In my efforts to save those old posts I may have made a big mistake. I may have caused you to ignore the posts because they were coming too fast and furious. If so I apologize. I'm pretty sure I've done my final "repost" from The World's Best Blog. But, I want you to know, as I wrote in one of the first "reposts" - these are my important communications to you. These are addressed to anyone who cares to read but primarily my children and grandchildren. I wish I had information like this from my father and mother. Yes they taught me a lot, but sometimes it would really be nice to be able to go back and see what they thought about certain things. Well, you have that in the form of these posts.
Love,
Dad, Grandpa
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
New Shocker - Be Sitting When You Read This!
Originally posted on "The World's Best Blog" on Nov. 3, 2008.
I read on one of the local news channels feed this morning about something that really shocked and surprised me (I don't know what kind of emoticon to use to express sarcasm or tongue in cheek, so I hope you recognize it when you see it.) Are you ready. Here's the shocking headline "Study links sex on TV to teen pregnancy". Some clever behavioral scientist has done a study that shows that sex on tv has lead to increased teen pregnancies. I say clever, because they were probably clever enough to get some big financial grant from the college or the government to figure this out. Now let me see?!?!?! As I grow up do I copy what I see around me? Do I do what I think is normal or acceptable? Sometimes it is shown as risque or even wrong, but then it is shown as even more exciting and enticing. Well, folks - big surprise - teens and even adults want some risk and excitement in their lives. I remember a military school I went to where we were "forbidden" to have any kind of treats of ice cream, candy, junk food, etc, except when it was given to us by the staff as a reward. Well we didn't get very many rewards, but I don't remember a time in my life when I ate so much ice cream, candy, junk food etc. Why? because it was forbidden. One of the best known techniques of salesmanship is called "The take away". Show the customer something they like but then to close the sale take it away, whether it's taking away a special price, or there's "only one of these red ones and someone else was looking at it this morning" or whatever it is. I could go on for pages with examples of the take away... If you want your teenager to really fall in love with somebody and spend lots of time with them, just "forbid" them to see that person. I have a certain granddaughter who, when she was little, would not hug or kiss me when she was leaving, until I started telling her that I didn't want her to. Then I got all the hugs and kisses I could stand. It didn't work with all of them but it sure worked with her.
Now for the real shocker. And for this one you probably really should be sitting down. At the bottom of the story it talks about critics of the study. Critics? There are people out there who don't believe that there is a link between sex on TV and teen pregnancy?!?!?!????? Now that is a shocker!!!!!
I read on one of the local news channels feed this morning about something that really shocked and surprised me (I don't know what kind of emoticon to use to express sarcasm or tongue in cheek, so I hope you recognize it when you see it.) Are you ready. Here's the shocking headline "Study links sex on TV to teen pregnancy". Some clever behavioral scientist has done a study that shows that sex on tv has lead to increased teen pregnancies. I say clever, because they were probably clever enough to get some big financial grant from the college or the government to figure this out. Now let me see?!?!?! As I grow up do I copy what I see around me? Do I do what I think is normal or acceptable? Sometimes it is shown as risque or even wrong, but then it is shown as even more exciting and enticing. Well, folks - big surprise - teens and even adults want some risk and excitement in their lives. I remember a military school I went to where we were "forbidden" to have any kind of treats of ice cream, candy, junk food, etc, except when it was given to us by the staff as a reward. Well we didn't get very many rewards, but I don't remember a time in my life when I ate so much ice cream, candy, junk food etc. Why? because it was forbidden. One of the best known techniques of salesmanship is called "The take away". Show the customer something they like but then to close the sale take it away, whether it's taking away a special price, or there's "only one of these red ones and someone else was looking at it this morning" or whatever it is. I could go on for pages with examples of the take away... If you want your teenager to really fall in love with somebody and spend lots of time with them, just "forbid" them to see that person. I have a certain granddaughter who, when she was little, would not hug or kiss me when she was leaving, until I started telling her that I didn't want her to. Then I got all the hugs and kisses I could stand. It didn't work with all of them but it sure worked with her.
Now for the real shocker. And for this one you probably really should be sitting down. At the bottom of the story it talks about critics of the study. Critics? There are people out there who don't believe that there is a link between sex on TV and teen pregnancy?!?!?!????? Now that is a shocker!!!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Wag More, Bark Less
Originally posted Sep. 13, 2008
Today I attended the funeral of a dear cousin (Elna Law Otteson). She was someone who I was always happy to see. She had such a sweet and warm smile. She made you feel like she was happy to see you also, or maybe even happier to see you than you were to see her. On the way home after the funeral I saw a bumper sticker that has officially become my favorite bumper sticker of all time -until a better one comes along. The bumper sticker was only four words, but those four words say a lot. They described Elna very well and also described something I have been thinking a lot about lately. The four words were “Wag more, Bark Less”. If everybody would live by those four words what a happy world we would live in. It would be the ultimate win win. So as you go about your daily duties complete with trials and troubles, as you interact with coworkers, clients, patients, neighbors, business associates, store clerks and checkers, and above all, enemies and family members, remember these four words and try to “Wag More and Bark Less”. I promise you that your life will be happier and more fulfilling and at your funeral they will talk about you the way they talked about Elna today.
Today I attended the funeral of a dear cousin (Elna Law Otteson). She was someone who I was always happy to see. She had such a sweet and warm smile. She made you feel like she was happy to see you also, or maybe even happier to see you than you were to see her. On the way home after the funeral I saw a bumper sticker that has officially become my favorite bumper sticker of all time -until a better one comes along. The bumper sticker was only four words, but those four words say a lot. They described Elna very well and also described something I have been thinking a lot about lately. The four words were “Wag more, Bark Less”. If everybody would live by those four words what a happy world we would live in. It would be the ultimate win win. So as you go about your daily duties complete with trials and troubles, as you interact with coworkers, clients, patients, neighbors, business associates, store clerks and checkers, and above all, enemies and family members, remember these four words and try to “Wag More and Bark Less”. I promise you that your life will be happier and more fulfilling and at your funeral they will talk about you the way they talked about Elna today.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Back to the Future
Originally posted May 1, 2008
A little over 20 years ago, more like 23 (It seems like 40), I wanted a video camera so badly my teeth ached. Of course it could have been poor dental hygiene. But either way, I was like a little kid wanting his first bicycle. I could just picture all the wonderful things I could do with one of those cool things that not only gave you color video that you could just watch on your TV and not have to have developed and drag out a screen and projector to watch in a darkened room. And, it also had audio. I mean it was cool. I get goosebumps now just thinking how awesome it was. Somewhere I scraped together about $1300. And I drove back and forth from R.C. Willey to Stokes Brothers to get the best price and make them match or beat the other guy. The compact VHS had just been introduced, so the camera was much smaller than the full size VHS, and who cared that the little cassette only took 20 minutes of video. Most video events such as birthday parties or games or whatever were actually only about 10 to 15 minutes of actual video time anyway. And the cost of a cassette at around $10 or $12 was still a huge amount cheaper per minute than buying film (no sound) and having it developed. Super 8mm film was only 3 minutes per roll and an hour of film with cost of film and developing was probably over $100. And you had to wait until it got developed before you could watch it. With a camcorder you could watch it instataneously, with no developing costs. So back to the price matching game. Willey's and Stokes Brothers both had exactly the same camera, except Willeys had it in black with the Zenith name on it and Stokes Brothers had it in red with the real manufacturers name on it - JVC. I got Stokes Brothers to give me the red JVC for the same price as Willey's black Zenith. I was cool!!!!! If you ever watch the original Back to the Future movie, Doc' Brown is using the exact same model camera that I bought. I got some wonderful video over the years with that camera. It allowed us to capture many memories that we still treasure today. The phrase "I don't have to Kathryn" has become a part of our families favorite quotes which would not exist if it weren't for that camera. We have video of family reunions and loved ones long passed as a result of that camera. Was it worth the $1300 I paid? Absolutely, every penny of it. Oh, by the way, as I was running back and forth to compare camera's and negotiate price I burned up probably at least a dollar's worth of gas at about 35 cents per gallon. Since then I have spent many thousands of dollars on video equipment. I don't remember what ever happened to that little camera, I probably sold it for a few hundred?
Today I opened the paper and here is a Compact VHS with a lens at least 5 times better than the one I had, a color flip out view monitor and a hundred other features they hadn't thought of on my first VHS-C. I'll let the ad speak for itself.
A little over 20 years ago, more like 23 (It seems like 40), I wanted a video camera so badly my teeth ached. Of course it could have been poor dental hygiene. But either way, I was like a little kid wanting his first bicycle. I could just picture all the wonderful things I could do with one of those cool things that not only gave you color video that you could just watch on your TV and not have to have developed and drag out a screen and projector to watch in a darkened room. And, it also had audio. I mean it was cool. I get goosebumps now just thinking how awesome it was. Somewhere I scraped together about $1300. And I drove back and forth from R.C. Willey to Stokes Brothers to get the best price and make them match or beat the other guy. The compact VHS had just been introduced, so the camera was much smaller than the full size VHS, and who cared that the little cassette only took 20 minutes of video. Most video events such as birthday parties or games or whatever were actually only about 10 to 15 minutes of actual video time anyway. And the cost of a cassette at around $10 or $12 was still a huge amount cheaper per minute than buying film (no sound) and having it developed. Super 8mm film was only 3 minutes per roll and an hour of film with cost of film and developing was probably over $100. And you had to wait until it got developed before you could watch it. With a camcorder you could watch it instataneously, with no developing costs. So back to the price matching game. Willey's and Stokes Brothers both had exactly the same camera, except Willeys had it in black with the Zenith name on it and Stokes Brothers had it in red with the real manufacturers name on it - JVC. I got Stokes Brothers to give me the red JVC for the same price as Willey's black Zenith. I was cool!!!!! If you ever watch the original Back to the Future movie, Doc' Brown is using the exact same model camera that I bought. I got some wonderful video over the years with that camera. It allowed us to capture many memories that we still treasure today. The phrase "I don't have to Kathryn" has become a part of our families favorite quotes which would not exist if it weren't for that camera. We have video of family reunions and loved ones long passed as a result of that camera. Was it worth the $1300 I paid? Absolutely, every penny of it. Oh, by the way, as I was running back and forth to compare camera's and negotiate price I burned up probably at least a dollar's worth of gas at about 35 cents per gallon. Since then I have spent many thousands of dollars on video equipment. I don't remember what ever happened to that little camera, I probably sold it for a few hundred?
Today I opened the paper and here is a Compact VHS with a lens at least 5 times better than the one I had, a color flip out view monitor and a hundred other features they hadn't thought of on my first VHS-C. I'll let the ad speak for itself.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Happiness
Originally written Feb. 20, 2008
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life always under promise and and over deliver. In every part of your life, your work, your church, your family, and so on.
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life always under promise and and over deliver. In every part of your life, your work, your church, your family, and so on.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Visualization
Originally written on Feb. 19, 2008
I'm sure you have heard of visualization. For some people it may be difficult to visualize something in your head over and over again. I've found that it works. I need to do more of it, because when I have done it it has worked for me. I have mentioned before that I like to golf. I'd like to be much better at it so I thought I would try visualizing more. Sometimes I do it when I go to bed at night and I think that helps, but it seems that where it helps the most is actually on the golf course. I step up to the ball, make a practice swing and visualize where it goes. I try to actually see the ball flying and then bouncing on the fairway or the green in what would be real time. Last summer I was out golfing with my son and grandson (He's about 8 yrs old). On the first hole as I stepped up to hit my second shot I took a practice shot and was deeply into the visualization when my grandson turned to his dad (who knew what I was doing) and asked him if I knew I hadn't hit the ball. We both laughed, but it told me that I was doing a pretty good job of visualizing it. By the way, last year was probably the best I've ever had, I think I took about 5 strokes off my handicap. This summer I'm going to even do a better job of visualizing. I really need to apply it to other areas of my life too.
I'm sure you have heard of visualization. For some people it may be difficult to visualize something in your head over and over again. I've found that it works. I need to do more of it, because when I have done it it has worked for me. I have mentioned before that I like to golf. I'd like to be much better at it so I thought I would try visualizing more. Sometimes I do it when I go to bed at night and I think that helps, but it seems that where it helps the most is actually on the golf course. I step up to the ball, make a practice swing and visualize where it goes. I try to actually see the ball flying and then bouncing on the fairway or the green in what would be real time. Last summer I was out golfing with my son and grandson (He's about 8 yrs old). On the first hole as I stepped up to hit my second shot I took a practice shot and was deeply into the visualization when my grandson turned to his dad (who knew what I was doing) and asked him if I knew I hadn't hit the ball. We both laughed, but it told me that I was doing a pretty good job of visualizing it. By the way, last year was probably the best I've ever had, I think I took about 5 strokes off my handicap. This summer I'm going to even do a better job of visualizing. I really need to apply it to other areas of my life too.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Repost of HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!!!
Originally posted on Feb. 18, 2008
On February 18, 19__, Jim and Gert had a beautiful baby girl. With the capable guidance and tender care of her parents and her older sisters this beautiful baby grew up to be a beautiful woman and after much cajoling, begging and pleading over 30 years ago she agreed to be my wife. There is no question that she is also my best friend. For all these years she has taken care of me, has kept a wonderful home that I am always very happy to come home to. She has tolerated separations as I was on military or other work duties where we have been apart for as much as six months, while she stayed home and took care of the children without ever a word of complaint. She has given birth to our children and then cared for them and taught them, and yet she has never made me feel like I was taking a back seat to them. She has been and still is an excellent counselor, often helping me decide what is right and important, sometimes when I didn’t really want to know. As we have built or remodeled houses she has been an excellent source for both decorating ideas and helping me to know different ways to do things that worked better than the way I was trying to do it. She has been a wonderful support to me, sometimes even when I wanted to do things that may have seemed risky or scary to her. At the same time she has stood steadfast when she felt something was too risky or just didn’t make sense. In matters of the Spirit she has been an example to me. I have a long way to go to catch up with her.
I am so glad she accepted my invitation (begging and pleading) to be part of my life and let me be part of hers.
I love you sweetheart!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
On February 18, 19__, Jim and Gert had a beautiful baby girl. With the capable guidance and tender care of her parents and her older sisters this beautiful baby grew up to be a beautiful woman and after much cajoling, begging and pleading over 30 years ago she agreed to be my wife. There is no question that she is also my best friend. For all these years she has taken care of me, has kept a wonderful home that I am always very happy to come home to. She has tolerated separations as I was on military or other work duties where we have been apart for as much as six months, while she stayed home and took care of the children without ever a word of complaint. She has given birth to our children and then cared for them and taught them, and yet she has never made me feel like I was taking a back seat to them. She has been and still is an excellent counselor, often helping me decide what is right and important, sometimes when I didn’t really want to know. As we have built or remodeled houses she has been an excellent source for both decorating ideas and helping me to know different ways to do things that worked better than the way I was trying to do it. She has been a wonderful support to me, sometimes even when I wanted to do things that may have seemed risky or scary to her. At the same time she has stood steadfast when she felt something was too risky or just didn’t make sense. In matters of the Spirit she has been an example to me. I have a long way to go to catch up with her.
I am so glad she accepted my invitation (begging and pleading) to be part of my life and let me be part of hers.
I love you sweetheart!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
For Better or For Worse
Originally posted Feb 15, 2008
I was catching just a little news on the TV when they were interviewing the "man on the street" in the cold north states that have suffered a severe and protracted winter. When asked why he wasn't complaining one man said that as bad as the weather and winter had been, complaining would only make him feel worse and more susceptible to depression and illness. He was correct. Complaining over something you have no control will never ever make it better and it will only make you weaker and worse off than you were. If there is something you can do to improve the situation, no matter how slightly, do that, if not, then focus on good things. I'm sure you've heard the proverbial prayer that goes something like this: "Dear God, give me the courage to face the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
It's your choice.
I was catching just a little news on the TV when they were interviewing the "man on the street" in the cold north states that have suffered a severe and protracted winter. When asked why he wasn't complaining one man said that as bad as the weather and winter had been, complaining would only make him feel worse and more susceptible to depression and illness. He was correct. Complaining over something you have no control will never ever make it better and it will only make you weaker and worse off than you were. If there is something you can do to improve the situation, no matter how slightly, do that, if not, then focus on good things. I'm sure you've heard the proverbial prayer that goes something like this: "Dear God, give me the courage to face the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
It's your choice.
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