Friday, September 30, 2011

“A List of Creepy Things Facebook Will Remember Forever”

I am glad I unfriended my self from Facebook!

“A List of Creepy Things Facebook Will Remember Forever”
by Gawker

"Delete all you want, but Facebook never forgets. At least when it comes to your defriendings, pokes, and RSVPS, it doesn't. And it also has a keen memory for what computers you've used, and who you were sharing those computers with. Your Facebook dossier can easily run to hundreds of pages, as some European citizens have learned.

Across the pond, where regulators have teeth and where corporations don't get to rewrite the legal definition of "privacy," citizens can force Facebook to send them a dossier of everything it knows about them. Two anonymous Europeans have shared their database dumps publicly, Forbes reports. One of them ran to 880 pages. For a user who joined the site in 2007, dubbed "LB" by Forbes, Facebook's data included the following:

* Records of all friend requests LB rejected.
* Records of the 12+ friends LB has unfriended over the years.
* A list of devices from which LB logged in to Facebook, plus a list of other users on those machines. Meaning Facebook knows who spent the night at your place last night.
* Records of more than 50 incoming "pokes" since 2008, including most often by a friend named "T.V."
* Some 75 event invites, along with 38 RSVPs.
* A history of messages and chats.

Facebook really does have us all by the nuts. Which is why it's comforting that the company routinely acts in the best interest of its users and their privacy, even when it means sacrificing revenue. Yay Facebook!"

- http://beforeitsnews.com/

POSTED BY COYOTEPRIME AT 2:38 PM

Monday, September 26, 2011

3 Drawings In 5 Hours

I felt a sudden and tremendous burst of energy. I will be in for some long hours the next three days at work with our store's inventory starting tomorrow at 6:00 am and ending at 5:00 pm.

I was actually working on a fourth, but my drawing table is on the patio and the bugs were out in full force!
I had to give up, another day perhaps.

I started drawing at three and ended at eight. It was a lot of fun!

time for a cold beer

ray

You can see what I did, My version of Da Vinci, Manga, and Horton hears a Who. I posted everything at the same tim!

My Version Of Leonardo Da Vinci

My Version of Your Manga-My Manga

My Version of Horton Hears A Who

Sunday, September 25, 2011

What Did I look Like, Then And Now

Alright out there, control the laughter! And you, in the back row, stop smirking.

I don't know how much things have changed from 1971 to now. Many pounds since then that I have been working on removing. More worldly I suppose now a days. A sports freak, wanted to play it all. Just not that good enough. Somewhere there is the full color photo in a frame hiding in a closet. This was the best I could do on the spur of the moment. A chick magnet, not exactly. I didn't date, never went to a prom or dance. I did find out after the senior prom that a girl that I had a huge crush on, would of went with me if I asked her. Being flat broke all the time, I didn't think it was an option. Oh well. here we go.


1971 senior year
I was very nervous about getting my picture taken.
I was not all city anything. 
Someone made a mistake.
Nice hair!
That was many years ago.
18 years old.
sigh...



now at 58!
Still nervous about getting my picture taken.
40 years later
I wish I was still as athletic
as I was back then.
But do I want to be that young again?
Nope.
Once was enough thank you!
Better hair and glasses I think.
So there you go, a little more about me.

I think this calls for a beer!

ray

Be Thankful For A Nice Cashier

Being a cashier is a thankless job in retail. They are the last point of contact with the customer, unless something needs to be loaded in a car or truck.

If the shopping experience was a pleasant one with no problems, it is a non event. If it wasn't, oh boy!

They hear all the complaints from customers. They sometimes cause them too. It looks like an easy job though doesn't it. Not really.

Many but not all do it as a second job or go to school full time. The hours can be very strange. Sometimes they have to be there at 5:00 am to get ready for the day. Sometimes they stay until 10:00 p.m. at night.
They are responsible to ring up everything seen and unseen.

They are the last line of defense against theft.

It is the most boring job in the world. When it is not busy, the energy just drains out of you.

In any other part of the store, if you need to go to the bathroom, you go. A cashier has to ask permission.

If you need to go on a break, you must ask for permission. Other departments, let someone know you are going.

You are told when to go to lunch, Other departments, after 3-4 hours, you go.

You are told where to work and when.

Your register is monitored by cameras watching for theft. Some get caught.

Your accuracy with money is monitored each day. If you are off by too much, you will get fired.

You are expected to make conversation, some of it is a check list of things to say.

Some of course, should not have been hired in the first place, but there is not a long line of super quality people waiting for that job.

And lastly, when things are very busy, when it is a holiday and you have the opportunity to shop and then to go home and enjoy your day with your family and friends, we are there, long after the store closes and many mornings way before it opens. You may not know how we were treated before we waited on you. We want to be nice to you. Give us a chance.

Glad I am not a cashier,

reaching for a big coffee

ray

Friday, September 23, 2011

From Another Era? Victorian England I Say

I admit to a certain likeness of the Victorian era set in England. If it is possible to have a past life, I say the Sherlock Holmes era.

I recently watched the 2009 remake of Dorian Gray. I love the style of dress, men and women, the manners, the writing, the world at that time. I know that it lacks the modern conveniences  that we have, enjoy, and expect today.

I know that nothing is as it appears to be, you have to experience it to know how it really is, I would love to try.
No, I wouldn't want to be one of the many downtrodden in life people, but one of the upper class. Not real rich, but rich enough.

Dream big!

What and where was your before life?

Now if I can just get the butler to buttle me some coffee!

ray

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Scary Driftwood Hand At Dusk



Sometimes I get caught up in a photo or drawing that has too much darkness and not enough detail for me to see clearly enough to draw. This might be one of those times. A work on progress. Someday I will look back at some of my drawings and realize these were the building blocks along the way.

Do I Really Want Peace And Quiet? I Don't Think So

Sometimes we all think at one time or another wouldn't it be nice to have some peace and quiet. Everyone I think,  likes it that way when one sleeps, but all day?

If I had nothing to do but sit around, no distractions at all, my mind would soon be buzzing. With what, I don't know. But would I want to listen? I think not. We are meant to have some type of social interaction, some times a little, sometimes a lot.

Would you want to be without music? Reading? Being creative with something? Being active hides the mind buzz. We all have times when we find ourselves talking to ourselves about something. Many times it is negative. They crowd out the positive thoughts. Why did you do this or How could I do that? And so on.

How often do you praise yourself with those same thoughts? Not as often I am afraid.

The TV on, background noise. The radio on, background noise. Music playing, background noise.

Think Robinson Crusoe, he had his Friday. We are not meant to be alone with our thoughts. Meditation helps control them I think, but not eliminate them.

Isolation is not the answer. When you have a wonderful day out with nature, you are surrounded by the sounds of nature. What is missing is the din of our daily lives.

We crave interaction, one form or another, not sound depravation.

But I know, every once in awhile it sounds like a good idea.

Shhhhhhhh
quietly reaching for a morning cup of coffee

ray

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Don't They Read In School Any More?

Some people are fiercely proud they don't read newspapers, books and so on. But this appears to be a carry over from school. With my new TV package, which comes with a bunch of movies for three months, I am trying to catch up on my movie watching, ( Years behind )

I happened to spot Dorian Grey and settled down to watch. It was nicely done and even though I knew how it would end, it held my attention to the very end.

I mentioned the movie to my son. He had never heard of it. I asked if he had read the book. He replied " who reads?"

Next to my oldest daughter, nope never heard or read the book. A friend of hers stopped by. Nope, never heard of it, but did see the title on a TV guide and might watch it now that I recommended it.

I asked my younger daughter who is the college kid and reads a lot. Nope.


WTF
Don't they read in school anymore? What about the classics?  Reading assignments?
I guess it is more important here in the states to have tests to see if the teachers are teaching then for the teachers to actually teach.

The dumbing down of America.
Brought to you locally with all the pride we can muster.
Reading, a dying skill.

reaching for a much needed cup of coffee

ray

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Num Num Num Neiman Marcus Cookies!

I was visiting a blog the other day, how I found it a story in its self, at http://kympiez.blogspot.com Stop by and say hi!

And while reading I stumbled upon a cookie recipe for Neiman Marcus cookies. I love to bake as you all know so I snapped it up in a heart beat. Oh man, are they good. One problem is the recipe is doubled, so unless you have a big mixer cut it in half.

There is a nice story to go along with it. Trust me on this, when you make those cookies, you will be everyone's best friend. Thanks Kymmie!

Now where did I put my glass of milk?

ray



eat: neiman-marcus cookies



Two years ago a friend forwarded me some junk email that I actually read. So glad I did, because the email contained this recipe. Often with an unknown source, recipes like this could be a total waste of ingredients, but this one is definitely not. In fact, it's so good, I feel badly for not paying for the recipe. (You can read the story below.)

Last week when I had some friend's children over for the day, we did some baking. These cookies (I personally like to call them biscuits, but it's an American recipe) are delicious, and turn out perfectly every time. Definitely worth sharing with you!

INGREDIENTS
5 cups rolled oats2 cups butter (I use light margarine)2 cups brown sugar2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups plain flour 
680g chocolate chips1 tsp salt 
2 tsp baking powder 
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
500g cooking chocolate, grated
3 cups chopped nuts (optional)

METHOD
1 Blend oats in a blender to a fine powder.
2 Cream the butter and both sugars.
3 Add eggs and vanilla, mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda. Add chocolate chips, grated chocolate and nuts.
4 Roll into balls, and place two inches apart on a baking tray covered with baking paper. Bake for 10 minutes at 180 degrees celcius.

Recipe may be halved as this makes heaps. [The above quantities make 112 cookies.]


And here's the story...

If you don't already know, Neiman-Marcus is a very expensive boutique department store in Dallas, USA.

My daughter and I had just finished lunch at a Neiman-Marcus Cafe, and because both of us are such biscuit lovers, we decided to try the Neiman-Marcus cookie. It was so excellent that I asked if they would give me the recipe. The waitress said with a small  frown, "I'm afraid not, but you can buy the recipe."

I asked how much, and she responded, "Only two fifty. It's a great deal".

I agreed to that, and told her to add it to my bill.

Thirty days later, I received my Visa statement, and the charge from Neiman-Marcus was $285. I looked at it again, and I remembered I had only spent $9.95 for two sandwiches and about $20 for a scarf. At the bottom of the statement, it said,  "Cookie Recipe: $250". That was outrageous!

I called Neiman's accounting department and told them the waitress had said it was "two fifty", which clearly does not mean "two hundred and fifty dollars" by any reasonable interpretation of the phrase. Neiman-Marcus refused to budge. They would not refund my money because according to them, "What the waitress told you is not our problem. You have already seen the recipe. We absolutely will not refund your money.

I explained to the Accounting Department lady the criminal statutes which govern fraud in the state of Texas. I threatened to report them to the Better Business Bureau and The Texas Attorney General's office. I was basically told, "Do what you want. Don't bother trying to get any of your money back".

I told her that I was going to see to it that every cookie lover in the world with an e-mail account gets a $250 cookie recipe from Neiman-Marcus for free.

So here it is! Please pass it on to everyone you can  possibly think of. I paid $250 for this, and I don't want Neiman-Marcus to EVER make another penny from this recipe!

R U OK? What is RUOK Day?


Sometimes it is a great idea to borrow something meaningful from another country (Australia) and another website. See the post here. http://www.giftsofserendipity.com/2011/09/conversation-that-could-change-life.html

In a roundabout way, I ended up on the blog Gifts of Serendipity. Stop by and say hi at
http://www.giftsofserendipity.com
I had not heard of R U OK day, a day of reaching out and trying to help someone just by asking R U OK. Are you okay?
Simple and easy. Ask a hundred times and 99 people might say they are fine. But one may say they need help. Men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide then woman because we have stoic tendencies and hold back feelings, feelings can be seen as a sign of weakness.
 Women have more of a sharing and giving nature. Also, for the most part, don't believe in such silliness. Now their day has passed, the national day anyway. But everyday is a day of possibilities. I copied and pasted the home page of R U OK, but there is much more to see. Click on the title to get there. Thanks to Felicity for her wonderful post!
ray

What is R U OK?Day?
Thursday 15 September, 2011
Thursday 15 September, 2011 is R U OK?Day. It’s a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.
On that day we want everyone across the country, from all backgrounds and walks of life, to ask family, friends and colleagues: "Are you OK?".
Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses, which can ultimately result in suicide. Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.
It's so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life.

R U OK?Day - the story so far
R U OK? Day enjoyed tremendous success in its inaugural year in 2009.
More than 1 million Australians took part in R U OK? conversations and independent research tells us that over 650,000 conversations took place as a result of R U OK?Day (AMR Interactive, 2009). Moreover, 280 workplaces participated in the workplace initiative.
In 2010, R U OK?Day generated more than 2 million conversations (AMR Interactive, 2010) and over 700 organisations took place in the R U OK? at Work initiative, including Commonwealth Bank, Rio Tinto, Queensland Police and Centacare.

In 2011, we aim to get even more Australians involved and connected.

R U OK? - the organisation

R U OK? is an independent, not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to provide national focus and leadership on suicide prevention by empowering Australians to have open and honest conversations and stay connected with people in their lives.
More than 2,100 Australians suicide each year and men are around four times more likely to die by suicide than females. For each person that dies in this way, another 30 attempt to end their life (Lifeline).
R U OK? aims to inspire all Australians to help reduce our suicide rate by reaching out and making contact with others.
Most people don't openly share their feelings, particularly when they're struggling so don't wait for a sign and trust your instincts. A conversation could change a life.
The best thing we can all do is regularly ask the people we care about: "Are you OK?" regardless of whether they are at risk because connection is good for us all.
R U OK? - the inspiration
We were inspired to initiate R U OK? by the death of Barry Larkin.
Barry Larkin (1940 – 1995) was a fascinating and successful business management consultant who sadly took his own life.
R U OK? is dedicated to Baz, and all those in Australia and around the world who have died through suicide, and to the family and friends who loved them.

Monday, September 19, 2011

The Low Spark Of The High-Heeled Boys

This song keeps playing on my I pod again and again. Okay, I keep hitting replay. The music is haunting, the lyrics very memorable. I had to look them up because sometimes the words you think you hear are not the words that you hear.


The words seem to speak of nuclear war, Jimmy Hendrix, being in extreme debt, being taken advantage of, assassination conspiracy,  drugs, Vietnam, glam rock,  and the attempt to destroy the human spirit.


While you listen, please read the words, I think you will enjoy it even more.


The Low Spark Of High-heeled Boys 


If you see something that looks like a star
And it's shooting up out of the ground
And your head is spinning from a loud guitar
And you just can't escape from the sound
Don't worry too much, it'll happen to you
We were children once, playing with toys
And the thing that you're hearing is only the sound of
The low spark of high-heeled boys

The percentage you're paying is too high priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car 
From the profit he's made on your dreams
But today you just read that the man was shot dead 
By a gun that didn't make any noise
But it wasn't the bullet that laid him to rest was 
The low spark of high-heeled boys


If you had just a minute to breathe and they granted you one final wish
Would you ask for something like another chance?
Or something similar as this? Don't worry too much
It'll happen to you as sure as your sorrows are joys
And the thing that disturbs you is only the sound of 
The low spark of high-heeled boys

If I gave you everything that I owned and asked for nothing in return
Would you do the same for me as I would for you?
Or take me for a ride, and strip me of everything including my pride
But spirit is something that no one destroys
And the sound that I'm hearing is only the sound
The low spark of high-heeled boys

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Reflection In The Glass

I was waiting in the managers office at work yesterday, waiting on a woman to show me how to do some paperwork, a revision of policy, when I happened to look up and see my reflection in a two-way glass staring back at me.

I was thinking that this was the image I showed to the public each and everyday. Some customers I see a lot and some for the first time. Hundreds of people a week. It is my job to help and to help them buy what they need.

I saw someone quite average. But I thought it was okay to look and be that way. I was thinking it must be my attitude and how I came across that made me different from someone else. A work in progress. I like to make work fun and make people happy or it really becomes hard work. I do have some selling skills, and knowledge that make a difference in the work place.

So that is why I am there.

Some customers make you grit your teeth and hang on to get through the sale. Others, by the time I am done, feel like family.

The reflection in the glass.

So all I know, when I will see you and ask.

Hi! How can I help you today? (always with a smile)

 ray

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Cut The Cord, Cable Cord That Is

We switched over from Comcast cable TV today to Direct TV. We had not had much to watch the last few weeks as we tried to decide what to do. Cost was of course important and channel availability a big issue. The cable selection was pretty lame with few channels that we wanted to watch. And the cost continued to climb.

Push came to shove as Comcast reduced our selection to 15-20 odd channels. They all sucked. And we now needed to have set up boxes.

Funny thing happened, I started not to care about not having TV.. I still had the internet of course which made things easier. But I figured a few months down the road I would be TV free.

But we will not know for awhile. Direct TV is up and running with 210 channels instead of 65 plus a selection of music channels too. This is not a commercial, just letting you know having a choice is what it is all about.

But I noticed sometime TV is just background noise. It is on, but your mind can wander doing different things, reading, computer, doing stuff. What is more important now a days, TV or the Internet?

My vote is the internet, but one thing is bad about it, Your attention is solely on the screen in front of you.
TV seems more general. Maybe not. But one thing I know, now we are one step closer to the Jetsons!

Time for a cold one,
where is the remote?

ray

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Star Wars (vegetable parody)

If this doesn't leave you with milk coming out of your nose from laughing while drinking...

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Got To Give It Up!

I am mentally tired tonight and thought I would play some music. 
It has been awhile.
If you are swaying those hips ladies
to this song like I know you can
then my job is done!
If not I will be by to give 
some dance lessons!
This sounds so good on my IPod!

The first is by Marvin Gaye. 




Always the best. 
But surprisingly Justin Timberlake does well with it too.

Swan In Charcoal

Thanks to my Greek friend Fany at  Φανή Παπαγεωργίου, Ζωγράφος for her encouragement. She asked me to try a swan drawing and gave me a step by step in how to do it.

I took a picture of my drawing with and without flash. I was unsure with the black paper and mostly charcoal which would look better. I will let you be the judge.

Thanks and kisses Fany!




It was fun!

ray

Monday, September 12, 2011

So Who Is Your Next Door Neighbor?

We had moved out of our house and were looking for housing for our family until school was out for the year in Coral Springs, Florida. 


We had bought a house farther north in Wellington, Florida and were waiting for it to be built. So we needed a cheap place to stay. 


We believe this man pictured below was one of our neighbors. 


I believe I helped him and the people he was staying with when they had a sink overflow and needed help mopping up the floor.



Mohammed Atta
9-11 highjacker


On April 11, Atta and Shehhi rented an apartment at 10001 Atlantic Blvd, Apt. 122 in Coral Springs, Florida for $840 per month,[65] and assisted with the arrival of the muscle hijackers.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Atta


 ( Click on the title for the rest of the local story from Coral Springs.com ) 


a piece of history 
worthy of a beer!


ray

9/11 Explosive Evidence -Experts Speak Out -AE911Truth (Full Film)

Let's pretend that I am the village idiot on this subject. ( Everyone does not have to nod their head in agreement in unison and so vigorously!)

Let's bring in people who have put their lives, careers, and reputations on the line.  Let us hear what they have to say about 9-11. This is not about changing your mind, but offering evidence and authoritative opinions.

This will take about two hours of your time. But I am sure many watched hours of TV on Sunday so this will not be that bad.  I just watched this myself.

thank you.

Aftermath

ah yes, the aftermath. There is always that isn't it. A controversial subject, people taking sides, people pointing fingers and so on.

9-11 stirs up those emotions. That day put a lingering fear in the minds of many people. The days soon after, the poor people in New York thought that if anything bad or destructive happened somewhere in the city, it was another attack.

Time provides a healing process. We all face death of loved ones and time and tears allows one to cope and move on. The rehash of 9-11 on all the TV stations is I think detrimental towards the national coping process.

All people want safety and security in their lives. It offers comfort to us. We all deserve it. But we can never take it for granted.

I will explore some thoughts I have in the next few posts.

Slings and arrows. I am ready.

It will be a bumpy ride.

It will be a lonely ride.

I am ready.

Time for a giant cup of coffee.

ray

Sunday, September 11, 2011

9-11 Remembered Again?

I am not expecting any one to agree with me on this.

The stories have been ramping once again. It seems to me that they try every year to make the people who didn't  die feel guilty. Over 3400 people died for no apparent good reason.

We had planes knock down buildings that were designed to stay up when planes hit them. The Empire State building had a large plane hit it in the fog, and it didn't fall down. This time there was help to knock them down.

Building 7 fell down all by itself. We have all seen buildings collapse with controlled demolition, fall down like a house of cards. We saw a hole created in the Pentagon walls, hit by a plane, yet there was no plane remains left. Steel melts at 2750 degrees. Molten steel. Office fires don't melt steel, neither does airplane fuel.

9-11 was chosen for a reason. Here in the States, 911 is used to call for emergency help, be it fire, police, or in a medical emergency.

9-11 , used to burn the day in our minds. To resurrect the fear in people. Fearful people are docile.

I am not docile.

Fear is used to take away rights of the people. People want to feel safe. Secure. They are neither.
Everyday soon after, we had color warnings that rated how safe we were.
Things got too quiet, things ramped up.

9-11 was allowed to happen. Just like the attack on Pearl Harbor.  An excuse for war. Most of the hijackers were Saudi's. We did not attack Saudi Arabia, we attacked Afghanistan and then Iraq. Huh?

But I hate to tell you, I think this was all an inside job. The Pentagon had been asked to account for over 2.5 trillion dollars that was missing. The missile that hit the Pentagon was directed at the accounting section, wiping out all the computers with the data and the people working there.

That's right, I did say missile. Plane leave wreckage.
There was no wreckage to speak of.

Planes all have a type of beacon that allows them to be tracked across the skies. When something go awry, the air force is called into action. This time, the air force was ordered to stand down.

When the buildings collapsed, immediately,  crews came in to clean up the wreckage. It was a crime scene, There was no forensic work done. Evidence was removed, Repeat. Evidence was removed.

Our government spies on its own people. They hold themselves to be above the law. People should fear them. They should not trust them. They hold the safety and future of people around the world in there hands
and they don't do a good job.

Terrorists. Persons of Interest. Anthrax. Duct Tape. Know unknowns. We will force democracy down your throats. We have bases everywhere.

CIA, FBI, NSA. They spy on everyone. They listen. They watch. They can come in right now, haul me away, and you will never see me again. Or it could happen to you.

Homeland Security, Patriot Act, sounds noble, but it is all invasive.
It is all about control.

Limit voting or better yet, stop voting. It is easy to get swept up in the ideology at election time. It doesn't matter. It may cost a billion dollars to run for president this time around. They put up the money, they expect much in return,


We allow torture. We send people elsewhere to be tortured. Torture me and I will give you the combination to the Ft. Knox safe.  The information obtained is useless. Water boarding, the same. We are no better then the Nazis. In many cases, much worse.

I have rambled on much to much. Many things bother me and today I touched on a few. I do not believe in coincidences. Neither should you. Justice should be served.

Land of the free and home of the brave.

Really?

ray

Friday, September 9, 2011

Closet Purge

Today was one of those "do it now" days. I had bought some new pants yesterday because the ones I normally wear were """"""too big"""""( yea!! ) and needed to go. ( I have been steadily losing weight over the past year)

A long glance at our very unorganized closet showed that I had a bunch of golf shirts aka work shirts that I had stopped wearing along time ago, mostly because the length had shrunk.  Some of the colors and patterns no longer appealed to me. So they all had to go.

50 plus shirts! 6 pairs of pants! I do have space for more stuff now. I did buy 3 pairs of pants and shirts, all in black and a new belt. Nothing fancy, there are for work of course. And I don't like to think while getting dressed for work, so I keep it basic. I work in a retail warehouse environment so being clean and presentable is what is called for.

I now feel good, a bit of satisfaction. I don't think it will get that way again because as the weight continues to come off, I will need to redo everything again.

Not too exciting today, just a day in the life of Ray, or should I say morning!

later

Ray

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Are You Middle Aged Already?

Hmm.
According to the United Nations
( Click on the title for the link )

Average age for people in the United States is 78.

Men live to be 75.

Women live to be 80.

So the average middle age is 
39.

yep, by 40, you are middle aged.

A sobering thought isn't it?

And you thought middle age was
50 ?

Yea, if you live to 100!

and now ancient Ray
will lie down and take a nap.

later

Ray

Oh Boy, The United States Leads In Labor ( Or Man, Are We Tired )

This is a recent chart comparison of the United States and 15 other countries.

The first chart shows time off each week for the workers. This is kind of split on countries that do and countries that don't. ( 15 countries shown )

The second chart shows paid annual leave. ( Oh, Oh, we are almost by ourselves. )

The third chart shows paid maternity leave. ( Again, we are almost by ourselves. )

It seems that the rest of the world takes better care of its workers then we do. You will always here big business complain that the costs of workers are too high. Minimum wage is too high, health care costs are too high and so on. Yet the rest of the world manages. We take less time for vacations then anywhere else too.





For the full article and more charts go to:

http://realityzone-realityzone.blogspot.com/2011/09/overworked-america-12-charts-that-will.html
or click on the title

Happy Labor Day!

Now take a nap, you deserve it!

Morning coffee time

Ray

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

What's Really In Your Food?

On occasion, I will post something about a favorite food or treat so that you will know what you are eating. I guess to give you pause when you are reaching for a second helping. I get a Mens Health newsletter which is one of the sources I use to share the wealth.

Today there are too many to choose from, so click on the title or copy and paste to get to the slide show.

http://eatthis.menshealth.com/slideshow/whats-really-your-food?cm_mmc=ETNTNL-_-676436-_-09072011-_-body

Yes, I have been very guilty of eating all the bad stuff too. That is why nowadays I read package ingredients so carefully. But as you will see, not everything is listed. This is why I make and bake more of what I eat so that I know what is in it.

Bon Appetite!

coffee time

ray

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

RJ Observations

95 percent of the people in the world want to be left alone to go on with their lives. They are hoping the other 5 percent can lead and do a good job.
Sadly, neither one is working out.

The main job and goal for any elected official is to get reelected.
Actually doing a good job is secondary.

It is easy to talk down someone rich, powerful and famous when they abuse anything and everyone and how could they do that?
Just don't put me in that position to find out! I may disappoint you.

People will always rise to a position one step above their capabilities.
And we are surprised when it doesn't work out.

Why is it that when you can disprove something someone holds to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt, they will believe in it even more?

People with compassion for their fellow man will never rise to power.

Where do rebels get all the weapons that they are using to fight the battles they are waging?

Did you notice that all the uprisings going on in the middle east all involve countries with oil?

Someday it will be common place for all stadiums for sporting events to be empty because no one can afford to go to the games.

When a high ranking official talks of trust, hide your wallet and start packing.

Don't people feel like cattle being prodded and poked as they go through lines suffering indignities and searches and having some more rights being taken away?

People put up with a lot each day at work because of a lack financial security.

We have been lied to that buying on credit and paying huge amounts of interest is a sound personal business decision.

We used to laugh at the fact that a Twinkie had a lifespan of fifty years. Sadly for some, it will out last them.

Acceptance of a burdensome debt is not the way to live.

The easiest way to disrupt a happy society is foster infighting and jealousy among the population and different countries.

It is easier to try to bring down someone doing better then you then it is to rise to their level.

coffee time

ray

Monday, September 5, 2011

Remember This Commercial

I remember it. I often wondered if anyone saw the can of Tab in her hand?
You did see she was holding a can, didn't you?
Me neither! lol

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Someone Has Been Rearranging My Planets When I Wasn't Looking!

The planets must be realigned. Something has been happening to me lately.
Ever since this post,Do You Think I'm Sexy?, something strange has been happening to me. I have been getting compliments.

But first things first. I have been seeing a doctor for a few months getting things taken care of.  It has been working. I am feeling better, starting to sleep better, blood pressure under control and so on. That is great news.

I must be looking better too. I will explain.

I recently complimented a woman at work, saying she looked good, had lost some weight, hair is nicer and so on. That made her happy because people were staring to notice. We discussed food stuff and when I was about to leave she said " It must be easy for you because you are good looking anyway." Huh?
Wow. I did feel like asking her to repeat it just because it sounded so good. I walked away with a dazed look on my face.

I went to the doctor a few days later. This doctor is a lady, very nice, very kind, listens, answers questions patiently and is also pretty. When I first met her, I could barely stay awake, suffering from fatigue and so on.

I met with her, discussing things for the future, what to do and so on, and my next appointment.  Then she said "You are looking very handsome today." Huh?

I told her that until the last year or so, I had never heard that before. She said some men take longer to get there, but that I was so there!.

I have been sleeping better. I was getting 3 hours a night before, now some nights 7 hours. It makes a big difference. Many things have to change to make me happy, but this is a big start. To all who have said nice things about me, thank you so much. It does make a difference. A kind word...

I could get used to this.

ray

An Air Of Confidence

Being that I am in sales, observing people is part of my job. Observing women is the nice part. But what I have noticed is a change in the older women. Now older is purely subjective, but lets say from 45-65 years of age.
By the way, it is getting harder to tell how old anymore. It is all guesses anyway.

Not that long ago, I would see a woman come in, too much make-up, not dressed in any fashion at all, kind of a lost look on their face, a sense of desperation in their body language. Some had had lost their husband, through death or divorce,  and were unprepared to solider on with a life on their own. They had let themselves go physically a long time ago. They didn't know much about anything around the house,( which in my store, that is what people come in for, to fix or replace), acting like lost souls.

By the way, this is not to say men don't go through this too ( except for the make up! ), but men can mask the lonely part a bit better I think.

Being I work in Florida, these observances may be a bit clouded because of the international flavor of people that stop by to shop.

The women I see now are better dressed and their hair done more age appropriate style. The blue hair look seems to be going away. There is more attention to detail in how they look. And it is very nice, and very noticeable.

A confident woman is very sexy. So is a genuineness in how you present your self. Inquiring, inquisitive. thoughtful, a smile, is also nice to have.  It is helpful to me because part of my job is to provide correct answers for the questions you have.

Women are more fit nowadays. Not all of course, but I see a trend that way. Guys have a lot of catching up to do. Women seem less world weary then men I think. I know life affects all, but on that, women seem to hide it better.

As a guy getting older, it is nice to see the ladies looking good. Truly all selfish reasons on my part.

A confident woman is very sexy!

I think it is morning coffee time

ray

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Women, Ball Caps and Glasses And Stinky

What I think

Women have the advantage when it comes to wearing different things. Unlike in the animal kingdom where the male has all the decorative plumage, the women have the advantage.

Glasses

Unlike in grade school and high school, where when I was growing up, they were functional only. Now they have style and can be considered a fashion accessory. If it is done right, it can draw attention to the woman. Believe it or not, guys do look at the face first. Older women often use it as a signal of sorts, beckoning a man to come closer. A guy will be thinking, "If I can get those glasses off..." lol

Knit Caps and Winter Time

I don't know why, but women look cuter with the knit cap on when it is cold out. Especially when it has been snowing out. It brings out the protective feel in a guy, to shield her from the cold. Works for me!

Ball Caps

Be ready if you tell a woman she looks sexy in a ball cap. She won't believe you.  She will tell you she had a bad hair day or her hair is dirty, or something. She will begrudgingly thank you and still not believe you. Ladies trust me on this, the look works.

Too Stinky

We don't care if a good looking woman is stinky or smelly or sweaty from working out or outside in the yard. You smell good to us and we want more! And just maybe, we can be there next time to help with the sweaty part.. guys brains alway working overtime!

That is it for now, me revealing more of me and my way of thinking.
Scary huh? I hope not.

later

ray

Thursday, September 1, 2011

How Tight Is Too Tight?

Hey you! I am talking clothes here!! Such minds, I'm telling you.

It's too tight when...

You have to lay down on the bed
 to zipper up your pants

You need a comb shoved 
into the pockets because your hands won't fit

It is a test of strength to close 
the top button

Breathing seems to be optional

Now that you have them on,
walking and sitting will have
 to be planned in advance

You have to wear a belt
in case that top button fails

You forgot to wear a belt

When you have a muffin top
before you put them on

Wearing too tight pants
and top
causes muffin neck

You find that Spanx
 does have its limits

How will you explain
that red mark around the waist
in the morning

When the pants come off you are afraid
you will go flying around the room

Shoes with laces, 
not tonight!

How could those pants
shrink like that?

Must be the wrong size
on the label

The pants let everyone see if the coins
in your pocket show heads or tails
except you don't carry change with you


And finally
you realize
sweat pants are sexy too!

And this is what guys go through ladies!
Another revelation! 

Must be beer time

ray

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