baud's bits

Baby Duke

2011-05-01T14:04:00.001-04:00

I hope I die before I get old

2010-08-13T11:52:00.000-04:00

Mom is in the hospital again. My sister, Carolyn, took her in last night because she was disoriented, generally confused, and in pain. They admitted her this morning to run some tests. Mom is a frail, 88 years old and had a broken hip two years ago. Every time something like this happens I realize that these may be her final days.

There are many feelings swirling around me. There is guilt, because I'm not there and Carolyn is left dealing with this. There is also fear and sorrow because of the inevitable loss of my mother. But the emotion that has overcome me is one of helplessness. I can tell that Mom is hurting and scared, and I feel like there is nothing I can do to help or comfort her. Why must the end be filled with suffering?

I just talked to my wife, Lisa, and she said that this is a journey that Mom must make alone. She is right and that makes me sad.

my evenings

2010-08-10T09:49:00.002-04:00

I've been playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour on the xbox most evenings for 40 minutes or so. I really like the way that you can build up a character and make them better with experience and practice. It does, however, usually leave me frustrated and "revved up". Not relaxed at all. I probably should break out the moleskine and draw for an hour. That would be much closer to the mediation that I really need to decompress in the evening.

couple of kids rocking ukes

2010-07-10T09:09:00.000-04:00

Thanks Lebron

2010-07-09T08:29:00.000-04:00

Lebron James has disappointed the city of Cleveland. He was given everything he wanted to bring a championship to Cleveland and quit before the job was done. We gave him the keys to the city and he traded them for the opportunity to carry Dwayne Wade's jock strap in Miami. The former king of Cleveland is now Dwayne Wade's queen. Lebron, you could have been Michael Jordan instead, if you're lucky, you'll be the next Scottie Pippen. The only thing that Lebron James has sacrificed is the hopes and dreams of his home town. Lebron, thanks for nothing.

uke jam

2010-06-24T06:38:00.001-04:00

dogs done right

2010-06-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

One Colorado Photo a Day: 6.11.2010 – Plog Photo Blog

2010-06-14T09:40:00.001-04:00

One Colorado Photo a Day: 6.11.2010 – Plog Photo Blog

UKES RULE!!!!!!

2010-06-06T10:24:00.000-04:00

'The Mighty Uke': A Musical Underdog Makes A Comeback : NPR

snider and cook

2010-05-27T13:27:00.001-04:00

reflection

2010-05-26T09:35:00.005-04:00

Seeing the people-pleasing characteristics in myself has really caused me to reflect. Maybe the things that I have been doing because I thought they were the right or "good" thing to do were just my way of getting people to like me. Could that be true?

I do know that the childhood aspects indicated as roots of the problem definitely apply to me. I had a very strong willed and strict father, that I worshiped. I'm certain that I would have taken alternate critical paths in my life but for the desire to please him. Is that bad? I guess that it may have ultimately hurt me in the long run. Perhaps what I characterized as discipline was really acceding to his will. Is that possible?

There are certain people-pleasing character traits that I don't think that I exhibit. I believe that I am appropriately assertive (but maybe not to certain people?). I hope that I am a good a manager (that is very much part of my self image) and that I can make decisions (important for my work). I also feel that I can actually be over critical and demanding at times.

They did an extensive evaluation of me when my company was acquired and I really liked and respected the man that did the assessment. When it it was over he looked me in the eyes and said, "Gary, you need to say no or else the stress will eat you up." Guess he recognized a people-pleaser.

I have often put the needs of others above my own (isn't that the definition of love?) and that has lead me to a lot of self sacrifice and poor self image (thus the problem). I have done this with my family, co-workers, and bosses. In the end I do feel very under appreciated, have self esteem issues, and really feel like I have totally lost my self identity (I don't even know what I want anymore). These are all real problems.

I do recognize two major crossroads in the last five years, where I took the people-pleaser path. Both would have been painful either way I went, but I took the direction that hurt me more than the people around me. Were these the right decisions? Was I showing love and compassion or was I being a pushover, a doormat?

I just don't know.

Who does this sound like?

2010-05-26T08:13:00.001-04:00

People-pleasing Personality | LIVESTRONG.COM

Appearance to the world of the people-pleasing personality

* Very organized
* Easily liked
* Placators or appeasers
* Friendly, outgoing, gregarious
* Helpful, supportive
* Courteous and considerate of others
* Always smiling
* Interested in others' welfare
* Cooperative; real "team players''
* Generous with own time and energy
* Ready to volunteer
* Accept delegation easily
* "Company men''; very loyal
* Ready to take on any new challenge that comes along
* Work hard at pleasing others
* Talented, skillful, and creative
* A pleasure to spend time with
* Happy, joyful, full of fun
* Encouraging and reassuring
* Go along with requests made by others
* People mixers
* Assets in any conversation
* "Together,'' warm, and caring persons
* People sought out for friendship; popular socially

Feelings inside persons with the people-pleasing personality traits

* Fear of loss of approval
* Fear of rejection
* Fear of loss of personal identity
* Fear of loss of personal worth
* Denial of problems
* Self-denial or ignoring of personal rights
* Feeling lonely and isolated from others
* Avoid conflicts or fights at any cost
* Feeling not "good'' enough
* Feeling undeserving
* Feeling inferior to others
* Concern about satisfying others' demands
* Insecurity about personal abilities, skills, or knowledge
* Compulsive need to please others
* Unhappy over not pleasing others
* Embarrassed by personal looks or behavior that displeases others
* Confusion about why it takes so much energy to please others
* Fear of not "doing best'' for others' sake
* Fear of letting their friends and family down
* Fear of failure
* Fear of it being "found out'' they are not as good as they appear to others
* Fear that others will recognize their failings
* Desire to run away to avoid the stress of "always'' needing to be "good''
* Exhaustion from always trying to be "perfect''
* Disappointment in not being able to make everyone happy
* Critical of how well they are doing in their personal lives
* Feel unappreciated or taken advantage of
* Feel taken for granted
* Feel like they are being treated like victims
* Feel like the martyr for others
* Fear of making a decision lest it be the wrong one
* Come unglued easily under pressure; unorganized

Negative consequences of people-pleasing behaviors

* Low self-esteem
* Loss of personal identity
* Loss of personal rights
* Being taken advantage of
* Loss of personal time
* Ineffectiveness in managing work
* Inability to direct or supervise others
* Inability to achieve personal goals
* Inability to take a leadership role
* Poor problem solving abilities
* Burnout on the job or at home
* Chronic state of being unappreciated
* Immobilized by irrational beliefs
* Guilt over not accomplishing enough or not being pleasing enough for others
* Inability to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships
* Loss of appreciation for self attributes
* Inability to accept kindnesses from others
* Chronic state of self-deprecation
* Chronic state of being hard on self
* Lack of trust in others' sincerity
* Chronic state of insecurity in interacting with others
* Inability to make a decision
* Do not know how to relax

Irrational beliefs of people with the people-pleasing personality traits

* I must be liked by everyone.
* I must do nothing to upset others.
* I must work harder to make things better for others.
* They would never like me if they knew the truth about me.
* I must be careful in my decision making so as not to upset anyone.
* I can never do enough to please them.
* I am responsible for other peoples' happiness.
* How they respond to me is important.
* The harder I work for them, the more they will appreciate me.
* If they don't like me, I'm no good!
* Always put others first! Put yourself last.
* There is no task I won't do for you, large or small.
* People can only like you if you appear nice, pleasant, friendly, and cheerful to them.
* Your only role in life is giving to or helping others.
* If you are not successful, you are a loser and losers are ignored, unloved, and unwanted.
* It's not who you are but what you do that counts.
* You must always be understanding and have an open mind with people who are hurting you or putting you down.
* If someone doesn't accept me, it must be that I'm not "good enough'' to be accepted.
* No matter what I do, it never seems to be "good enough.''
* I can do nothing right. I am worthless, useless, but I can't let others see this about me or they will reject me.

Turning negative people-pleasing traits into positive potential

Negative People-Pleaser Behavior : Positive Potential

Self-sacrificing : This behavior can be converted to rational altruism, in which they are able to be self protective and self rewarding in their "giving'' behavior toward others.

Self-deprecating : This behavior can be converted into realistic self appraisal by their being led to recognize and accept personal strengths, abilities, and attributes. They can be taught that "false humility'' is unhealthy and that it is OK to "toot'' one's horn when appropriate.

Poor decision making ability : This poor decision making can be converted to productive problem solving and effective decision making by allowing themselves the right to hold to their own opinions and to be creative without the fear of what others would say and without fear of retribution. Freeing up their mental energy will result in increased productivity, creativity, and healthy decision making.

Loss of personal identity : By being able to accept themselves for who they are without fear of recriminations or disapproval, they can become firm in their beliefs as to who they are and what they are capable of doing and becoming.

Martyrdom : Rather than placing themselves in situations in which their rights are ignored and where they are taken advantage of, they can learn to be assertive and begin to protect their rights, ceasing to be victimized by others.

Need for approval : By increasing their habits of self-affirmations and positive self-approval, they can alter both their need for approval and their fear of rejection by being their own best friend, cheerleader, reinforcer, and approver. They have to accept and approve of themselves before others will.

Dependent on others for positive reinforcement : Because they have low self-esteem they reinforcement become so dependent on others for attention, affection, and approval that they become "addicted'' to positive affirmation from others. This can be converted by becoming self caring, self affirming, self accepting, and by becoming emotionally independent from others.

Fear of failure : By recognizing that one's worth is not solely dependent on "doing well,'' "achieving things'' or by doing things to please others, they can let go of the fear of letting people down by failing to achieve self-imposed goals or goals others have set for them. Learning to turn failures into growth enhancing experiences is another way they can let go of this fear.

Unswerving loyalty : Those who find security in being loyal to institutions rather than to themselves can reverse this behavior by recognizing the value of self directed attention and concern for personal health and well being. Being loyal to self results in a holistic sense of wellness of body, mind, and spirit.

Hard on self : This results in self punishing and self restrictive behavior. By letting go of the need to be "good enough'' for everyone else and by letting go of perfectionism in personal efforts, they can lighten up on themselves and learn to enjoy life, to relax, have fun and play, nurturing the inner child in themselves.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More at Psychology Today.

Typically having unresolved issues with controlling parents, they can themselves be attracted to dominating, manipulative people—people, ironically, who are perfectly suited to perpetuate old patterns of parental abuse.

I am very shocked to read this description and recognize myself. That is me, definitely and absolutely.

Is that why I get depressed? Should I do something about this? What?

Can anybody confirm this? What do you think?

I like turtles!

2010-05-25T15:34:00.001-04:00

wuv each other

2010-05-25T09:16:00.002-04:00

never forget the legacy

2010-05-21T09:34:00.002-04:00

Remember The Legacy Of George Bush | Prose Before Hos

Craig Venter creates synthetic life form - Boing Boing

2010-05-21T08:07:00.000-04:00

Craig Venter creates synthetic life form - Boing Boing

Texas Moves to Rewrite History, Says There Was No "Slave Trade" | Race in America | Change.org

2010-05-20T16:56:00.000-04:00

Texas Moves to Rewrite History, Says There Was No "Slave Trade" | Race in America | Change.org

cleavage bird

2010-05-19T17:18:00.000-04:00

are you a dogler?

2010-05-18T14:47:00.001-04:00

Doglers - Schott's Vocab Blog - NYTimes.com

Back in the US of A!

2010-05-14T08:56:00.003-04:00

I had a long layover in Heathrow. I was immediately struck by how much easier it was to get along. I could read the signs and understand the PA announcements. Cool! I immediately went into a little shop and bought some miscellaneous things - a candy bar, newspaper, bottle of water. These are things that would have been rather difficult to get in Helsinki (not really, but in my mind they were). The girl that took my money actually talked to me and asked me where I was headed. Wow! That was a big difference. The Fins were mostly embarrassed when I spoke to them. I was momentarily very happy.

As I sat in the waiting area for my flight to Chicago I tried to relax and read my book. Being tired it was hard to concentrate especially because I could hear all these English conversations around me. There were the young American girls jabbering on about some nonsense; the couple that was panicked that they were in the wrong place; the old couple that was mad because there weren't enough seats. At this point I missed the quiet Fins and even longed for the inability to understand what everyone around me was saying. Wish there was someway I could turn that on and off. Guess that is what an iPod is for.

Finished with Finland

2010-05-12T13:01:00.000-04:00

Today is my last day in Helsinki and it is the nicest weather yet. It is in the 60's and the sun is out - quite nice! All of a sudden the street cafes are all full (and there are many of those) and the areas to park bikes are full. Many are out in the street and there are a lot of people talking loudly and laughing. I have also seen some of the shortest skirts I have ever seen, and no one here even looks twice. (For the record - I only looked out of cultural curiosity.) I guess winter is over in Finland!

The smoking sections here are very interesting. They have these small glass enclosed rooms in public places, like next to the break room at work or in the lobby in the hotel. All the smokers crowd into these little rooms and puff away until it is hard to see who is in there. I could see where you could smoke and not even light up.

I've noticed that a lot of people commute in some ways that are different from Americans. I've seen people using poles, like for cross country skiing, but walking with them (mostly older folks). There are a lot of rollerbladers, and guys with longer skates like skis, using these poles too. There are loads of bikes but most are not ten speeds or mountain bikes, but "old fashioned" ones with baskets for carrying their things. The kids ride bikes, skateboards, and scooters. Some of them have literally flown by me on their scooters. Virtually everyone though has a backpack on and is in a hurry going somewhere. I feel like I am holding up traffic when stroll around with my hands in my pockets, stopping to look around.

The way the young guys (20-30 years old) dress here is interesting. There is one group that is definitely UK influenced. They wear fitted jackets with pegged jeans and maybe a scarf bundled tightly under their chin. The hair is a couple of inches all around and hangs over the ears and collar (one from the 60's might call it a shag). They usually carry a small bag instead of back pack. There is another common look of an origin that I cannot identify. They usually have blond hair that is sticking up on top, not like a mohawk, but more like the twisty top on a soft serve ice cream cone (think Dairy Queen). These guys usually have the narrow, rectangular glasses with the thick side pieces that are popular now. And of course you have the heavy metal guy (long hair, leather, concert T), the tough guy (shaved head, tattoos, goatee, and piercings), the punk (a real mohawk, black clothes, and skate board), and the doper (dread locks with Jamaican black, red, and green clothes with hemp accessories). Is this the same as the US and I just don't notice? I don't know. (One of the best things about going somewhere else is that you get to know yourself better.)

Another reason that I'm glad to come back is that I think that I may be picking up Finnglish. That is what some people at work (in the US) call the way that the native Fins speak English (Finn-glish, get it?). I have found myself falling into their phrasing and need to watch myself. I don't want to talk like a Fin and not even speak Finnish. If this is a weird sounding blog, I'm blaming it on that.

Had maybe the worst meal of the trip today. Stopped in another pizza place after work. The Fin pizza is a big circle of baked bread with some variety of something on the top (cheese of some unusual variety and about anything else you can think of). You eat it with a knife and fork (I know - weird!). I am worried about sleeping well tonight and being all day on a plane tomorrow, so I opted for the safer (so I thought) pasta. I'm not sure what it was but it was purple in color and the meat looked like nothing I have ever seen. It was in clumps and was a red color. In any case it didn't taste any better than it looked. Should have stuck with the pizza. (They said they couldn't take my American Express either, which kinda cheesed me off too.)

More Finland

2010-05-10T14:00:00.000-04:00

Jersey Shore is on TV right now on Norse MTV. It has Finnish subtitles. Sometimes it's embarrassing being an American. (Simpsons on next - "GO USA!")

Ate at "The Colorado" tonight. Yeah, I know. The menu had lots of Tex-Mex (he he) and steaks. I ordered the grilled salmon with mashed potatoes and salad. Very good. Can't go wrong with the salmon around here (guess this is my tuna substitute this week). It had a sauce that I've had at the Vaisala cafeteria. It looks like thousand island dressing, but is creamier and not as overpowering. It is a good gravy substitute and helps with things that are a little dry. It works. Wonder what's in it.

There is something that has really been a problem for me and caused me to spill more than one coffee. The doors swing to the outside instead of the inside! That means if there is snow on the ground your door may be jammed because of the snow. I know the first couple of days I felt like a moron because I was pushing instead of pulling and vice versa. Guess I'll be a moron again when I get back and need to switch back.

TV here is hit or miss. They have CNN (International), BBC World, a couple of MTV stations, and a BBC sports channel (snooker highlights anyone?). There are two or three Finnish stations and a couple that show American reruns dubbed in English. There are a couple of French language and a couple of German and Italian stations too (the Italians love these cheesy game shows). I can usually find something to watch in English.

Speaking of sports, I wandered into The Sports Academy" yesterday for dinner. I like to eat there because I can order food at the bar and they have a lot of TVs to watch. Makes it easier when eating alone. It is a Finnish copy of what they think is an American sports bar (there is a lot of that here - interpreting American things). Anyway the place was pretty full of Finnish dudes watching Formula I. I guess it is popular here because there is a famous Finnish champion (not famous to me). Looked very boring to me, roaring engines and cars going round and round. I guess to each his own.

Had a good day today. I have a very busy schedule tomorrow. Two more days and I can't wait.

Random Musings on Finland

2010-05-09T13:19:00.000-04:00

Why is my blogger title bar in Finnish? Can't they let me be!

There are a lot of little people in Finland. I have seen at least 5 since I have been here. Why is that? Are Fins prone to dwarfism?

The Finnish people come in two extremes. They are tall, slender, and blond or short, stout, and have jet black hair (many wear glasses). Of course they are all fair skinned. There are all varieties of course, but many are like these extremes.

I can't get over the Finnish children. They are the cutest kids ever! The parents have them all dressed up for the weather. They all have hats, boots, and usually some sort of snow suit looking coat. Everything is well matched. There cheeks are fat and rosy. The girls usually have long blond pig tails. They all seem to very happy, well dressed, and likely spoiled.

The Finnish teenagers are another thing altogether. They all flock to the city at night and the streets are full them in the evening, hanging out, talking, and fooling around. There are tons of skate boarders and lots of dreads (!). Many are dressed like punks; Some look like they are in a metal band; Others are definitely into hip hop. They seem to travel in packs and all dress the same. Many of the girls wear short skirts, high heels, and tights. Some look like the little dutch girl on acid. Others are punk and some wear camo. I have seen everything from fetish high heels to wrestling shoes. Many of them walk hand in hand, and I have witnessed a couple of girls loudly belting out some pop song (in English) on a street corner. It is quite a show.

The food here is really not what I expected. They do not eat a lot of fish. mostly meat and potatoes. They like venison (reindeer is popular), root vegetables, and lots of potatoes, often all covered with gravy. This sounds like great comfort food, but it doesn't have a lot of flavor. They usually don't even use salt or pepper or put it on the table. They like their milk and beer too. Seems more like I would expect in Russia.

Many of the restaurants in Helsinki have American type slants. Lots of reference to sports bars, steak, and hamburgers. There are a ton of McDonald's here too. A Big Mac is 5.85 euros! Haven't tried that yet.

I find the reaction I get from the Fins on the street interesting. Sometimes a Fin will address me in Finnish (this is most always a server as the Fins are notoriously shy). When I answer back in English they usually laugh or smile. Not sure if I surprise them or if they think Americans are just funny. Some others looked scared to death. I guess they didn't pass English in school. Mostly you could walk the streets and no one would speak to you unless you speak first.

The mass transit system here is huge. There are trains, trams (like electric trolley cars) and buses running continuously. The bus to work is scheduled to leave at 8:04. At maybe 8, passengers start to arrive and at 8:02 the bus arrives. It pulls out at 8:04 sharp and no one runs and knocks on the doors. The Fins are on time, to the minute, when riding the bus. The crowd on the bus is very upper class and no one even makes eye contact (Fins!). Most plop into their seats and become preoccupied with their phones or iPods.

Downtown is very deceptive. It looks like a lot of office buildings, but when you go inside you find that there are shops inside and ways to go from one building to another. Loads of restaurants, bars, and shops. Many are connected to the mass transit system, especially as go to the sub-levels. I can see that this would be very convenient when the weather is cold. I was worried I would get lost at first, but now I try to see if I can get back to the hotel without going outside.

The crowd here at the hotel is unusual. There was an MMA event in Helsinki over the weekend and they were all staying at the Holiday Inn. Lots of shaved heads, cauliflower ears, tattoos, and gym gear. Most are short and stout and look like they were high school wrestlers. I didn't see anyone that looked scary. (Maybe I just don't scare easily!)

my favorite song of all time.....

2010-04-25T08:54:00.002-04:00

Bonnie Raitt singing a John Prine song.

Saw them do a duet of this in 1984. Best concert I ever saw.

Thanks to my son, Adam, for reminding me of this.

now this guy is wasted

2010-04-25T08:50:00.001-04:00

Wasted guy at Coachella 2010 - FRIDAY

sorry - no embedding

I'm moving here

2010-04-23T11:24:00.000-04:00

What? I like twinkies.

heard this on the radio this morning

2010-04-09T08:02:00.001-04:00

Spanish Pipedream - John Prine

She was a level-headed dancer on the road to alcohol
And I was just a soldier on my way to Montreal
Well she pressed her chest against me
About the time the juke box broke
Yeah, she gave me a peck on the back of the neck
And these are the words she spoke

Chorus:
Blow up your T.V. throw away your paper
Go to the country, build you a home
Plant a little garden, eat a lot of peaches
Try an find Jesus on your own

Well, I sat there at the table and I acted real naive
For I knew that topless lady had something up her sleeve
Well, she danced around the bar room and she did the hoochy-coo
Yeah she sang her song all night long, tellin' me what to do

Repeat chorus:

Well, I was young and hungry and about to leave that place
When just as I was leavin', well she looked me in the face
I said "You must know the answer."
"She said, "No but I'll give it a try."
And to this very day we've been livin' our way
And here is the reason why

We blew up our T.V. threw away our paper
Went to the country, built us a home
Had a lot of children, fed 'em on peaches
They all found Jesus on their own

Best rhyme ever - Jesus and peaches.

Lord, I love John Prine!

RELEASE THE WEINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-08T11:07:00.001-04:00

(Think I'll burn a couple of dogs on the grill for dinner.)

RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-08T09:18:00.000-04:00

The Kraken is this year's Susan Boyle - - Salon.com

tonight at 8

2010-04-07T14:42:00.000-04:00

The Buddha | PBS

bye bye birdie - madmen style

2010-04-07T13:46:00.002-04:00

I'm a freakin' buddhist!

2010-04-07T11:19:00.002-04:00

make changes

2010-04-06T09:43:00.002-04:00

How to Really Get Started with Making a Positive Change in Your Life

"You can look for the next big thing that will fix you. Read more blog articles. Read more personal development books. Look for people to help you. And yes, some articles or books or people will give you support and insights that resonate deeply with you. But in the end, if you are an adult then no one is coming. No one is coming to save you. You have to take responsibility for your own life and what happens in it. Other things and people can certainly aid you quite a bit. But you are responsible."

for you mathletes

2010-04-01T08:22:00.000-04:00

Square Large Numbers in Your Head Quickly - Shortcuts - Lifehacker:

"So the rule is that if you want to square number X you first round it to the nearest multiple of 10, called that X + r, and then calculate X - r (i.e. round the same amount in the opposite direction). You calculate (X + r) x (X - r) and add back the square of the amount you rounded by, r2, which will be 1, 4, 9, 16 or 25."

April 7 on PBS

2010-04-01T08:03:00.000-04:00

PBS Documentary: The Buddha

jesus per fox

2010-03-31T17:17:00.000-04:00

engine from the inside

2010-03-31T09:09:00.000-04:00

Make: Online : View from inside a running 4-stroke engine

great quote

2010-03-30T14:47:00.001-04:00

"Obama is not a brown-skinned, anti-war socialist who gives away free healthcare. You're thinking of Jesus." - comedian John Fugelsang.

simplify

2010-03-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

13 small things to simplify your workday | Zen Habits

wing tips

2010-03-30T08:52:00.000-04:00

Wing tips: Your greatest -- and hottest -- chicken wing recipes - Kitchen Challenge - Salon.com

definitely a geek

2010-03-29T11:53:00.003-04:00

FINALLY: The Difference between Nerd, Dork, and Geek Explained by a Venn Diagram

this guy deserves our support

2010-03-29T11:26:00.000-04:00

Pledge for A Congressman With Guts: Alan Grayson

yeah, right!

2010-03-26T08:40:00.000-04:00

Too many jobs, not enough boomers? - How the World Works - Salon.com

High Wide & Handsome

2010-03-25T19:55:00.001-04:00

High Wide & Handsome
Copyright ©2009 2nd Story Sound Records

High wide and handsome - that’s how I like livin’.
High wide and handsome - that’s how life should be.
Low skinny and ugly - that’s for other people.
High wide and handsome suits me to a tee.

Song, wine, and women - they’re my 3 favorites.
Beer, gin, and whiskey - that’s 5, 6, and 4.
Saturday night I like eatin’ and dancin’
And I sleep all day Sunday so’s I’m ready for more.

High wide and handsome - you can’t take it with you.
High wide and handsome - that’s one way to go.
Let’s live it up - might as well, we’re all dying.
High wide and handsome - let’s put on a show.

Can’t quit what will kill me, so why even bother?
I love this hard livin’, so why even try?
I’ll be high wide and handsome when I kick the bucket.
I’ll be high wide and handsome on the day that I die.

High wide and handsome - you can call it my motto.
High wide and handsome - call it my creed.
Money’s just paper, liquor’s thicker than water -
High wide and handsome in thought, word, and deed.

Have high wide and handsome carved on my head stone,
With the date I was born plus the date that I died,
Then take one from the other - all that’s left is a number.
Just remember I laughed twice as hard as I cried.

High wide and handsome - that’s how I like livin’.
High wide and handsome - that’s how life should be.
Low skinny and ugly - that’s for other people -
High wide and handsome suits me to a tee.

baggers know nothing about taxes

2010-03-25T16:30:00.000-04:00

Forbes.com - Magazine Article:

"As noted earlier, federal taxes are very considerably lower by every measure since Obama became president. And given the economic circumstances, it's hard to imagine that a tax increase would have been enacted last year. In fact, 40% of Obama's stimulus package involved tax cuts. These include the Making Work Pay Credit, which reduces federal taxes for all taxpayers with incomes below $75,000 by between $400 and $800.

According to the JCT, last year's $787 billion stimulus bill, enacted with no Republican support, reduced federal taxes by almost $100 billion in 2009 and another $222 billion this year. The Tax Policy Center, a private research group, estimates that close to 90% of all taxpayers got a tax cut last year and almost 100% of those in the $50,000 income range. For those making between $40,000 and $50,000, the average tax cut was $472; for those making between $50,000 and $75,000, the tax cut averaged $522. No taxpayer anywhere in the country had his or her taxes increased as a consequence of Obama's policies."

didn't know I was making a three book commitment

2010-03-25T15:35:00.000-04:00

Lefsetz Letter » Blog Archive » The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets’ Nest

whiners

2010-03-25T09:48:00.000-04:00

GOP whine: Drink deeply - Republican Party - Salon.com

A couple of weeks ago, Limbaugh even vowed to leave the United States and move to Costa Rica if healthcare reform passed. Evidently, nobody told him Costa Rica has a government-funded, single-payer healthcare system. He has since recanted.

wonder what kind I'll be?

2010-03-25T09:41:00.001-04:00

Love, sex and the male brain - CNN.com:

"The grandpa that kids can't wait to see is the one who's feeling the effects of the hormone oxytocin, often called the 'cuddle hormone.' He's fun and playful and likes to hear what his grandchildren have to say. He's much more patient with your children than he was with you, when you were growing up. The love circuits of the mature male brain can be hijacked by his grandkids, even more than they were by his own children."

social anxiety?

2010-03-25T09:07:00.000-04:00

5 Best Practices To Overcome Social Anxiety - PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement

NOT a pipe

2010-03-25T08:55:00.001-04:00

This is Not a Pipe: Magic the Gathering edition - Boing Boing

what the majority really thinks

2010-03-24T12:24:00.002-04:00

I'm reading this

2010-03-24T08:21:00.000-04:00

Op-Ed Columnist - Obama, Lehman and ‘The Dragon Tattoo’ - NYTimes.com

worth at least a dollar

2010-03-22T15:34:00.000-04:00

A Ticket For Rush!

do these every day

2010-03-11T09:18:00.000-05:00

10 more uncluttering things to do every day | Unclutterer

now that looks good!

2010-03-05T11:33:00.001-05:00

Java Buttercream Filled Double Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookie Sandwiches « FoodPornDaily

great list - be a leader!

2010-03-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

How To Be A Leader | Psychology Today

Be confident. Requiring an entire post unto itself, suffice it to say for the purpose of this post that a world of difference exists between saying, "I don't know" nervously and uncertainly and saying "I don't know" confidently. To say "I don't know" nervously and uncertainly communicates incompetence. To say "I don't know" confidently not only communicates competence but also that it's perfectly acceptable that you don't know the answer to the specific question you were asked. I listen to medical students say "I don't know" all the time. The ones who say it confidently do tend to be more competent than those who say it nervously and uncertainly. Not knowing something doesn't make you a bad leader. Allowing that lack of knowledge to sap your confidence, or worse, not having confidence in the first place, does.
Be kind but firm. Being a leader means having to set boundaries, but boundaries can be set angrily and condescendingly or gently and compassionately. Do it gently and compassionately and people will not only respect the boundaries you set but you as well.
Be an expert. However long it takes, whatever you have to do, know what you're talking about. Don't ever try to fake content knowledge. If you don't know what you need to know, find it out.
Be decisive. A great leader listens to a diversity of opinions, asks probing questions, debates issues, challenges positions---but when the time to discuss and debate is over, makes a decision and moves on.
Be willing to have people disagree with you. If you're setting appropriate boundaries and taking strong positions, some people may not only disagree with you but actively dislike you. But that's more about them than it is about you. Don't take it personally.
Know when to spend time building a consensus and when to make an executive decision. Sometimes everyone (or almost everyone) involved needs to agree before progress can be made. Other times waiting for a consensus risks failure. Learn to recognize when it's time to take over.
Have a vision. A vision that excites the people who follow you, that inspires them in such a way that they perform (or want to perform) at a level they didn't know they could.
Care about the people you lead. Genuine concern is always perceived and appreciated—and far more motivating than any punitive measure could ever be.
Mentor people. Great leaders always have people who want to learn from them. Someone is always watching you, whether you realize it or not. If you're ever unsure about what decision to make, think about what each of your choices will teach the people around you. Try to pick the choice that demonstrates the greatest virtue.
Fully visualize every repercussion of each of your decisions in advance. Plans often fail because of unforeseen consequences. Follow the predicted results of your decisions into every nook and cranny and take a 360 degree look around in your mind. The more concretely you can do this, the more likely you'll be able to predict results no one else can.

teen wolf pug

2010-03-04T11:34:00.001-05:00

Go Pug Yourself: Happy Halloween from Shelby the Teen Wolf

I have the perfect wife

2010-03-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

Why your wife should be 27% smarter than you | Technically Incorrect - CNET News:

"The perfect wife is five years younger than her husband. She is from the same cultural background. And, please stare at this very carefully: she is at least 27 percent smarter than her husband."

I would prefer happy and stupid

2010-03-03T10:37:00.000-05:00

The Evolutionary Reason for Depression - Mind - Lifehacker:

"those who suffer from depression do get the benefits of enhanced mental skills"

bacon and doughnuts - two favorites have a child

2010-03-03T10:15:00.001-05:00

The Best Doughnuts: Fried Dough Has Never Looked This Good: Food & Party Daily Buzz - CafeMom

Gary's not sure he likes this.

2010-03-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

Urban Dictionary, March 3: Talk in Third Person Day

this is my plan b

2010-03-03T09:54:00.000-05:00

4 Ohio colleges among leaders in training science, math teachers | The Columbus Dispatch

beautiful bullies

2010-03-02T12:01:00.001-05:00

Bulldogs on Parade: Photos from the Bulldog Beauty Contest - Orange County News - Navel Gazing

the real tea party

2010-03-02T11:53:00.002-05:00

Tea Party: Everything You Know Is Wrong | OurFuture.org

Their Manifesto

1. Acknowledge The Centrality Of Faith - We call for the right to publicly acknowledge God;

2. Protect human life - We call for the protection of human life from conception to natural death;

3. Save Traditional Marriage - We call for marriage to remain the union of a man and a woman and we further call for families and parental rights to be strengthened;

4. Stop Judicial Tyranny - We call for judges to be constrained by the Constitution and laws of the land;

5. Protect The Rights Of Parents to control the education of their children - We call for educational expenditures to follow parental choice;

6. Limit the size of government - We call for honesty in our government, limited to constitutional functions;

7. Protect our economic freedom - We call for a free-market economy, because it rewards hard work, creates jobs and maximizes human potential;

8. Practice fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and reduce spending - We call for lower taxes, less spending, an affordable government and the end of runaway deficits;

9. Focus on national security - We call for a foreign and military policy that protects Americans, maintains our national sovereignty and secures our borders;

10. Secure energy independence - We call for more exploration, development, production and use of all energy resources.

Pretty much all the worst of the Republican platform.

have a cup

2010-03-01T14:12:00.001-05:00

Coffee Party | Wake Up and Stand Up

where's mario?

2010-03-01T12:28:00.000-05:00

Top Chef Mario Batali Returns to Restaurants with Eataly - TIME

Healthcare Costs Around the World

2010-03-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

Healthcare Costs Around the World |

what's not to like?

2010-02-26T09:37:00.000-05:00

not sure I want to, but here's how....

2010-02-26T09:21:00.001-05:00

How You Can Live To 100 (Graphic) [PIC]

some more than others

2010-02-25T17:03:00.000-05:00

Monkey Mind: All Religions are False. Or, Confessing My Faith.

curling explained

2010-02-25T09:42:00.003-05:00

Mark or Marc???????????????

2010-02-25T09:38:00.001-05:00

that's what we do

2010-02-25T09:35:00.001-05:00

Make: Online : You win this round, engineers!

it's official -> Kid Rock is an idiot

2010-02-24T11:38:00.001-05:00

Kid Rock on Fox News: 'The European dream is my nightmare' | - MLive.com

"But now … it just reminds me of Europe. Everyone's going to be driving a smart car and living in a condo. And that's not the American Dream, and you see that starting to die."

Nelsonville Music Festival - Robbins Crossing at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio

2010-02-24T11:28:00.000-05:00

Nelsonville Music Festival - Robbins Crossing at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio

Todd Snider - Sunday May 16th!

clean as you go

2010-02-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

Get To Your Mess Before It Gets You

squash is all about the intimidation

2010-02-23T17:17:00.002-05:00

Column: A Buddhist moment in America - Opinion - USATODAY.com

2010-02-23T06:55:00.000-05:00

Column: A Buddhist moment in America - Opinion - USATODAY.com:

"The key moment in Woods' statement came at the end, when, in an effort to make sense of his behavior, he turned not to Christian theologies of sin but to Buddhist teachings about craving. Whereas Christianity seeks to solve the problem of sin, Buddhism seeks to solve the problem of suffering. Buddhists observe that suffering arises from a 12-fold chain of interlocking causes and effects. Among these causes is craving. We crave this woman or that car because we think that getting her or it will make us happy. But this craving only ties us into an unending cycle of misery, because even if we get what we want there is always something more to crave — another woman or another man, a faster car or a bigger house."

Canadian has a point

2010-02-22T20:15:00.002-05:00

I'd rather have the health care.

incubator?

2010-02-18T08:42:00.000-05:00

Are you a procrastinator or an incubator?

now I really like this guy

2010-02-16T16:24:00.000-05:00

What Kevin Smith means for the future of PR | The Social - CNET News

sarah palin is...................

2010-02-10T16:00:00.002-05:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Sarah Palin Uses a Hand-O-Prompter

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Economy

the real top 20

2010-01-28T10:03:00.000-05:00

Why 'Avatar' is actually the 26th biggest movie -- The Live Feed | THR

Howard Zinn - RIP

2010-01-28T09:43:00.001-05:00

Howard Zinn, historian who challenged status quo, dies at 87 - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe

Read his book. It will change your life.

Tom Swifties

2010-01-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

Weekend Competition: Tom Swifties - Schott’s Vocab Blog - NYTimes.com

43 Tips on How to Simplify Your Life

2010-01-26T09:32:00.000-05:00

43 Simple Ways To Simplify Your Life

1. Turn off your cell phone.

2. Process email only twice a day.

3. Go to bed early.

4. Get rid of (or at least reduce) commitments that you do out of obligation.

5. Create a weekly meal plan.

6. Automate your finances.

7. Purge as much unneeded clutter as possible.

8. Keep your paper shredder on top of your recycling bin.

9. Add items you want to a wish list as you think of them.

10. Get a label maker or write labels out by hand.

11. Set your clothes out for the next day the night before.

12. Make your lunch for the next day the night before.

13. Make time to catch up with an old friend.

14. Just say no.

15. Ask for experiences not things for your birthday and Christmas this year.

16. Tell the truth.

17. Keep your list of addresses and phone numbers up to date.

18. Consolidate debt.

19. Create an organizing system that works for you.

20. Keep a bag for garbage in your car.

21. Cary a notebook and pen with you where ever you go.

22. Unsubscribe from emails, newsletters or RSS feeds that don’t provide value anymore.

23. Apologize immediately when you realize you’ve done wrong.

24. Enjoy the present moment as much as you can.

25. Take time to really see the little things in life.

26. Reduce the amount of TV you watch.

27. Get outside.

28. Create morning, daytime, and evening routines.

29. Ask for help.

30. Do things at home as much as possible (eat, date nights, entertain etc.).

31. Don’t get caught up in other people’s drama.

32. Let go of the self-imposed need to be perfect.

33. Focus on a simple, but healthy, eating plan.

34. Share responsibilities.

35. Reduce your wardrobe to a few versatile items.

36. Be positive.

37. Start a gratitude journal.

38. Finish old tasks before taking on new ones.

39. For every new item that enters your home set two free.

40. Want what you have not what you don’t.

41. Revisit what you carry with you in your purse or wallet.

42. Focus on one thing at a time.

43. Store new garbage bags at the bottom of your garbage can.