When did we lose the shoe shine profession?

My guess is it had something to do with Michael Jordan and his shoes. Everyone used to wear leather shoes, and they needed to be polished, by someone. If time permitted,  you got a shine.

It used to be a time killer, also. Train station, airport, bus station, yes, we used to have bus stations, time to kill, there was generally a shoe shine stand on the premises somewhere.

They generally had a small brush to put the polish on, then, usually two polish brushes worked together, left, then right, one continuous motion. Then the heels, both sides.

Then came the polishing cloth, zip, zip, pop, pop, the better they got at it, the louder the pop. Those polish rags did their job, a glistening shine.

The final touch was generally a small brush, often a toothbrush, where they applied color to the soles of the shoes.

But there was always that last, final, zip, zip, pop, pop, the louder the pop, the greater the shine, the bigger the tip.

I am sure that there were, and perhaps still are,  many successful businessmen, lawyers, doctors, architects and others who got their start shining shoes. They learned something. To be polite, businesslike, work hard and diligent, do the best job you could, and in doing so, you reaped the rewards.

Sour Economy Has Nevada Looking For New Jackpot

by CARRIE KAHN

The site of the demolished Frontier casino sits vacant on the Las Vegas Strip in December. Construction of a new hotel and casino, the Las Vegas Plaza, has been delayed until economic conditions improve.

It's noon on the Las Vegas Strip, and the barker outside O'Shea's Casino is hard at work.

"Twenty-four-hour happy hour, 24-hour $5 blackjack and 24-hour beer pong action going on right here today," he says. Dressed in a lime green tuxedo, he's doing his best to get tourists to come in.

Despite the recession, nearly 39 million visitors came to the city last year, the second-highest number in Las Vegas history. The problem is those tourists don't have as much money as they once did.

One tourist, Genina Jackson, says that after a decade since her last visit, she notices the difference. "Ten years ago, people dressed up a little more," she says. "I see a lot of jeans and flip-flops."

Jackson had stopped along the Strip in front of the huge fountains at Caesars Palace to take a picture with her friend Melissa. They are in from Atlanta celebrating Melissa's birthday.

"The casino is not as crowded. You can get to any table. Before, 10 years ago, you couldn't get to a table," Jackson says.

New casinos being built in Ohio to save our economy. There is also a rumor that the state is trying to buy the Titanic, and is investing heavily  in the manufacture and sale of propeller driven airplanes. Rumor has it also that the governor has been in negotiations with the city of New York in regards to purchasing the Brooklyn Bridge.

Einstein and Edison

The two famous scientists Einstein and Edison had very different sleep patterns.

Thomas Edison is said to have claimed sleep to be a waste of time. He did, however take naps during the day.

Albert Einstein, on the other hand, was aware of his sleep needs, acknowledging that he needed ten hours of sleep for optimum performance.

I have a lot in common with these two famous men.

I get eight to ten hours of sleep a night, and then I also take naps during the day. Caleb, our dog, wakes me up at eight, for some reason, he scratches my leg, I look at the clock, and is often is right on 8:00. Then I get up, fix the coffee, have a cup, sit down and watch TV and fall asleep. Then, a nap in the afternoon, maybe even a quick nap before going to bed.

I guess I am more like Einstein, when it comes to sleeping, the similarity ends there.

I understand it .............

Stare at the red dot on this woman's nose for thirty seconds. Then, look over at a blank white space (a piece of paper or an empty browser tab will do). Did you see the "correct" version of the image? Here's how it works: stare long enough at an object and the eye's photoreceptors (particularly the color-sensitive cone cells) lose sensitivity from overstimulation. Divert the eyes to a blank space, and the surrounding cone cells send out a much stronger signal. The brain interprets this discrepancy as looking at the precise opposite colors, in what is known as a 'negative afterimage.' Nifty, no?

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

I am sitting here, this morning, in Ohio, Easy Listening music in the background, it is WINTER, the sun is out, and I have THE WINDOW OPEN with the furnace fan, and the ceiling fan on, bringing in nice fresh air and circulating it throughout the apartment. We may have a blizzard tonight, but it is lovely out now, and it is February, in Ohio. Hello to all our friends in Florida, Arizona and California.

Muslim or a Mormon????????

To be, or not to be, that is the question. Do we want a Muslim or a Mormon for President of these United States? What happened to the Catholics or Lutherans or Episcopalians, are even the Southern Baptists? How about the Jewish. Some are perceived being "tight" with money, need that now more than ever.

I have had a quite a few dealings with Mormons, knew many when I lived in Oregon, and attended a Mormon Church out there on occasions. I even started out taking their "lessons" for a few weeks, until I realized that anyone who completed their lessons would become a Mormon, so I stopped. The training those boys get in Salt Lake is second to none. They get you saying YES all the time. "If we show you that this is the TRUE religion, will you join us?" Well, yes, I guess so. I felt like I was being lured into a trap.

"Mind control" often came to mind when I talked with or associated with some "good" Mormons. I think the Mormon Church is guilty of using "mind control" and controlling their members. I thought it was nice that they were big on family. Then I realized that they like to "get them early" and keep them under control.

Who said cult, it didn't come from me? But, there are a few similarities if you look up the definition. Maybe "cult" is a good thing, for all I know, just has a bad reputation.

To get both sides, I looked up the definition of Muslim. "An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim." I must admit I got lost reading the definition. Every other word had to be looked up, so I gave up. I admit I am not sure what a Lutheran or a Baptist is, either. I do think, though, that the Muslims and the Mormons are two of the big boys in the religion area.

I also remember a number of people heading to the "Temple" in Salt Lake when they had any major decisions to make, the Elders assisted them. Many younger adults spent time there determining what their future should hold for them, i.e profession, area of study, etc. Wonder if Mitt spent time there, and politics was his "calling?"

Muslim or a Mormon. are we a great country, or what? It's just not a black and white issue.

Vitamin F ............

Why do we have a variety of friends who are all so different in character?  How do we get along with them all?  I think that each one helps to bring out a "different" part of us.

We joke with one friend. We sit down and talk about serious matters with one.  With another we laugh a lot.  We may have a coke with one.  We listen to one friend's problems.  Then we listen to another one's advice for us.

Our friends are all like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.  When completed, they form a treasure box.  A treasure of friends!

There are friends who understand us better than we do, who support us through good days and bad days.  We all pray together and for each other.

Real Age doctors tell us that friends are good for our health.  Dr. Oz calls them Vitamins F (for Friends) and counts the benefits of friends as essential to our well being.

Research shows that people in strong social circles have less risk of depression and terminal strokes. If you enjoy Vitamins F constantly you can be up to 30 years younger than your real age. The warmth of friendship stops stress and even in your most intense moments it decreases the chance of a cardiac arrest or stroke by 50%.

Make an effort to keep a stock of Vitamins F !

In summary, we should value our friends and keep in touch with them.  We should try to see the funny side of things and laugh together, and pray for each other in the tough moments.

Obama Strategist Says Romney's Negative Attacks 'Backfiring'

By Devin Dwye

Mitt Romney may have regained momentum and earned an air of electability following his victory in the Florida Republican primary, but a top Obama strategist says the tactics and message Romney displayed won't fly in a national campaign.

"Team Romney wants voters and the national media to believe its victory reflects its candidate's positions," deputy Obama campaign manager Stephanie Cutter wrote in a memo to reporters Wednesday.
"In reality, it is a product of the fact that Romney and his SuperPAC allies carpet-bombed Gingrich by spending five times as much money on Florida's airwaves, and running more than 60 television ads for every one Gingrich and his allies aired," she said.

Romney and affiliated outside groups did spend more than $15 million on TV ads, according to Kantar Media's CMAG, which closely tracks campaign spending. Most were negative attacks against rival candidates Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.

My wife's birthday, and I fixed her breakfast, fried mush and bacon, one of our favorites.

When the dishwasher is full of clean dishes, I try to keep up by washing each plate, rinsing, drying and putting away. So, anyway, as I was washing and drying, it took me back, way back, probably the late 30's, 319 South Brown Street in Dayton, Ohio.We had a neighbor family, across the alley, forget their names, but I was visiting with them one evening after dinner, and they were doing their dishes, just using their hands to get the food off. I have never forgotten that.

When I left, I went right home and told Mom that they only used their hands to wash the dishes. Mom used hot soapy water, used a dishrag, rinsed and dried them.

Then another thought came to me. There was a show on TV last night about favorite meals. That too got me to thinking. One of the early memories I have, of delicacies, was  the pure elation and satisfaction I got from "taking" slivers or pieces of ice off of the ice mans wagon when he would be in the house delivering the ice. It was pure bliss and satisfaction, eating that stolen ice, probably with very dirty hands.

The sign above was hung outside the door, and whatever was pointing up, was the amount of ice you got that day. In those days, many people lived with an alley in the back of their house, so somewhere, there was a nail on the porch for this sign to hang.  Some mischievous kids would sneak in and change the sign, I was not one of them, I just heard about them.

Comments from Fred Thompson

I am one of the countless number of Americans who know firsthand that, in this country, a person may be born into modest circumstances, but that he comes into the world blessed in ways that have been unimaginable to the vast majority of people who have ever lived. We are born with the birthright of freedom and opportunity – free to make our own choices about the important things in life and the opportunity to fulfill our God-given potential.

The greatest fear that I have for my country is that our government now has us on a different path. Instead of freedom and opportunity, it is one of debt, dependence division and decline – a path that will weaken our country and sap the vitality of the American people.

I believe that we are at a tipping point, one from which we may not return. To avoid these disastrous consequences, our country needs leadership that is fearless and confident, a candidate who can give voice to the concerns and frustrations of the American people, a candidate who understands – and will never apologize for – American Exceptionalism.

We don’t need to just manage the way Washington works. We need to fundamentally change Washington. We need someone who has the courage and ability to communicate the truth to the American people. Someone who will explain the hard choices that we must make if we are to give our children and grandchildren the same opportunities our forefathers bestowed on us and avoid the fate that other great nations have suffered throughout history. I believe that person is Newt Gingrich. And that is why I strongly support him and his candidacy for President of the United States.

America needs someone who is able to articulate the message of growth, free enterprise and freedom, someone who knows that bold ideas have preceded every major achievement of mankind – including the United States of America. America needs Newt Gingrich.
Sincerely,
Fred Thompson

Donald Trump Staff in Talks With Financiers, Campaign Managers to Explore Third Party Bid

ABC News’ Huma Khan and Jennifer Wlach report:

Donald Trump’s top political adviser told ABC News he’s speaking to “high-level political operatives” to explore a third-party presidential bid on behalf of the real estate mogul, in a sign that Trump may not quite be done with the 2012 presidential race just yet.

“I can confirm that over the past two weeks I have spoken with many high-level political operatives, campaign managers, finance directors — some of whom I have spoken to in the past. Most are new people from all over the country,” said Michael Cohen, executive vice president at the Trump Organization and special counsel to the reality-TV star.

“Until the time Mr. Trump decides to either endorse a candidate or run himself, I am exploring on his behalf the possibilities of ensuring Mr. Trump appears on the ballot in all states, and to develop a team of professionals who could ensure a potential victory,” Cohen added.

I've considered this scenario for quite a while. I have always liked what he has stated. I don't know how it would effect the outcome of the election, but it might be interesting to find out. I think an Obama/Romney race will be a no-brainer, with Obama winning in a landslide. If Trump can glean some Republican and Democratic votes, and get many of the Independent vote, might make for an interesting race .

Sarah Palin: Newt 'Crucified' By Romney Allies, GOP Establishment

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says that Newt Gingrich is being "crucified" by the Republican establishment, including allies of Mitt Romney, who are trying to rewrite his record with a barrage of negative attacks.

"Look at Newt Gingrich, what's going on with him via the establishment's attacks," Palin told John Stossel of Fox Business on Thursday, the Huffington Post reported.

She added: "They're trying to crucify this man and rewrite history and rewrite what it is that he has stood for all these years."

Palin has not endorsed any of the GOP presidential candidates, but has been enthusiastically supportive of Gingrich.

Last week before the South Carolina GOP primary Palin said she would vote for Newt Gingrich if she was voting in that state's primary.

She added: 'They're trying to crucify this man and rewrite history and rewrite what it is that he has stood for all these years."

Sunday Evening in Ahia

Today, in Nerk, Ahia,  we've had rain, sun, snow, clouds, sleet, all on a Sunday. For some reason it made me think of a Sunday in Elko, Nevada, only without all the weather. Elko was a small town, I worked at the Ranch in motel and casino, for a friend of mine, Bob Goodnight. I remember on breaks, standing out in front of the building, watching the occasional car go by. Very quiet and lonely.

The main casino in town was the Stockmans, known worldwide. I worked a few shifts there, something I always wanted to do. The old timers would talk about their days working in Elko at the Stockmans, it was on my list of things I wanted to do in Nevada, actually, that was the last one on my list. I finished my list there, got on a train, and headed for Ohio.

I've listened to old Mitt bad-mouth Newt all day. Pathetic when you have no agenda of your own and resort to picking others apart. I must admit I have lost all respect for old Richy Rich Mormon Romney.  Might have the choice between a Muslim and a Mormon running the country. We know what to expect from the Muslim, have lived under that rule for a few years. At least we know what to expect from Obama, not sure what the Romney-Mormon  merger might bring us.

Big event tonight, the Millionaire Athlete club is meeting in Hawaii, what competition that will be. One player spent $28 thousand buying earphones for his team, wanted them listening to their music on the "best."

Interesting that a number of "athletes" are having to sell their homes. Some have retired, some are still playing. I guess when you are getting a paycheck each week you can afford a 35 million dollar place to live in. Gets expensive when the checks run out. Wonder what the taxes and upkeep are on a 35 million dollar place?

I bought, and have had now for four days, a SunTouchPlus Nature Bright light. 30 minutes a day will enhance my mood, elevate my energy and promote better sleep. It adds an optimistic new dimension in my life, just by turning it on. I had used it four times now, not sure if it is working or not. Not sure what all happens, maybe it is a gradual thing.

It doesn't tan like I thought it did, so I have ordered a sun lamp that tans, it should be in next week. If both lights work it should change my life......

Disgraced millionaire typing teacher collects $100k a year from NYC

By Christopher Bedford

Alan Rosenfeld, a 66-year-old disgraced typing teacher, hasn’t taught since he was accused of making  inappropriate comments and leering at 8th grade girls in 2001, but still collects $100,049 a year from the city, the New York Post reports.

Rosenfeld, a millionaire businessman and attorney, could have retired at 62 but, a friend told the Post, “It’s a slap in the face to the school system.

And every year he stays onboard, his $85,400 yearly pension grows by another $1,700.

His case is one of seven in the New York City Department of Education, where teachers the department can’t fire are “rubber-roomed” essentially meaning they don’t do any real work but keep getting paid.

Miracle on 21st Street ...

For a few days now I have a left ear ache, which goes down into the left of my throat, hurts when I swallow, on the left side.

I took a couple of sinus pills the other night and they seemed to help. So, yesterday, we were in Meijers, and I went back to the pharmacy to get some sinus pills. The ones I wanted  were not there, had to get them from the pharmacist.

We chatted a bit, told him of my problem, and asked for AccuFed. He told me they don't carry that anymore, but suggested that I go to Walgreen's, they had one called WalFed that was similar. I thought that was nice of him, so we headed to Walgreen's.

Found the WalFed on the shelf, but there was just a card which had to be taken to the pharmacist. I took the card to the window, chatted with the young lady a bit, told her my problem, she asked, "Do you have any blood pressure issues?"

Then, she got the head pharmacist, who quizzed me about my health issues. He told me that the pill I wanted could elevate my blood pressure. He suggested that I just take Tylenol.

First time I was ever referred to another drug store. And then, at Walgreen's, the pharmacist was actually interested in my health issues and suggested a course of action for me, one which was contrary to what I would have done, which could have resulted in some problems for me.

Made my day for me, people being concerned, doesn't happen often .................

Romney Backed by Goldman Sachs, Bailout Banks

The top donor to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, investment banking and securities firm Goldman Sachs, received over $10 billion in emergency lending and bailouts from the Federal Reserve after the 2008 financial meltdown, according to public sources and published reports.


Goldman backed Obama for election in 2008, and the firm, like many Wall Street institutions, is now backing Mitt Romney for president.


Romney has long had a close relationship with Goldman Sachs.


In 1999 Romney purchased initial IPO shares in Goldman that netted him $1.1 million in profits when he sold them in 2010. 

Iran official says oil will reach $150 per barrel

Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's official news agency reports that the head of the state oil company is claiming that the price of crude will go up to $150 per barrel.

Head of the National Iranian Oil Company Ahmad Qalehban did not give a time frame for the prediction, nor any other details in the Sunday report by IRNA.

The price of benchmark U.S. crude on Friday was around $99.56 per barrel.

Qalehban's statement comes as Iranian officials prepare to debate a ban on crude sales to European Union countries, in response to a planned EU embargo on Iran's oil by summer because of that country's nuclear program.

The United States and its allies argue that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons technology, while Tehran says the program is for purely peaceful purposes.

Herman Cain endorses Newt Gingrich for President

By Chris Moody

Businessman and former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain endorsed Newt Gingrich for president Saturday at a dinner in West Palm Beach, Florida, calling it a "surprise occasion."

"I hereby officially and enthusiastically endorse Newt Gingrich for president of the United States!" Cain said.

Let's say, you come home from work and find there has been a sewer backup in your neighborhood.

Your home has sewage all the way up to the ceiling. 

What do you think you should do? 

Raise the ceiling, or pump the crap out? 

Your choice is coming November, 2012.

SOTU Drinking Game

When President Obama's fourth State of the Union address was taking place across all the major networks, some were following along playing the State of the Union drinking game.

The instructions are too numerous to list in their entirety, but here are some highlights:

Drink once every time you hear "progress," "let me be clear" or "make no mistake"
If you hear "debt," borrow a shot from a friend, promise you'll really pay it back this time
If you hear "deficit," finish your drink; borrow the drink of the person next to you and drink it too
Drink twice when the President calls a tax increase "asking someone to pay more"
When he adds a color qualifier to jobs ("green" jobs, "blue collar" jobs), drink one drink of the same color
When they show the First Lady, drink once. When they show the First Lady's arms, drink once, delivered by bicep curl
Drink once when they show Speaker Boehner. Drink again if he's crying.
Drink once if they show any of your Congressional representatives, then pat yourself on the back for being able to identify your Congressional representatives.

Should have made for a more entertaining SOTU, and if you fully comprehend the "actual" State of the Union, might go easier if you had a "buzz" on.