...But seriously

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As much as we like to think that we are the center of our universe, there are a lot of other factors that may lead us to sense that it is just the opposite.Perhaps we are just a speck on the wide screen display of life. Today feels like the movie "Ground Hog Day" inasmuch as their is a certain deja vu quality that pervades the day. It seems like everyone is just going through the motions.Repeating patterns and expressions that have become so ingrained in their everyday lives.I went to the cafe at my regular time to fetch my standard cup of Major Dickenson's Blend of Peet's Coffee adding just the right amount of half and half to get that quasi-mocha look that is so appetizing.The illusion that eveything is going along so smoothly, gets me thinking that a major event is right around the corner.I will keep you posted as the anticipation builds!

Offending the Almighty

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Intellectually speaking, some people like to make a parlor game out of challenging the belief systems of others. I happen to think this is a dangerous and foolhearty. Although Socratic discourse would have it that we would question the position that others take in order to get at the truth of the matter. Any good attorney will tell you never to pose a question that you don't already know the answer to; without risking losing an argument. I would propose that there are things in this world that we really don't know the answer to, that are better left unchallenged.Things that are easily intellectualized and trivialized because there is little or no supporting evidence to their existence. "Somewhat sad are those that have knowledge that extends beyond question of daily bread." Gottfried Keller

Haircut day

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Occasionally, I will cut my own hair. For some, this can be quite a traumatic experience. I recall giving myself my first haircut at the age of six. Since that time, I generally have gone to have a barber or stylist do the job. Last year, I purchased a set of clippers just to keep my hair trimmed. Since then I have taken it upon myself to cut my own hair. Given that the kit comes with three levels of trimmers, I stick to the tallest comb attachment so as to begin conservatively cutting the sides and back of my head. This procedure is a different approach than the "mangey-dog look " I gave myself as a six year old. Sometimes, I will take a piece of scotch tape and put it across the back of my neck to get a straight line to keep the look even as i trim along the back. The only downside to this whole exercise is that the hair particles end up everywhere except in the sink or toilet where I end up depositing all of the excess. Most of all, they end up down the back of my neck, and if I am wearing a t- shirt, I will have to take it off and toss it in the laundry. Otherwise, I turn into a thirteenth-century, penitent monk. I think you get my drift. ...Less

Settling in...staying happy

Some would say that it is not a good idea to get too comfortable with your situation, whatever it is... because everything is subject to change.I recall how uneasy I was when I went away to boarding school in the sixth grade.It was only after three years did i actually feel safer and better known. In the meantime, I was too busy kissing up to the Christian Brothers, so that I wouldn't get yelled at; Or worse, swatted on the bottom with a two by four. I have been here at Greystone almost four and a half years, and I times it seems like the other shoe is about to drop. Is it a good idea to remain a little bit "paranoid" ? Today is Mother's day, and it went exceedingly well for myself and my co-workers. The cooking demo went without a hitch and everyone was pleased with the results of the Steam-Roasted Pork w/Ginger Miso and steamed asparagus w/sesame dressing that I was suprised at how well it was received. This month is Asian cuisine month. Next month we will be featuring Spain.Okay, now it is the following Wednesday, and it is around 4PM in the afternoon. The board of directors is here, so everyone is "high tone". I guess that means we get a raise if we happen to please somone walking by...

Banteron is back

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Yes, it is a vey hot May day here in Calistoga, but Banteron insisted that this weather is normal for folks down in the mouth of the Rat ( Boca Raton). He pretends to enjoy the great outdoors, but I think he is sensitive to the light which accounts for his sunglasses. His skin is very light, which makes me doubt his apparent Hispanic/Cubano accent. He seems ... oh so... "Street" so I would never question his authenticity. He might take issue with it , and call me a racist pig. But hey, aren't we all a little short-sided when it comes to other cultures? Anyway, we have a lot to learn in this age of mulitnational, multitasking, corporate automatons. Heck, if you are trying to be politically correct it is best to remember that charity begins at home.

May Day, May Day !

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Today, I discovered Jott. It was described on Rocketboom and it is free, and since I have the necessary cell phone that I should subscribe to it (watch the video to learn more ). Anyway, I promised that I would talk about Scooter Rosa, which took place on Sunday. I stayed around the apartment all day today however, drinking water and eating yogurt ( because I had a bad case of the Hershey squirts ). But the afterglow of Scooter Rosa is still alive. A group of about 60 scooters headed out on a ride around the whole perameter of the city and ended up back at Railroad Square for a picnic. A few bands played and there was plenty to do besides stand around talking about motor scooters. Kids played twirling hula hoops, tossing giant beach balls and playing with balloons. There was plenty of BBQ and cold drinks to be had too. The highlight of the day for me was the "Slow Scooter Race" where the winner was the finalist who could drive their scooter the slowest over a stretch of about 200 feet without touching thier feet to the ground. It was a challenge and a lot of fun to even participate. I lost at my heat, but glad I had such a great time overall.