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I like to wear shorts when I walk in the Summer, but for me, Summer ends in early November after the first serious snow accumulates on the ground. It's not the temperatures that motivate me to give up my shorts, it's the snow getting into my shoes. And it's not really the snow that's the problem, it's the mixture of road salt and snow that turns to slop I hate. I won't mention struggling to untie ice-encrusted laces.
Having said this, when I put my shorts away for the Winter, they stay put away until Spring. I have no desire to face February in shorts, even if the roads are bare.
Unlike the people in the article you shared, I don't see shorts as acceptable when others are expecting more traditional choices. I see it as a question of courtesy. I've outgrown the desire to "shock" or "rebel" decades ago and I'm sure the 20 somethings in the article will mature in time as well.
Still, it feels good to know that others enjoy an extended shorts wearing season too.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. This Summer, I had to wear my Winter parka a few times. I probably looked equally silly!
This video uses high-speed photography and transparent materials to show how rifle suppressors function. It's more than just a few shots with different calibers -- there's some explanation of design considerations as well.
This guy made a (75 second) video explaining how petting your dog can relieve stress. . .
Responding to the Cryptocurrencies "Poof Moment" article. . .
I'd like to add a thought -
The guy mentions metal, and he names silver and gold specifically.
When times get tough, the metal to have is lead. And the best way of storing it is in brass cases.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. For those "Serious Occasions" some may prefer their lead to wear jackets.
Now, I feel 44-inch (42-inch???) super inferior.
Do you remember those rulers meant for fishermen that were sold in Joke Shops? They were only about a foot long, but were marked as having many, many, more inches than twelve.
By the way, to listen to some guys talk, I think they used those rulers to measure much more than just fish!
Cheers, PW.
P.S. While thinking about measuring things, this "Oldie" came to mind. . .
Measurement
We didn't go into the sh*thole nations and make them that way. They did that to themselves.
Considerable evidence points to being a sh*thole nation is the norm. Rising out of the mess is the exception. The question should be "What causes nations to prosper?" Once this is answered, public policy decisions become obvious.
But don't hold your breath.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. Adam Smith's book "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" is a good place to start. By coincidence, published in 1776!
I want to thank everyone who took the time to suggest where my Food Processor may be hiding.
In our area, we have a "Green Bin" program. For those fortunate enough to not know what this is, a "Green Bin" is issued to homeowners and they're expected to separate their table scraps from "regular" garbage and place them into a "Green Bin" for curbside pickup. Of course the Environment Crusaders never mention the impact of yet another truck cruising our neighbourhood. They're so ecstatic over this new inconvenience hoisted on everyone else they probably don't notice. (Great fodder for another rant, but today I'll refrain.)
To further rub salt into our "Green Bin" wounds, what's placed inside must be wrapped in paper. Now picture the mess. Most kitchen scraps are wet stuff. Most paper disintegrates when wet. Connect the dots.
This time of year, my husband prefers to engage in his own recycling and composting. Not only does he get some nice material for his gardening endeavours, he's spared the annoyances of the "Green Bin" program.
Yesterday's cucumber salad was a classic case of mushy wet left-overs needing disposal. What's the best way?
Simply take the stuff out into the garden in the container he was using in the kitchen.
Because he didn't want to do this last night in the dark, and because he didn't want to deal with the repercussions of leaving something that will attract pests on the deck, he put the container in a flower pot and covered the pot with a garbage can lid.
That's where the "container" part of our food processor was hiding.
Because he didn't want to risk forgetting to deal with it in the morning, he put the base where he'd see it and be reminded.
At least this is the story he told me when I asked him "Why is the food processor base under our night-table in the bedroom?"
Again, a sincere thank-you to everyone for their patience, understanding, and "male" insights.
Cheers, PW.
I need help from the men on this thread.
Last night, my husband made a cucumber salad. For efficiency, he used the food processor. When he finished, he cleaned up the mess and put away the things he used like he always does.
But he didn't put the food processor where it’s normally kept. "No problem," I thought to myself. I’ll simply move it to where it belongs.
Trouble is, I can’t find it. I've looked in every kitchen cabinet, both above the counter and below. I've checked in the pantry, and I didn't just use cursory glances -- I moved things so I could see what was behind the stuff in front. I've looked in the oven. And even checked the garage. It's gone!
It's a relatively big appliance, over a foot tall. There's a limit to the places where it will fit. I've extended my search to the Dining Room and Family Room without success.
Obviously, he put it in a place only a man would think of. That's why I can’t find it: My search efforts are guided by the thinking of a different gender.
I'm getting desperate. While searching, I'm encountering far too many snack-food items that overwhelm my self-discipline. If I don't find that food processor soon, my clothes will no longer fit.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. I don't want to be ending my message with "Oink Oink, PW."
P.P.S I looked in the dishwasher too. It's not there either. But the blade was. Huh!
Today was clear, windy, and 46F when I walked. Rain is predicted for later this afternoon, so I assumed it would be safe to leave the umbrella at home this morning.
Damn those automated lawn sprinkling systems!
Cheers, PW.
Please help!
I can't "GET" this cartoon.
The top two questions:
Is the Pope Catholic?
Why is the sky blue?
But the bottom two has me puzzled. I've often been told that "Money doesn't grow on trees" but I've not heard it in the form of a question. As for bears pooping in the woods, I've not been exposed to that idea in question form either.
Can anyone share some insight?
Cheers, PW.
U.S. stocks jump after Yellen’s positive assessment of the nation’s banking system.
Quote. . .
"There is no cause to worry. The high tide of prosperity will continue"
– Andrew W. Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury. September 1929
Cheers, PW.
P.S. The 1929 stock market crash came a month later.
I'm glad that they scheduled the total eclipse for Monday so that watchers who traveled far could take advantage of the three-day holiday.
The next one visible in my area will take place on April 8, 2024, and that's a Monday as well!
Cheers, PW.
I feel bad for the employees that were promised this and that and now can't be delivered.
Another reminder that a promise is only as good as the person who makes it.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. I count myself among the lucky minority who are able to learn from the mistakes of others. Life's too short to make them all myself, so I welcome short cuts.
P.P.S. If it's too good to be true. . .
In my decades of life, one thing I could always count on was that anything that needs doing by the government seems to take "forever" to get done.
The statue removal speed is astounding. What would normally take decades of bribing, years of debate, months of planning, and weeks of workers leaning on shovels, is done in under a day. Where do Fire Departments or Police Forces move this quickly?
I suppose the only thing that matches the speed of a politician attempting to evade public ire is stupidity. It's a close the race -- and it's hard to tell who's in the lead.
Cheers, PW.
Something to leave us smiling, (for a change). . .
When looking at Microsoft stock splits during the time I've owned the stock, it seems they like to split when the price rises above $100.
But the last split took place when the stock was under $50, breaking the pattern. Maybe after seeing the stock price in the doldrums for a few years, management thought a split would bring some investor interest to their shares -- I don't know.
Of course, after many splits, the commissions to sell will be many fold greater. Splits seem to be a windfall for investment dealers.
The theory is that lower share prices will attract investors of modest resources. I question why two $50 shares are more attractive than one at $100, since earnings per share and dividends are halved by the split.
Cheers, PW.
From my records (No guarantee of accuracy). . .
Payable Date Type of Split Closing Price Before Closing Price After
September 18, 1987 2 for 1 $114.50 (Sep 18) $53.50 (Sep 21)
April 12, 1990 2 for 1 $120.75 (Apr 12) $60.75 (Apr 16)
June 26, 1991 3 for 2 $100.75 (Jun 26) $68.00 (Jun 27)
June 12, 1992 3 for 2 $112.50 (Jun 12) $75.75 (Jun 15)
May 20, 1994 2 for 1 $97.75 (May 20) $50.63 (May 23)
December 6, 1996 2 for 1 $152.875 (Dec 6) $81.75 (Dec 9)
February 20, 1998 2 for 1 $155.13 (Feb 20) $81.63 (Feb 23)
March 26, 1999 2 for 1 $178.13 (Mar 26) $92.38 (Mar 29)
February 14, 2003 2 for 1 $48.30 (Feb 14) $24.96 (Feb 18)
This looks like fun. I wish I knew someone who owns one I could borrow.
I don't know the details of the U.S. Health Care issue, but I think that before the system can be fixed, it must be determined exactly what is wrong with it.
Something that seems obvious is that providing Health Care and providing health insurance coverage are two entirely different things. They seemed linked though; more people covered means fewer resources available for each person needing care. Without increasing the Health Care system's capacity, we can be certain that every individual's treatment will deteriorate.
Health Care is NOT an unlimited resource. How would the Health Care that's available be allocated fairly? So far, I've not seen these questions addressed.
If there's "grit in the gears," it's this. Politicians can count on votes for providing coverage. It's not until people discover that insurance to cover the cost of something that's not attainable is worthless that the focus will shift to augmenting the delivery of Health Care and away from the question of "Who Pays?"
So. . .
Until the Politicians' interests are aligned with the public's, don't expect much progress.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. A quote from my husband. . .
"If Parliament was the Board of Directors of a company, I'd short the stock."
My husband likes to keep his electric blanket in place with safety pins.
"Safety Pins" may not be the best name for metal objects poked through an electric blanket.
Perhaps he thinks this could jolt him awake!
Cheers, PW.
. . .and had the waiter stand by to explain incomprehensible words on the menu. . .
We have a place near us with a Relais & Chateaux designation, an exclusive kinda place. Their menu was incomprehensible. My husband has tried many of their selections, but prefers to order using his own names for things.
One of his favourites, a bit of steak on what seemed to be mashed potatoes fried in a pan, he called "Hockey Puck on a Pancake" is no longer on the menu. (Or if it is, we don't recognize it.)
In recent years, they've made their menu selections easier to understand. My guess is that too many diners were disappointed and sent stuff back.
What I find annoying is the condescending attitude of the serving staff when asked to "interpret" the menu. So we aren't fluent in a dozen languages -- that doesn't make us idiots. (After all, we're not the ones earning less than minimum wage and begging for tips.)
The modest family restaurant I enjoy visiting has menu items like Burger, Turkey, Ham, Salad, Coffee, Baked Potato, etc. Kinda tells me what to expect.
Cheers, PW.
Relais-Chateau
I should've submitted this video before the ban on Racy stuff featuring Children. . .
Metric system. . .
In some cases, Metric makes more sense. For Weather, I find it awkward.
The outside temperatures where I live could almost always be expressed as a positive two digit number when we used Fahrenheit. In Winter, when it's cold enough to require a negative number, the temperature doesn't matter to me -- it's simply COLD! And when the temperature needs three digits, it's simply HOT!
Then along came Metric.
Now, for half the year, the Weather Guy uses negative numbers. As well, a one degree change is almost double what it used to be. And conversion isn't so easy: F=(C*9/5)+32 or C=(F-32)*5/9.
Kinda makes me wish they'd use Kelvin. I'd enjoy 300 degree Summers.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. When Canada converted to Metric, all packaging changed size. And in EVERY case, the consumer received less for the same money.
P.P.S. A related thing: Official fuel consumption for vehicles is expressed as Liters needed to drive 100 Kilometers while most people were still thinking of Miles per Gallon. The tediousness of altering my consideration from "How far can I get with a quantity of fuel" to "How much fuel is needed to travel this distance" encouraged me to disregard fuel economy altogether.
P.P.P.S. My car burns $10 in fuel per hour of driving. This may not be precise, but it's easy!
Correct capitalization is important too. . .
Example:
Jim helped his uncle jack off a horse.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. I love this answer to a quiz question. . .
Q. What's a Hindu?
A. It lays eggs.
Why’d you appoint a rich person to be in charge of the economy?
Perhaps the flip side of this question should be asked. . .
Why do so many people approve of poor people becoming rich by taking government jobs?
I don't know anything about President Trump's prosperous buddies, but I'm willing to speculate that the mindset and habits they've honed over a lifetime of wealth accumulation will remain with them as they transition into serving their country. I'd also guess that somewhere along their journey through life they've encountered obstacles created by government, or even worse, petty bureaucrats, and in spite of this, prospered anyway.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. Money tends to go to where it's wanted and stick around where it's respected.
Yips. . .
Your message about this word reminded me of a story about two golfers.
The more skilled player wanted to put money on the game. His opponent, although possessing less ability at golf, understood people better. He admitted that he was at a disadvantage and asked for accommodation to make the challenge fair. They agreed.
However, it wasn't an adjustment to the score that was agreed upon: It was two "Got-Ya" moments.
At the beginning of their game, when the superior golfer's mind was concentrating fully on his first shot, the other player quietly approached him from behind, grabbed him by the waist, shook him, and yelled "Got-Ya!"
Needless to say, for the rest of the game the thought of that second "Got-Ya" destroyed the player's ability to focus. Consequently, he lost the game.
Cheers, PW.
When I visited this website featuring Men's fashion, I enjoyed a spectacular belly laugh. . .
Men's fashion
Then I clicked on this site featuring Mug-Shot Haircuts and almost fell out of my chair. . .
Haircuts
One site like this is a treat. But two on the same day -- wonderful!
Cheers, PW.
Happy Birthday. Let's hope that today's events lift your spirits and make your "special day" a fond memory.
Cheers, PW.
If your phone has a Li-Ion battery, a common technology for Mobile Phones, you'll be better off charging it periodically. Li-Ion batteries do not need to be discharged before charing: partial charges are preferred.
However, Li-Ion batteries are sensitive to heat. If you have a choice between a "rapid" charge and a "slower" charge, take the slow. As well, avoid exposing your phone to high temperatures.
For more information. . .
Battery University
Cheers, PW.
P.S. Powered on for thirty seconds per day, in three months you'll have used it forty-five minutes. The battery should have enough capacity to keep your phone awakened, (but not being used otherwise) for several hours, if not days. So yes, you'd still have power.
P.P.S. Battery life is a confusing term. Does it refer to how often the battery can be drained and recharged? (Charge cycles) Does it indicate how long the device can remain on stand-by? (Charge retention) Or how long the device will operate while being used? (Capacity) Or does it mean how long before the battery must be replaced? (Service life)
And all this doesn't take into consideration that some battery technology dies suddenly while others die gradually. We've all experienced devices with "Dead" batteries that are still able to make a flashlight barely glimmer.
P.P.P.S. Sometimes my frugality gets out of hand. After an Alkaline battery is no longer able to power my MP3 player, I put it in my flashlight. When this gets too dim to be useful, I move the battery to my TV Remote. When the TV Remote stops working, the battery's trash.
My big problem with the Kathy Griffin photograph is that the disturbing image will haunt me for quite some time. And no, it's not the bloody severed head that twists my gut -- it's Kathy Griffin's ugly puss that makes me want to vomit.
But I must give her credit. Until now, I thought Hillary and Michelle were the worst escapees from the Ugly Factory, but I was wrong. Apparently, in this arena, competition is brutal. Like the Olympics, the podium holds three!
Cheers, PW.
Best Friends Parenting. . .
If, when I was young, I had a chauffeur, banker, chef, servant, personal shopper, butler, secretary, and maid at home, and coupled with all these free services and benefits were a pair of obsequious lackeys dedicated to making my every wish come true, I wouldn't be very motivated to leave.
In fact, I'd want to stay.
What puzzles me is why any adult would go along with this.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. The "Benefits List" kinda explains the attraction of elected office.
All long in the past.
Some things leave indelible memories. This video features a 93 year old fellow recalling a childhood sweetheart. It's well worth the 10 minutes.
What I find amazing is that these people reached college age without learning a basic lesson that can be applied in a profoundly wide variety of situations. . .
When you don't have a clue, keep your mouth shut!
Cheers, PW.
A 15 minute video exploring language, music, and culture. For those interested in words and music, it's worth the time to watch.
I gotta fix my computer's calendar functions. It tells me that between Jan 20th, (President Trump's Inauguration) and today, 95 days have passed. But I'm seeing quite a few news articles mentioning President Trump's first 100 days!
Cheers, PW.
From Fred Reed comments on being white at school. . .
. . .Look around you. Can you find anything with a moving part that was not invented by whites? Anything electronic? Cars, telephones, computers, aircraft, antibiotics, on and on–all sprang from the minds of white people. . .
Fred Reed
Cheers, PW.
Interesting!
Warning!
I shared a video earlier today. I used the convenient I-Hub convention of using yt and /yt in square brackets to surround the YouTube identification string. One nice thing about doing this is that an image from the video is displayed in my I-Hub message.
Now for the not so nice part. . .
If, while the video is playing, I stop it, the image shown on my screen changes to include snapshots of videos that I have been watching earlier. Since I haven't been watching anything embarrassing, it's not a big problem. But what if I had? Would I want the world to know about it?
Cheers, PW.
P.S.
If anyone is curious, the video I was watching earlier that YouTube revealed was Hank Marvin playing Apache.