Snow figures would be David, Dan and JimTuesday, January 30, 2018
"With All Flags Flying?" 3-17-92
The Expression "With All Flags Flying" means to come out of battle victorious. However, it does not mean victorious alone. It also means to come out with honor and your pride intact.
In my opinion, Mr. Carpenter came out with his "flags flying." To start with, he is an independent man. He is a survivor and because of that he could be described as uncompassionate in that he is a self contained individual. He is not a stereotypical old man who sits around thinking of the past. Instead, he tries to think of the present and even the future. He had the idea of moving to the retirement home when he could no longer care for himself. His philosophy of life is that you are born, you marry, you have kids, you watch your kids grow, and finally you die. If you live long and don't suffer and your kids are successful, you can consider your life to be a good one.
Mr. Carpenter's reasons for not living with his family, in my opinion, is not that he is afraid he will be a burden, but rather he does not want to be treated like he is special. He doesn't want to be humored by his children asking him questions when he knows they really don't care about the answers. He especially doesn't want to be treated like a child by his own children. He has made up his mind and he is going to live by his convictions.
The family's intentions are noble. I think they feel he is angry with them or he doesn't feel welcome in their home. The daughter feels especially bitter because he would rather be cared for by strangers than by family.
Mr. Carpenter does win his battle by withstanding his family's attacks with plans and supplications. He finally moves into the home. However, the victory is not recognized by others. His roommate doesn't exactly believe that Mr. Carpenter wanted to move into the home. At the end Mr. Carpenter, in full victory, is able to effectively end his life, although he is still physically alive, and complete his pattern of life. He is set on leaving this world with as few possessions and responsibilities as possible."
In my opinion, Mr. Carpenter came out with his "flags flying." To start with, he is an independent man. He is a survivor and because of that he could be described as uncompassionate in that he is a self contained individual. He is not a stereotypical old man who sits around thinking of the past. Instead, he tries to think of the present and even the future. He had the idea of moving to the retirement home when he could no longer care for himself. His philosophy of life is that you are born, you marry, you have kids, you watch your kids grow, and finally you die. If you live long and don't suffer and your kids are successful, you can consider your life to be a good one.
Mr. Carpenter's reasons for not living with his family, in my opinion, is not that he is afraid he will be a burden, but rather he does not want to be treated like he is special. He doesn't want to be humored by his children asking him questions when he knows they really don't care about the answers. He especially doesn't want to be treated like a child by his own children. He has made up his mind and he is going to live by his convictions.
The family's intentions are noble. I think they feel he is angry with them or he doesn't feel welcome in their home. The daughter feels especially bitter because he would rather be cared for by strangers than by family.
Mr. Carpenter does win his battle by withstanding his family's attacks with plans and supplications. He finally moves into the home. However, the victory is not recognized by others. His roommate doesn't exactly believe that Mr. Carpenter wanted to move into the home. At the end Mr. Carpenter, in full victory, is able to effectively end his life, although he is still physically alive, and complete his pattern of life. He is set on leaving this world with as few possessions and responsibilities as possible."
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Gender Equality-Grammys Style
As I recall, it started with Michael Jackson, the on-camera caressing of the crotch. And carried on by numerous others, primarily of the hip hop performers. A male thing, or so I presumed. But that changed tonight with Rihanna's Grammy performance. She choreographed the crotch grab to perfection, not once, not twice, but at least three times. And not just a brushing of the genitalia; she went right in there, digits unleashed. So there, guys.
....for your service.
"Do you know me?" he asked from his wheelchair, where he sat in the Namaste room, and beckoned me toward him. I was struck because he didn't ask, "Do I know you?" as might be expected. I answered no, but that I had seen him there before.
So he started to tell me about himself, that he'd been overseas in combat for four years, and had seen three members of his company killed before his eyes. He said even now the memory of it makes him cry, and he began to do so, tears sliding down his face. I tried to change the subject by reminding him that we all appreciated his service, and what he had been through. He said he had been a sharpshooter, one of the best, and that he had shot one of the enemy right between the eyes. He pointed to the spot on his own forehead, seeming satisfied with his accomplishment. He wanted to tell me more, but I had to leave. I said I'd see him next time.
It's true that there are exaggerations of war stories, but it is also true that things did happen. Regardless, these veterans were once vital and self-sufficient beings, able to travel all over the world and to function in important activities. They wore uniforms commanding respect from, or at very least the attention of, all those they met. Now most of them are entrapped by their own bodies, dependent on others for every bodily need. Age and infirmity exact a harsh toll.
So the answer to "Do you know me?" is no. Nobody does know you, not anymore. Our mortal flaw is to think that somebody should know who we were before time nullified what was.
So he started to tell me about himself, that he'd been overseas in combat for four years, and had seen three members of his company killed before his eyes. He said even now the memory of it makes him cry, and he began to do so, tears sliding down his face. I tried to change the subject by reminding him that we all appreciated his service, and what he had been through. He said he had been a sharpshooter, one of the best, and that he had shot one of the enemy right between the eyes. He pointed to the spot on his own forehead, seeming satisfied with his accomplishment. He wanted to tell me more, but I had to leave. I said I'd see him next time.
It's true that there are exaggerations of war stories, but it is also true that things did happen. Regardless, these veterans were once vital and self-sufficient beings, able to travel all over the world and to function in important activities. They wore uniforms commanding respect from, or at very least the attention of, all those they met. Now most of them are entrapped by their own bodies, dependent on others for every bodily need. Age and infirmity exact a harsh toll.
So the answer to "Do you know me?" is no. Nobody does know you, not anymore. Our mortal flaw is to think that somebody should know who we were before time nullified what was.
Commercial of Chaos
Well, I guess you could say the chaos is controlled, because the dogs are on leashes, but the distractions remain. Dogs, between one and four of them at different times, a couple of kids playing with toys to keep them from wandering off, and a babe in arms. All in the foreground of the automobiles that are being sold. Who could ever think that it's a good idea for little kids to be sitting on the ground playing with their toys right next to the wheels of the vehicles. Children should be taught to avoid such potentially dangerous locations. The wheels of automobiles are not good places to sit next to and be absorbed in play activities.
By the time the last line of the ad comes, "Puppies and babies not included," I can only think, "Thank heavens."
By the time the last line of the ad comes, "Puppies and babies not included," I can only think, "Thank heavens."
Eureka
I've found it! The perfect gadget---GeniCan. It attaches to your garbage can and will scan the barcode of items thrown into the trash can. AND, it will automatically add it to the shopping list on your phone. So you need never run out of ketchup, for example. I would be on it in a minute, but I don't know how to deal with about the 30 or so individual ketchup packets in my fridge.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
The Sights of Silence
When, and in no hurry either,
The last of the Cheerios finds the vacuum,
And the smudges are erased
From the bottom third of the hall mirror,
The house, after its brief visit to the past,
Settles back down, once more.
The last of the Cheerios finds the vacuum,
And the smudges are erased
From the bottom third of the hall mirror,
The house, after its brief visit to the past,
Settles back down, once more.
Friday, January 19, 2018
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
Downsize this!
ON DECLUTTERING: The time had come for the couple to move into a smaller house, and needed to downsize their accumulation of stuff. So they packed their son's treasured belongings and shipped them to his home in another state. They'd sorted out, from the garage sales, charitable donations, and trash cans, his things. They shipped his school yearbooks, his high school letter jacket and even the favorite baby blanket he'd loved when he was little.
When the son received the package of items he once held dear, he called his parents. "What am I supposed to do with all this crap?"
His father told him to set fire to it in his driveway.
When the son received the package of items he once held dear, he called his parents. "What am I supposed to do with all this crap?"
His father told him to set fire to it in his driveway.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Digitize This
January 9, 2018, we were told is the day we Spectrum customers will need to be digitized or our television sets will receive no pictures. A Spectrum Receiver will be sent free of charge (for one year anyway) to adapt any set not already connected to a box or smaller receiver. The installation will be easy, and help will be available if needed.
When I first heard of this, I called Spectrum to find out our status. We have 3 TV's in the house. The set in the living room is connected to a box, so okay there. The set in the far bedroom has a small Cisco adapter, I think it's called. The rep reviewed our records and said that is okay also. So the set in the middle bedroom plugs into the outlet and will need the Digital Receiver.
At first, I thought why bother. One person doesn't need 3 TV's. But then I realized that my exercise bike is in that room, and though I only use it at best for 30 minutes a day, during Jeopardy usually, there is no way I'm ever going to pedal for half an hour without watching TV. So I ordered the unit, which came in only a few days, in a somewhat surprisingly large box.
So I set about to install it. The directions said it was simple and I found it to be quite so, though I really don't know the difference between a COAX Cable and a HDM1 Cable. But they were labeled and so I took Step A and connected the coax cable from the cable outlet to the "Cable In" port in the back of the receiver. (The hardest part of the installation was disconnecting the present cable from the back of the television--it was very firmly attached.) Step B was connecting the HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV, and Step C was connecting the power cord to the Spectrum receiver and plugging it into the wall. All went very smoothly so far, clear directions and sketches having been provided.
Wait 10 minutes and press Power and the system will automatically download, read the instructions. That was all part of STEP 1: CONNECT and so far, so good.
STEP 2: ACTIVATE is where the problem began. I opted to call the number provided and said the magic word--"activate." Nothing happened. It was late at night, but I called the live number and went through the usual checks of holding and pressing buttons, singly and simultaneously, etc. Finally the rep said it may take up to 60 minutes so I gave up and went to bed.
In bed, I tried to turn on that set, the one with the smaller adapter box, but it now displayed the same "No Signal" box as on the other TV.
This morning, I called the customer service line and the rep went through all the various procedures as before plus a number of others. He kindly assured me that there was no fault with the installation, that testing the signal showed I had done an excellent job. He apologized for not being able to help any further and offered to send tech to my house this same day.
Cody arrived at 5:30, a little late because his previous job had taken over 2 hours. He walked into the first bedroom, pressed the remote and the TV came on. I was amazed, but he said he had sent the signal from the driveway before he came in, and it worked.
Now for the other TV, the one that purportedly didn't need a new installation as it already had an adapter. He took a look behind the set, at the connections, and said that though the box was there, the TV had never been connected to it, was receiving only through the TV and that's why it stopped working. He connected it with a shorter cable, went to the basement to do something with the cable down there, and now, just like magic, we have 3 working televisions. Cody said he doesn't know why Spectrum didn't just send someone out to homes in the first place. I gather their Techs are getting a lot of work out in the field.
When I first heard of this, I called Spectrum to find out our status. We have 3 TV's in the house. The set in the living room is connected to a box, so okay there. The set in the far bedroom has a small Cisco adapter, I think it's called. The rep reviewed our records and said that is okay also. So the set in the middle bedroom plugs into the outlet and will need the Digital Receiver.
At first, I thought why bother. One person doesn't need 3 TV's. But then I realized that my exercise bike is in that room, and though I only use it at best for 30 minutes a day, during Jeopardy usually, there is no way I'm ever going to pedal for half an hour without watching TV. So I ordered the unit, which came in only a few days, in a somewhat surprisingly large box.
So I set about to install it. The directions said it was simple and I found it to be quite so, though I really don't know the difference between a COAX Cable and a HDM1 Cable. But they were labeled and so I took Step A and connected the coax cable from the cable outlet to the "Cable In" port in the back of the receiver. (The hardest part of the installation was disconnecting the present cable from the back of the television--it was very firmly attached.) Step B was connecting the HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV, and Step C was connecting the power cord to the Spectrum receiver and plugging it into the wall. All went very smoothly so far, clear directions and sketches having been provided.
Wait 10 minutes and press Power and the system will automatically download, read the instructions. That was all part of STEP 1: CONNECT and so far, so good.
STEP 2: ACTIVATE is where the problem began. I opted to call the number provided and said the magic word--"activate." Nothing happened. It was late at night, but I called the live number and went through the usual checks of holding and pressing buttons, singly and simultaneously, etc. Finally the rep said it may take up to 60 minutes so I gave up and went to bed.
In bed, I tried to turn on that set, the one with the smaller adapter box, but it now displayed the same "No Signal" box as on the other TV.
This morning, I called the customer service line and the rep went through all the various procedures as before plus a number of others. He kindly assured me that there was no fault with the installation, that testing the signal showed I had done an excellent job. He apologized for not being able to help any further and offered to send tech to my house this same day.
Cody arrived at 5:30, a little late because his previous job had taken over 2 hours. He walked into the first bedroom, pressed the remote and the TV came on. I was amazed, but he said he had sent the signal from the driveway before he came in, and it worked.
Now for the other TV, the one that purportedly didn't need a new installation as it already had an adapter. He took a look behind the set, at the connections, and said that though the box was there, the TV had never been connected to it, was receiving only through the TV and that's why it stopped working. He connected it with a shorter cable, went to the basement to do something with the cable down there, and now, just like magic, we have 3 working televisions. Cody said he doesn't know why Spectrum didn't just send someone out to homes in the first place. I gather their Techs are getting a lot of work out in the field.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Solidarity, Uniformity Me-tooism
I'm watching the Golden Globes and trying to make as much sense out of it as I can. The word was passed that the women should dress in black and they did, though the emphasis was on individuality. The men dressed in black also, as they traditionally have. Many if not most of the women's dresses revealed portions of their bodies considered by most to be sexy: cleavage, side slits, open back. None of the men revealed anything; body parts were completely covered.
There have been a number of complaints about men revealing to women their private parts, or part, behind closed doors, office or hotel room. It seems they want to be admired for what they have and can't show in public. Women, however, can show a good portion of their bodies, and for what reason but to be admired for what they display.
If the females in the Golden Globe audience can be persuaded to all dress in black this year, why don't they all dress in black tuxedos next year to see what happens. If the women resort to luring unwilling men into rooms,and stripping off their tuxes so they can flaunt to the men what has been tucked inside, then maybe the answer would be found.
There have been a number of complaints about men revealing to women their private parts, or part, behind closed doors, office or hotel room. It seems they want to be admired for what they have and can't show in public. Women, however, can show a good portion of their bodies, and for what reason but to be admired for what they display.
If the females in the Golden Globe audience can be persuaded to all dress in black this year, why don't they all dress in black tuxedos next year to see what happens. If the women resort to luring unwilling men into rooms,and stripping off their tuxes so they can flaunt to the men what has been tucked inside, then maybe the answer would be found.
Word of the Day: Factotum
An employee or servant or handyman who does all kinds of work. Who says TV is not educational?
Friday, January 5, 2018
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Simon, Carrie and Alex
The 3, Simon Cowell, Carrie Underwood, and now AlexTrebeck have all fallen and been hospitalized. It's a dangerous world.
For the Birds
I know they need suet in cold weather; I didn't have any, so I hung our Christmas hambone, which had some fat attached, in the tree. Even the little birds peck at it, carving it into what looks surprisingly like the carcass of a peliated woodpecker. I'm running out of sunflower seed, so I've been offering leftover bread, crackers, and cereal. They seem to eat everything.
I need to get a closer picture, but the shoveling team hasn't arrived yet.
Monday, January 1, 2018
For My Eyes Only
Last night was New Year's Eve, and the first one in my life that I've ever been alone to welcome in the new year. It was cold outside and turning slightly cold inside, as the thermostat has night-time setting of 66 degrees. I went to bed to watch the rest of Dick Clark's Rocking New Year's show. I watched almost right up to the countdown to the ball drop, but inexplicably fell asleep just before the big moment. I woke up shortly after to see the partying and then the beginnings of the cleanup. No calls wishing a Happy New Year at this late hour, as in bygone years, so nothing left for me to do but go back to sleep.
I did and I had a dream that I can't seem to get out of my mind. One of those moments in time dreams. Kind of like an "Our Town" scene:
I heard a noise and I woke up. I felt scared so I got out of bed and walked down the narrow hallway of our house to the kitchen, which as I'd expected opened up to my mother's bedroom, upstairs in my old house. She was asleep, but woke up as I got to the side of her bed. She asked if I wanted to get in and I said yes. "Let me move over," she said, and I crawled in beside her. Dorothy asked why I'd felt afraid and I said it was because I hadn't set the security alarm before I went to bed, as I'd let the cat stay inside because it was so cold out in the room where it usually sleeps at night. Nobody seemed surprised. I fell asleep and when I woke up, 2018 happened.
I did and I had a dream that I can't seem to get out of my mind. One of those moments in time dreams. Kind of like an "Our Town" scene:
I heard a noise and I woke up. I felt scared so I got out of bed and walked down the narrow hallway of our house to the kitchen, which as I'd expected opened up to my mother's bedroom, upstairs in my old house. She was asleep, but woke up as I got to the side of her bed. She asked if I wanted to get in and I said yes. "Let me move over," she said, and I crawled in beside her. Dorothy asked why I'd felt afraid and I said it was because I hadn't set the security alarm before I went to bed, as I'd let the cat stay inside because it was so cold out in the room where it usually sleeps at night. Nobody seemed surprised. I fell asleep and when I woke up, 2018 happened.
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