Prison Words of Wisdom

More happenstance information. (Rules of survival in prison - actual stuff- not that anyone reading this will find use for it....) There are obvious similarities that certainly apply to life outside as well as inside prison.
1. Don’t get involved with punks.
2. Do not discuss your crime.
3. Do not get involved in gambling.
4. Do not collaborate with guards against prisoners .
5. Do not become indebted to anyone.
6. Don’ t stare at another prisoner .
7. Don’t use drugs.
8. Work out.
9. Keep your mouth shut.
10. Be respectful and polite.

I found this intrinsically ironic....as the person who wrote these could've followed them on the "outside" and avoided the prison scene. *Define #9 . . . I could have a problem with this one!

Statistics for my 100th post.

I've seen before & so have you, no doubt, but thought I'd pass it on. Mere acquiescence or Supreme intervention/deep rationale?
* Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
* John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.
* Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
*John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.
Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. Both wives lost their children while living in the White House. Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. Both Presidents were shot in the head. Now it gets really weird.
*Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy.
*Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln.
*Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson. Andrew Johnson, who succeeded
Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.
*John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1839.
*Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.
Both assassins were known by their three names. Both names are composed of fifteen letters. More strange but true stuff.
*Lincoln was shot at the theater named Ford.
*Kennedy was shot in a car called Lincoln made by Ford.
*Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse.
*Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater.
*Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.
(I've been in Ford Theater and stood on the street in Dallas where Kennedy was shot. The Dallas experience was unique & memory jogging, the Ford Theater was just another historical visit of Washington D C for me.)
Anyone have a theory on these similarities listed above?
Sorry, this is not like a Cheap Carol's Contest, no prizes, it's just my 100th post. :-)

Pay it forward follow up

No, sadly we didn't get the opportunity to buy anothers' dinner, albeit we went with that possible intention while at the Fairway Grill in St George at lunch on Saturday. But, alas & sigh, no one fit our mental image of who we felt could really appreciate such and act of kindness or the enjoyment of a free meal. I was looking forward to that feel-good-feeling we would have of seeing the confusion, surprise, disbelief and thankfulness of others that we felt when it happened to us. (I know that feeling because it was common practice for us to anonymously or otherwise do things for ward members many years ago-Carol was our main instigator in this.)

As we stood at the counter to pay, there was an old guy (at least ten years my senior) who came in. He initiated conversation with me with a nice comment, one of those genuinely nice guys. He even stopped us and told us cute joke as we were on our way out. (Well, I laughed.) He could have been a great salesman; who knows. But, he emanated kindness, likability, charisma and overall a seemingly good personality. I assumed he was just the average, home grown, southern Utah Mormon who exudes niceness and trustworthiness, one reason why I let my guard down while here. On the way out, I said to Carol, "Only in Utah." I soon forgot about him. He then came to mind again this morning; for two reasons, First as I read an article in the Sunday St George Spectrum newspaper. A man in Alpine Utah has really gotten into this pay-it-forward thing so much, he started his own web site about it: goodwillpaidforward.com. This pay-it-forward thing has taken off! This guy in Alpine seems nice, in print. The guy at the Fairway Grill seemed just as nice in person. The second thought of him came while watching a news broadcast of the well known craigslist killer. I want to think the guy in Fairway grill is like what the guy in Alpine portrays. I genuine, salt of the earth, good guy. I know they exist. I don't want to feel he has a hidden, dark side to him. I'd like to believe that my first impressions of nice people are correct, that they are nice. Sadly, I know differently due in my past and current jobs. Con artists are just that: nice guys and full of charisma. Likable. Believable. Just what the craigslist killer had been reported to be by friends. Just like Ted Bundy.

I realize I have two thoughts going on here; actually, it's normal for me to have many thoughts in my mind going on at any given time, so only writing about two is a simple.

We're admonished to watch for wolves in sheep's clothing as well as to love our neighbors. Is this hard to do? Not if we use our given tools. My instincts tell me I haven't lost that still, small voice to listen to. My gut instinct, by "The World's" definition. (I have several memories of this help in police work and am in awe when I think of them.)

At any rate, I'll continue to believe the best of people and look for the perfect opportunity to pay-if-forward when that small voice tells me to. (is this the same as the voices in my head?) I don't discount the weebee-geebee's I've felt when dealing with some folks, we have to listen to those warnings as well.

Too bad it's not as obvious as the big nose, mustache & glasses disguise above.

Unexpected pay it forward recipients!!

Because my car isn't running well right now (above) I took the stage (below) to St George Friday night. I'm inside the coach, you can't see me. Here we are lettin' the harses water and rest up in the gorge.

Fast forward to the 21st Century. After arrival in St George, Carol took me to Pancho & Lefty's Mexican Restaurant on Bluff St. As we finished up, our waitress arrived and was telling another waitress "I don't know how to do this. This hasn't happened to me before." Carol and I both heard this and later talked about it; at that time we were tyring to imagine what she was talking about. Were we the 1 millionth customer? Was something wrong with our food? We both knew something was "up" with our dinner bill. Then she told us this was a first for her, didn't know how to handle it, but "Someone in here paid for your meal. They want to remain anonymous." We asked a few questions & at least found out the tip wasn't taken care of. No problem! We were recipients of a "pay it forward." It was a mixture of feelings...."We got a free dinner!" "Why were we picked? Do we look poor or was because we didn't have beer bottles and drinks on our table & our Samaritan knew the bill wouldn't be that much?" We both wanted to know who, but had to respect their desire to be anonymous. We eyed everyone walking out without a clue of who it was. I wanted to turn around and yell "thank you" to the whole restaurant, but that may have been inappropriate per etiquette of gift receiving. We know what we'll be doing the next time we eat out...which will be Sat night. We have to choose wisely. No, we can't say where we'll be eating.

What are you putting in your mouth?

Another happenstance discovery of mine. How many insect parts and rodent hairs are allowed in your food? A study says "more than you think and maybe more than you want to know." Correcto. T.M.I already.

Apparently, there are contaminants with "allowable" or "tolerable amounts" of anything from insect parts to rodent hairs. (I'd rather not tolerate any non-man made substance in my food, thank you very much!) (eggs shells in my scrambled eggs doesn't sound so bad anymore.)
"How about a little rat hair with your peanut butter? A fly head with your macaroni and cheese? Though it may sound disgusting, these things and other gross filth the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) calls "natural contaminants" are indeed allowed and present in your food."
From my understanding of the information, it's comes down to economics: it's impractical to grow, harvest, or process raw products that are totally free of non-hazardous, naturally occurring, unavoidable defects.
"Think insect parts and rodent hairs are more of a rarity? Think again. An Ohio University fact sheet estimates that we eat from one to two pounds of insects each year, and without knowing it." another quote from http://www.sixwise.com/

Apparently, this is not dangerous to us, the author has the audacity to state, "They're actually pretty healthy" Also the FDA says it's reasonable to accept these defects in our foods versus an increase in the amount of pesticides used on the produce. (Are these FDA guys on drugs?) I don't know about you, but if I find worm in my lettuce, I throw it out. Maybe I should leave it and have it become part of the chopped salad? Anyone who's watched Man vs Wild will tell you, a worm would be a welcomed supply of protein. But, we don't live in the wild.

The study did acknowledge the fact some contaminants may cause stomach disorders as well as the possibility of allergic reactions in some. Well, duhhhhhh! Gives cause to wonder about why we may not feel to good after some restaurant meals, huh. (Ask Tracey about when we ate in Wong Chang Lo's Chinese restaurant in San Fransciso! Same reason I don't eat in certain Taco shops in Vegas.)

If your too ill to comment, I understand. Man, this peanut butter sandwich tastes weird. Wish this was on home-made bread......

The couple

The couple ... notice, we're in same position on the couch as we were in 1972 as seen on Carol's blog. Fortunately, a different couch.

I wonder

Do moles get claustrophobic? Will Carol & I ever get to the beach again? Can fish get sea sick? Did you know about National Denim Day? Do babies remember the Pre-existence? Will Linda ever blog again? Will I see D.D.'s smiling face at the gym ever again. Does B.O. really know what he's doing in that White House job? (B.O. ~ great initials to go through life using.)

On a lighter side, since grandma isn't here, Cohen slept with me. He fell asleep with his drink cup in hand and woke up just as I was walking in the door from the gym at 7 AM this morning, his eyes sleepy looking and only nodded when I asked him if wondered where I was. I wonder what really goes on in the four year old mind.

Dieting is Hogwash! Bunk!

I found this tidbit by happenstance today and thought I'd share. (This is not directed at anyone in particular-honest-but found it very interesting.)

** Those Who Don't Diet are Better at Improving Health Than Those Who Do Diet.

Though the thought of counting calories and measuring portions doesn't bring smiles to most people's faces, many people succumb to such dieting measures because they believe it will improve their health.
But, according to a two-year study published in the June 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, if you're looking to achieve long-term health improvements, behavior changes and self-acceptance are more effective than dieting any day of the week.
Obsessing about your weight may be counterproductive when it comes to improving your health. (Duh! worry, worry, kick yourself, worry some more, what to eat?)
In the study of 78 obese women, (I have not idea why they chose women and not men for the study - maybe men tend to fudge too much on diets? pun intended) aged 30-45, half were assigned to a dieting group, which focused on counting calories and fat content, restricting food consumption and monitoring their weight. The other half were assigned to a non-dieting group that focused on paying attention to internal body cues about hunger, letting go of restrictive "diet-like" eating habits and working with negative self-image. After two years, the researchers found:
92 percent of the non-dieting group stayed with the study, while 42 percent of the dieters dropped out.
1. Non-dieters maintained the same weight; dieters lost weight initially but regained almost all of it by the end of the study.
2. Non-dieters total cholesterol increased initially, then significantly decreased (including levels of their bad LDL cholesterol), while dieters had no significant change in cholesterol levels.
3. While both groups significantly lowered their blood pressures initially, the non-dieters sustained this change while the dieters did not.
4. Non-dieters reported nearly four times more physical activity, while dieters, although going through an initial increase in activity, had not sustained increased activity by the end of the study.
5. Non-dieters demonstrated improvements in self-esteem and depression, dieters had a worsening of self-esteem, and depression levels remained the same (after an initial boost).
"We have been ingrained to think that large people can only make improvements in their health if they diet and slim down," said one of the study's researchers, Linda Bacon, "But this study tells us that you can make significant improvements in both metabolic and psychological health without ever stepping on the scales or counting calories. You can relax about food and eat what you want." (within reason, you think?)
Dieting Weakens the Immune System
The above study is not the only one to find that dieting is not always the best way to achieve health. According to a study published in the June 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, "yo-yo" dieting, the practice of constantly losing weight and then gaining it right back, may weaken the immune system.
The study found a definite relationship between a woman's immune function and her dieting history -- the more times she attempted to lose weight, the more her immune function decreased.
Other risks of "on again, off again" diets? Studies have found that they may actually increase your risk of heart disease. Yo-yo dieting can lead to lower levels of the good cholesterol (HDL) and, in women who weren't overweight to begin with, increased levels of triglycerides, which is a risk factor for heart disease in women. Plus, frequent changes in your weight can result in high blood sugar, which may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Isn't it written somewhere, "all things in moderation"?

So there! pfffffffffffffffffffffftttttttttttttttttt.

For those who care the secret identity of the couple on the last blog will be revealed . . . . . . in due time.

Who's this famous couple? P.D.A.

Stay tuned to see who this couple is and what they're really doing. . . . umph my arm is hurting, no, wait, move the other way your elbow is digging into my side. Awww, better. Is that someone at the door?

The party's over.

Knowing Cohen was going back to Vegas soon (and even though we'd already been to the park earlier this morning) I felt the need for more time with him. I caught him with, "Let's play." With the help of Lindsay, I found him hiding under the covers; he was so small I missed him the first time.

He's such a happy boy - most of the time - and it seems so quiet after he (and the rest of the family leaves). Even though I know I'll see him soon. It's an emotional roller coaster. The quiet immediately after they leave is loud and very apparent. Quiet should be good for an old guy like me.

The back yard is void of energy. Rubber horseshoes and ball are idle and left to be put away.

The patio race-track will remain unused, waiting patiently for the return of its necessary rider. Unless Carol decides to take a few runs.I'm reminded of how Carol's grandmother had told us how she once refused to wash the small hand prints of her rear sliding glass doors after our visit when Andrea & Tracey were little ones. I didn't fully comprehend her feelings then. I do now. Thankfully, we're not in Texas as she was.
Then I think of our ancestors who, some never saw kids, grandkids, or family again once they left home for the "New World" or "the Promised Land" and how hard that must have been! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enjoy them while we can.

SLC Marathon bike tour

I drove up to SLC just to ride in its Marathon bike tour; my 3rd one. Jason allowed me to sleep at his place; the apt behind the second floor balcony below. The building was constructed about 1920, located right downtown and was like stepping back in time. I loved it. The wandering homeless were harmless.
Candid shot below of Jason at these balcony doors from inside.
Below is the couch I slept on. (yes, that's my bike behind it, couldn't leave it outside -didn't want to temp those harmless homeless.)
After what may have been four hours of total sleep, the alarm went off at 5AM. My mind was somewhat foggy as I fumbled around and dressed in warm riding gear. Forecast called for 36 as a low. I drove up to the University of Utah upper parking lot near the start on Wasatch blvd trying to wake up as I forced down a banana. Fortunately, it was only 42 degrees according to my truck outside temp gauge when I parked. Picture below is me and my riding companion, Dave. The guy who took the picture didn't bother to tell us he was ready to take it. Yes, I put on my helmet and gloves before taking off. (this was Dave's first organized bike ride & he did great.)

After a few stops along the 25 mile course and @ 2 hours later I was handed the medal shown below for my efforts. Solid metal. We then rode 5 miles up to 1300 East and hopped on the Trax tacking us back to the parking lot. This Trax ride was very fortuitous as this last few miles is very steep incline with no bike lanes. Engineering faux pas there. Trax is fun, though.

On the way back to St George I stopped in American Fork and found this new-to-me-hamburger-drive-thru. Being one to partake of any local cuisine where ever I happen to be (Cafe Rio was packed!) I ordered # 3 ~ below. Not quite an In-n-Out, but good.

Get ready for the Long Beach ride in October, Alli. I'm sure it won't be anywhere near as cold. But,I know it lacks the hills. :-)

Simpler times on TV - worth viewing

Okay, so my last post was called sick & disturbing. It may have been offensive to some. But, it was entertaining in its own, weird way. This one is too, albeit in a much better way. Click on link and then on Johnny Carson video - laugh out loud! http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/138148/detail/
It reminds me why I stayed up late to watch Carson.

Good bye cruel world.

They didn't go peacefully, but they're all gone now. Tasty little critters.

Do we have a "Time's Up Date"?

This is a word-for-word quote from a news source: "Something tragic happened today, Mark Fidrych was found dead at his farm. Fidrych was 54 years old and was not expected to die any time soon. Mark was a former baseball player for the Detroit Tigers.Mark Fidrych was the American League rookie of the year in 1976 when he went 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA."

This intrigued my mediocre, male, middle aged mind. Besides the obvious, who of us are expected to die any time soon? If we are "otherwise seemingly healthy individuals," are we looked at and expected to die any time soon? I know what the writer meant. I've been as analogous. Our way of writing can be odd at times. * As a side note, Fidrych was found trapped under a dump truck he had been working on that apparently fell on him.

Fidrych facts: Before every inning, Fidrych would get on hands and knees and smooth the mound dirt with his hands. Before each pitch, he would bark at himself to stay focused; a habit often misconstrued as ‘talking to the baseball’. After good or bad plays, he would run full speed at his teammates to exuberantly pat them on the back. If you weren’t a baseball fan in 1976, you would have a hard time believing the legend of ‘The Bird’. (nick named because of his resemblance to Big Bird of Sesame St) If you were a baseball fan in 1976, you will never forget Mark Fidrych. And then, in a flash, it was over.

So maybe this odd use of words seems to fit here. It's unique and as different as Fidrych was.

What you wanna do vs what you do do.

What I felt like today arriving at our "Utah house." Earlier, I had awoke in a strange bed, (Eureka Hotel, Mesquite.) went out in the dark, and put out some traffic cones along a running course - in the rain, led the runners on the course ~ in my truck in lieu of on my bike like years past and is much more enjoyable ~ then picked it all up afterwards. Friday night I'd driven there - which just getting through I-15 northbound traffic is half the battle - and arrived just as everyone else was finishing up pizza dinner. I then familiarized myself with the Annual Easter Run course then marked it using spray chalk on the streets at turns, etc. I was suckered into helping with again. A lady I used to work on the old Las Vegas Marathon with lives there now, and she and her husband do this event as a way to stay busy. Not much goes on in Mesquite! I kinda like it though, small town, no traffic problems, no graffiti, and no rush to get anywhere.

I finished up and headed off to St George, Utah. Not quite as small as Mesquite, but with its own charm and history, just the same. (see photo below I took coming down Main St about noon today.)

What I wanted to do.

What I ended up doing.

What I ended up doing, later. (The Masters was on. It was as if I'd gone to the driving range and practiced like I am suppose to do.)

Oh yea, we went out to dinner... cook? Hadn't you read where Carol doesn't and I was too tired?

Am I wrong?

"Barack Obama, concerned about offending Britain and Germany, rebuffed strenuous attempts by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France to persuade the new American president to make a trip to Normandy this week."
Am I wrong, but shouldn't he be concerned with offending Americans? I realize this blog should be more positive, but then again, it is MY blog, MY opinion. (As a veteran, I'm finding it hard to have faith in his "agenda" as our President.)

Tattos - trend, fad, or craze?

My first encounter with people who had tattoos seemed to be limited to hardcore bikers, ex-convicts, known-felons or some WWII veterans; they were mainly thought to identify a bad guy. "Any one with a tattoo is more than likely a bad guy." (Advice from a past training officer.) Prison tattoos can tell a story of their time, association with gangs or crimes they committed - plus, tattoo needles/devices are taboo in prison, forbidden instruments of contraband. This statement held true for the majority my encounters of tattooed folks during my time on the streets. And then something happened to our society. Tattoos became popular. How? Is it a trend, a fad or a craze?

A trend is something that somehow becomes popular within mainstream society over a long period of time.
A fad is something that is very popular with a small group of people for a short period of time.
A craze is a product, idea, cultural movement, or model that gains popularity among a small section of the populace then quickly migrates to the mainstream.
Mainstream is, generally, the common current of thought of the majority. It is a term most often applied in the arts. Any confusion here ~ are tattoos the Arts? Add diversity, cultural differences and the median average age of our society and these definitions are anything but easily interpreted. I'd venture to guess there will be a lot of unreadable tattoos on wrinkly old bodies some day. Will the trend, fad and craze be over by then?It's all about free agency - some use this very freely. When you seek to find fault with others you only expose your own. Far be it for me to find fault with anyone wishing to endure the pain, cost and subsequent wrinkly, unreadable tattoo some day. (although I told my kids to never have one a judge could see if you're standing before him.) They even have even gender-specific tattoos now. I can't get a flower on my shoulder, I guess. Several questions come to mind.
1. What is the percentage of Americans with tattoos?
2. How many of us want one but won't get one for whatever reason?
3. When is it considered excessive?
4. Where does this end?
5. Is this example below "art" or poor taste?

P.S. This was in no way, shape or form, meant as forum to slam those who may have a tattoo!!! Honest!!! (hmmm, I still think I may want a miniature US flag on one ear lobe. When I'm 80 yrs old, it will hang nicely and may even flap in the wind like a real flag.)

Pleeeeeeeeze

Will you play with me, Doodah? Please. . . (this isn't blogging)