Rainy Days and Sundays Always Bring Me....

Although I work from home, there still seems to be something special about early Sunday mornings. With a cup of coffee at hand and the computer warmed up and ready to cruise, I feel like I am this close to heaven.

What saddens me today is that I have not posted on this site in over a month. This is the favorite of my blogs - the one I truly enjoy posting. The other blogs I maintain seem more like a job, whereas this one is a fun, anything-goes kinda place to let loose and express myself.

This Sunday morning I'd like to share some good things that are happening in my realm:

Rain Can Be a Good Thing

Today, as I look out at the cloudy skies and light rain, I am so glad that we have our current weather. For some reason we have a lot of green grass after a very heavy snow-filled winter. This rain will help our grass grow and thrive. I feel for those who are battling the floods in Fargo, ND and the blizzards in the central plains area. The snow is heading towards my sister and brother, but hopefully it will settle down before it reaches us.

NetFlix is Cool

My daughter, Deb, really impressed upon me the benefits of NetFlix and how much enjoyment I could get from the variety of movies and TV shows they have available.

When the British TV show Midsomer Murders were showing on A&E, I could hardly wait for Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening to watch these magnificent mysteries staring John Nettles.

Unfortunately, A&E stopped showing all the good shows: Midsomer Murders, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and many more. I miss them all!

Now, thanks Deb!, I get to see all the Midsomer Murder shows. A&E only showed a very few, and then repeats. There are now more than sixty original shows completed, and with the recent announcement of John Nettles retirement (he is now 65 after all), there will not be very many more.

However, I have a list of the first 59 and have my NetFlix choices in order by episode so that I receive the shows as originally shown. So far I have watched eight. I will happily continue on with my very favorite movie pastime for quite some time.

I would also like to see if John Nettles' original very successful series, Bergerac, is available. I believe there are ten years worth of that British hit detective show. Can you see that I am a John Nettles fan?

Big Sunday Breakfast

Every morning I start off with a cup or two of coffee before eating a light breakfast. Why is it that I always feel the need for a large Sunday morning breakfast? Does that stem from my childhood? Or from going out to eat on many a Sunday morning over the years? Anyway, it is a pleasure that continues to this day.

Sunday Morning Country Music

Every Saturday and Sunday morning I listen/watch CMT's Top Twenty videos and Country Insider shows. Prior to those shows coming on, CMT plays about four hours of country videos. My recent favorite song/singer/video, Troubadour by George Strait has been replaced by Carrie Underwood's I Told You So.

I love where singer/song writer Randy Travis surprises Carrie by coming onstage from the back following her singing his song at the Grand Old Opry. It's a great moment of a young singer surprised onstage by an idol of hers.

Rainy days and Sundays have a special feel to them. Rainy days for staying in doors, reading, watching TV, napping, baking cookies, or whatever else we feel like doing at the time. Sundays have their own special laid-back vibe.

How about you? What are your favorite rainy day and Sunday moments?

Christian Bale Outburst - a Good Thing?

This morning an interesting article caught my attention. Probably most everyone has heard of, or even listened to, Christian Bale's recent profanity ladened outburst on his current movie set.

The article, Christian Bale is a Corporate Hero, on the ASUWebDevil site is an interesting and much more positive take than most other accounts. Writer Christopher Ogino notes corporations should strive for quality and excellence as Bale was attempting to do in the scene that went awry.

If banks had only loaned money to those who could pay it back, instead of making bad loans and then selling securities backed by those bad loans, how much better off the economy would be. If corporations were more concerned with quality than with making higher profits, their sales would reflect consumer confidence in their products.

Christian Bale was concerned with quality; with making a good movie instead of putting out the trash that too often fills movie theaters, or worse, goes straight to DVD. For that he should be praised.

Now if he could just learn a better way of expressing his opinion, his voice might reach those who really need to hear what he has to say. One can only hope that lessons can be learned in all areas as a result of this unfortunate incident.

Good News in the Midst of the Auto Bailout Collapse

When I picked up the Lansing (MI) State Journal this morning, I expected to see headlines about the Big Three bailout collapse spread all over the front page. To my pleasant surprise, above the fold on the front page of every section was positive and encouraging news for the mid-Michigan area.

As most everyone knows, Michigan has struggled for the last few years with a high unemployment rate, a fallen (Detroit) mayor, home foreclosures among the highest in the nation, and businesses failing at a rapid rate.

Today, the Lansing area came up a winner in several categories:

The front page headline read: $550M WINNER. MSU Lands Nuclear Research Facility. The U.S. Department of Energy announced it had awarded Michigan State University a $550 million nuclear physics research project called the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. Hope rises!

Local & State section: 3 area schools take silver. East Lansing, Okemos, and Williamston rank in the top 2.9% of nation's high schools, designated by U.S. News and World Report.

The coolest thing about that news is that I graduated from Williamston High School - that is my hometown school. How cool is that?

Sports news: Could have been just a tad better, but MSU's Javon Ringer placed second in the race to become the nation's best running back Thursday night. After a late-season surge, Shonn Greene from Iowa ended up number one.

Still, great news for MSU sports and for 2nd season head football coach, Mark Dantonio. The story just below Javon's is of the January 1st Capitol One Bowl in Orlando against Georgia. It was cool to see a picture of Dantonio and Georgia coach Mark Richt shaking hands during Thursday's press conference promoting the bowl game.

So, in the midst of extremely disappointing news, good news rose to the top for the Lansing area.

Yellow Designated the Bright Spot of 2009

For color lovers everywhere, next year will shine brighter with the expected choice of yellow as the leading color for 2009. Pantone provides color standards to design industries, and announced "mimosa" the color of choice.

Mimosa is best represented by the flowers found on the Mimosa tree, or the color of the drink. The cheerful and sunny yellow is a welcome bright light in these days of negative and depressing news reports. Yellow is a warm and nurturing color that provides an optimistic tone for 2009.

Just think of the possibilities for this bright color, such as kitchen walls, appliances, counters and curtains; quilts, sheets, and drapes for the bedroom or spare room; or spring and summer clothing. Buy early and impress your friends with your sense of style.

What do you think? How do you feel about the color mimosa for 2009? Do you think it is the right color for the new year?

In the Oops Department - Obama Version

Both candidates have had their Oops moments (Sarah Palin, anyone?), but now it's Obama's turn.

Apparently Barack Obama accidentally outed his 66-year-old aunt who was illegally living in the U.S. Despite an immigration judge denying her request for asylum from Kenya and who instructed her to leave the country four years ago, she has been living in public housing in Boston.

OOPS!

According to the Associated Press article, "Obama said Saturday he didn't know his aunt was living in the United States illegally and believes that laws covering the situation should be followed."

We have all done it at one time or another - but, most of us don't do our Oops! kind of things as publicly as the candidates.

What was your biggest Oops! moment? Care to share?

Michigan Initiative Draws Attention to Poverty

One of the hardest hit states in recent years due to the down-turn in the economy and the downsizing of the auto industry, Michigans poor just get poorer. In an effort to draw attention to poverty, the Michigan Food Stamp Challenge is taking place throughout the state this week.

Governor Jennifer Granholm, as well as locally elected officials and many others, is taking part.

People are encouraged to live off $5.87 a day - the average amount a person in Michigan receives in food stamps - during this weeks challenge.

According to recent statistics, about 1.3 million people in Michigan receive food stamps.

The Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS) spearheaded the initiative to raise awareness about hunger and poverty.

"If they just have one accident, one layoff notice, a medical emergency - then a person can end up in poverty," said Ismael Ahmed, MDHS Director.

To do your part this week, try living on $5.87 a day for the next seven days. What did you find out about yourself? About your spending habits?

When is the Rise in Gas Prices a Good Thing?

With the rise in gas prices, more people are staying at home. This is proving to be good news for local businesses. As fuel prices rise, more people are shopping locally.

Also, those who live within walking distance are choosing to walk, getting needed exercise and saving money. Many people have opted for bikes with baskets to help carry their purchases.

So, my theory is:

Higher gas prices equal more exercise and increased local business.

That's a good thing, isn't it?

What do you think? How has the rise in gas prices affected your life?

Hurricane Ike: Good News, Bad News

As Hurricane Ike slammed into the Houston area, I could not help but be thankful the Corpus Christi area did not take a direct hit. My Texas family members rode out the storm in San Antonio, and will probably head home as soon as possible so my daughter can report to the hospital where she works.

Due to high winds and waves, they may still have received damage to their home, which is located on an island not far from Corpus. I am praying all is well, with little or no damage.

Hurricane Ike was the largest seen in a long time and will affect many millions as it continues to travel onshore, and in the days ahead affect the weather patterns as far north as Detroit and northeast to the Atlantic. It amazes me that a hurricane hitting Texas can affect weather in Detroit and New York, but that is the nature of the weather currents.

I hope few people lost their lives, and the power is restored as swiftly as possible. After our bout with six power outages last year, I understand how frustrating it is when there is no power in the home.

I am sure the hurricane will affect many for days and weeks to come. But for today, I'm just thankful that my family is safe.

Owner's Manual

Operating instructions:

She is a delicate flower, treat her gently.

She desires to be useful in your life and in your ministry, use her well and with much love. She desires to serve, don't abuse her or she will withdraw.

She desires to be held, loved, and treated with kindness and respect.

She is ready, willing, and able to do as you desire, but you must be open and willing to share what your needs and desires are. She will be obedient if you stay in My will.

She will be faithful as you are faithful. No flirting with other women, lying, or sneaking around behind her back. Be open and honest about your relationships with others and be trustworthy to a fault.

Be willing to share: your day, your experiences, your feelings, your concerns, your life.

She loves flowers, beautiful clothes, and fine jewelry. Choose well, she deserves the best.

Treat her as a queen, because that is what she is. Treat her as My daughter, because that is who she is.

Love her unconditionally and you will be loved in return. Be loyal, give her the honor and respect due her.

Put into the relationship what you desire to receive out of it - the law of sowing and reaping is in effect.

Most of all, be a blessing in her life and you will be blessed.

Her Father,

God

June 10, 2001

Let Detroit's Healing Begin

During yesterday's news conference, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced his resignation and pleaded guilty to the felony charges brought against him. Now it is off to jail for 120 days.

The swipes he took at Governor Jennifer Granholm and new interim mayor Kenneth Cockrel, Jr., reveals Kilpatrick does not understand the depth of the wrong he committed while in office. His monotonic race through what appeared to be required wording confirms his lack of understanding or willingness to admit his error in judgement while in office.

Detroit has certainly had its struggles through the years, and with the economic and social ills of the city as challenging as ever, those struggles will continue.

But, at least for now, Detroit can hope to regroup by electing a mayor with vision, honesty, and integrity, and begin the move forward - for the good of the city, the people, and the great state of Michigan.

What should the leaders now focus on? What are the hot topics they need to address? Will Detroit regroup and regain any of it's past history as a great city? What do you think?

How Recession Improves Health

An article on today's BaltimoreSun.com site highlights a study showing when a recession hits, the overall health of the public appears to improve.

Researchers say data shows people cut down on risky behavior when the economy is in trouble. When the nation goes through a difficult time, people ten to worry and become stressed. There is less money for health care, gym memberships, and healthy food. Poverty does bring higher rates of obesity and illness.

But, society as a whole appears to prosper, health-wise, during times of recession. How can that be?

• Accidents go down - probably due to less traffic as fewer people are working.
• Industrial accidents go down - again, fewer workers.
• Obesity goes down - more time to exercise?
• Alcohol consumption is down - people drink less, possibly due to less money. Speculation suggests some people straighten up their behavior so they do not lose the job they do have.
• Smoking less - probably financial.
• Fewer deaths due to heart disease. Although there is stress from lack of work and money, for some reason, there seems to be fewer heart related deaths.

At no time does anyone believe recession is good. But, recent studies do show an interesting trend when times are tough.

What do you think? More research needs to take place? Sounds good to you? What are your thoughts on these findings?

Poverty Rises in Michigan as Income Falls

Devastating news for Michigan was released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau. The only state where poverty rose last year, as well as the only one where incomes fell, Michigan demonstrates the free fall of an auto industry no longer relevent to the masses.

For decades Michigan led the country in auto sales and production.

As the auto industry crashes, our state reels from the fallout.

Unfortunately, this has a great affect on the already-poor and the elderly. Anyone on a fixed income knows the reality of our struggle. Prices are rising in the basic areas such as food, utilities, gasoline, and health care. Drug prices have risen dramatically in the last year according to recent reports.

Where will this all end?

According to the Associated Press article (read article by clicking on the title above), "more than 18 percent of Michigan residents get some type of assistance through the state Department of Human Services, said Sheryl Thompson, acting director of outstate operations.

Although general cash assistance is declining, programs that provide food and emergency help with energy and medical bills are growing steadily. The Food Assistance Program is up 136 percent since December 2000."

Governor Granholm is scheduled to attend a "poverty summit" November 13th in Detroit. Hopefully productive steps can and will be taken to stop the slippery slope Michigan currently experiences.

What are your thoughts about this dire situation? What would you like to see come out of the summit? What steps are you taking during this time?

Three Music Icons Earn Invites From AARP

Can it be? These three music icons, who hit it big in the 1980's are now eligible to receive AARP's infamous invitation.

In no order of importance:

1. Madonna. I didn't mention her first just because she's from Michigan. Nope, not me! Madonna's birthday was August 16th. She grew up in Bay City, a beautiful city of fabulous older homes.

Her first #1 album, Like a Virgin, set the music world on fire and she has barely slowed down since that time. She routinely launches national and international tours that easily gross millions of dollars. Married to director Guy Ritchie, and raising three young children, Madonna looks great and appears to have the world at her feet.

2. Prince. Also from the mid-West, Prince turned fifty June 7th. His home town and still home base is Minneapolis, Minnesota. Credited with the Minneapolis sound, albums such as 1999 and Purple Rain, shot Prince into the hemisphere of music.

Shying away from touring, Prince prefers single-venue runs or special appearances. Prince is a respected composer, producer, arranger, singer and multi-instrumentalist, known for his prolific output.

3. Michael Jackson. Irregardless of what you think of him today, Michael Jackson ruled the 1980's and much of the 1990's. A star since he was 11, 1982's Thriller shot Jackson into orbit. Thriller dominated the music scene for two years, setting numerous records as it started the moon-walk fad across the country.

Although his impact on the pop scene was phenominal, his star has dimmed due to unusual behavior during the last decade or so. Many pop and hip-hop stars still credit Michael's influence on their early music.

Many celebrities turned fifty this year, but these three had the greatest impact on the music scene throughout their musical lives.

Do you think they will join AARP? Let me know what you think of this list in the comments.

Perspective to the Rescue

If you keep on doing what you are doing

you will keep getting what you are getting.

Monday’s post provided a strong lesson in frustration and perspective. Using a quote to start the post, I then wrote the body text. Somewhere along the way, I realized the whole piece would stay left aligned or centered, but I could not in the middle as intended.

I went back to the settings are to see what caused the problem. After all, other posts were okay. In frustration, I finally shut everything down.

Instead of glaring at my computer as if it had become my enemy, I settled in to read a magazine. After a few minutes, the proverbial light bulb came on.

Early in the morning, I had changed some of the settings not realizing how the changes would affect the alignment of the post.

When I began this post, I tested the reset settings and, wallah, my first line stayed centered as intended.

And what did I learn from this, you may ask. Well, when frustrated:

1. Step back from the situation
2. Relax
3. Focus on something else, i.e. reading, TV, taking a walk
4. Allow the solution to come to mind

When I stepped back and allowed my mind to think of other things, the answer arrived. All is well once again in potpourri land.

What situation are you facing where a change of perspective might bring you the answer? Do you have a technique that helps in times of frustration? Feel free to share a comment.