moving throughout my body; and because this is true, I am healthy and whole.
Being health-minded, I continually turn in thought and expectation to the perfect, free-flowing life of Spirit within me. I give thanks for the awareness of this healing presence, which uplifts me in every way.
I know that God is life. Divine power and presence are within me, and with God all good is possible.
"Your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly." - Isaiah 58:8
Have a blessed Sunday. See you Monday!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Runner-up photo
I really like this photo, but the other one was better.
I'm hoping I will stay healthy this weekend. I have a lot of things I want to accomplish. I'm hoping slow and steady will mark off many items on my list.
Okay, I will admit it: it's too hot, even for me. Once it gets above 95 degrees, I'm uncomfortable. And now that it's over 100 ... yikes.
Well, I've got a lot to do today so I'm going to close now. Y'all have a great day, you hear!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
I'm hoping I will stay healthy this weekend. I have a lot of things I want to accomplish. I'm hoping slow and steady will mark off many items on my list.
Okay, I will admit it: it's too hot, even for me. Once it gets above 95 degrees, I'm uncomfortable. And now that it's over 100 ... yikes.
Well, I've got a lot to do today so I'm going to close now. Y'all have a great day, you hear!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Friday, July 10, 2009
Yes, we've gone to the beach
Just thought I'd switch the template for the summer to reflect that sunny, white sand, cool fruity drinks with an umbrella, carefree feeling. The old template is safely tucked away so that we can use it again if we wish, but for now, the water is calling our name. Can't you hear it?
Last night for dinner, my roomie and I had cold cut sandwiches with a tomato and cucumber salad and steamed yellow squash. If we'd just had watermelon for dessert, it would have been the perfect summer meal. The salad is super easy to make: chop up a large tomato and a large cucumber and place in bowl. Add vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, pepper and chives to taste. (I always peel the cucumbers.) Mix everything well. Let sit so the flavors mingle. Light, tangy and delicious.
You may have noticed -- or maybe not -- that I haven't mentioned my family newsletter lately. That's because I haven't been doing it. Lazy boy ... well, not really. When I do the newsletter, I have to talk to all my family and they would naturally want to know what was going with my health, and I didn't want to talk about it because 1) it worried me, 2) we didn't know anything, and 3) the less stress the better. Anyway, I'm going to get to working on it again and put a special edition out.
Did you notice the aquarium in the sidebar? Click in it to feed the fish. They're always hungry!
Anyway, I hope you have a lovely Friday. I'm excited because the weekend is nearly here! Woohoo! Talk to you tomorrow!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Last night for dinner, my roomie and I had cold cut sandwiches with a tomato and cucumber salad and steamed yellow squash. If we'd just had watermelon for dessert, it would have been the perfect summer meal. The salad is super easy to make: chop up a large tomato and a large cucumber and place in bowl. Add vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, pepper and chives to taste. (I always peel the cucumbers.) Mix everything well. Let sit so the flavors mingle. Light, tangy and delicious.
You may have noticed -- or maybe not -- that I haven't mentioned my family newsletter lately. That's because I haven't been doing it. Lazy boy ... well, not really. When I do the newsletter, I have to talk to all my family and they would naturally want to know what was going with my health, and I didn't want to talk about it because 1) it worried me, 2) we didn't know anything, and 3) the less stress the better. Anyway, I'm going to get to working on it again and put a special edition out.
Did you notice the aquarium in the sidebar? Click in it to feed the fish. They're always hungry!
Anyway, I hope you have a lovely Friday. I'm excited because the weekend is nearly here! Woohoo! Talk to you tomorrow!
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Simply the best flower photo
Of all my photos of flowers, I think this one is best. What do you think?
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
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Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Longest
I think this is the longest I've gone without posting. A whole seven days. Wasn't my intention. Got sick -- again -- and it put me down for the count for a few days. I finally went back to work today, and right now I'm exhausted and ready for bed. So that's all for tonight. More tomorrow. I hope. I also hope things are going well for you. We don't get to talk like we did, and I miss that. I'm still hopeful that my health problems will clear up and I get my "push" back soon. Anyway, have a good night.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Amazon.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Barnes & Noble.com
Order Murder by the Acre in softcover from Lulu.com.
Order Murder by the Acre in hardcover only at from Lulu.com.
Order MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf
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