Archives for June 2022

When Cecil the Seasick Sea Serpent uttered these words repeatedly were they meant for Dishonest John or Donald John? (Is there a difference?)

       

Mysteries of the Universe?

     When most of us think of Iceland is it for their eponymous invention that brought them fame and fortune.  A 3-dimensional cube of water whose temperature has been lowered below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius, miraculously forming a solid from what was moments before a liquid.  A world, doomed to drink warm beverages during the summer, now can enjoy a frosty glass of whatever year-round.
(Interesting Factoid: For reasons unknown, the only modern civilized nation where Iceland’s top invention is not available is Poland).

So why is Iceland considered one of the healthiest countries in the world?  It is thanks to a diet high in fresh fish.  As a result, Icelanders are getting lots of heart-healthy boosts of omega-3 fatty acids.  So…Eat more Fish!  I like mine breaded and deep fried in lard with lots of fat-back gravy and smothered fries.

I feel healthier already!

Updated for 2022:
“Turds of a Feather Fail Together!”

Like me, I am sure many of you struggle to keep your weight and blood sugar under control.  I find that making the healthiest choices of what to eat is much simpler if you know the glycemic index and glycemic load number of each food.  Finding the number is easy as there are multiple free charts available on the internet.  The trick is to know the difference so you may choose wisely, grasshoppers.  I am here to help.  See Below:

• While both phrases begin with the identical word, Glycemic, that is where the similarity ends.
• LOAD:  4 letters. Using the “Alphabet Algorithm,” (Each letter valued by its order in the alphabet), we get the total value of 32: L= 12 + O=15 + A=1 + D=4 = 32
• INDEX:  5 Letters.  If we only use the first 4, we get an identical value: I=9 + N=14 + D=4 + E=5 = 32, BUT we have to account for The “X” Factor!  So the total number for Index is 54, quite a bit more than load.

Simple, right?  So next time you are faced with the conundrum of having to choose between a 3 scoop Hot Fudge Sundae with French Vanilla Ice Cream or an apple, I hope this formula makes it an easy decision!

This is the title of a lengthy article I read on MyJewishLearning.com.  Born as Erich Weisz in Budapest, Hungary in 1874, Harry Houdini was raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, where his father served as the rabbi of a synagogue.  In the interest of time let me summarize the highlights for you:
Harry Houdini’s father was a Rabbi.  Harry loved magic and became a magician. 
I Hope you enjoyed the condensed version.

Back to my college days, late 1960’s, early 1970’s; the Vietnam War Era.  “Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came?” was the mantra of antiwar protesters. It was pasted on billboards and bumper-stickers throughout the United States and the world.

I never understood the connection between war and sex but it must have been effective as in 1973 Nixon pulled out, ending U.S. direct involvement in the war.  Anti-climactic and confusing but it got the job done!

Now firmly entrenched in my seventies I find greater comfort in my routines.  My desire for excitement is still there but on a day to day basis a routine gives me a focal point from which to measure progress and pleasure…whatever that means?
For those of you in my generation who feel the same or my legions of younger readers that wish to build a firm foundation for future retirement I share this as one possible course of action.

I awake very early, a carry-over from when I lived on the west coast and worked for Coastal Training, based in Virginia, three hours ahead of me.  The first thing I do while still in bed is stretch and resolve to do something extraordinary this day; to make a difference in the world.  I am then able to get another hour sleep, waking in time to eat and sit around the balance of the day.

This is the kind of life-affirming help not available to everyone.   No charge for my friends.

“One of the most influential scientists in history, Isaac Newton laid the foundation for modern physics, developing the laws of motion and the theory of gravity. A lifelong philosopher, he was committed to seeking out simple truths in our complex world.”

His search for simplicity ended with his development of arguably one of the simplest and most elegant taste delights in existence today; The Fig Newton! 
Who but a world class scientist could have imagined unbleached flour, figs, high fructose corn syrup, sugar and partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil combined would render such ambrosia?  (I think the partial hydrogenation is the science part).

A grateful world says “Thanks, Isaac!”

“There will be a rare “planet parade” show in the early morning sky this month. From left to right, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible in a row just before the sun rises, beginning today. The last time all five aligned this way was in December 2004, according to Sky & Telescope magazine.” (Be sure your subscription is up-to-date). 
“The mornings of June 4 and June 24 will provide two of the best shows, the outlet reports. On the 4th, grab your binoculars before sunrise and find a spot with a clear view to the east.  The five planets will still be visible to the naked eye on all the mornings in between — just remember to set your alarm early.”

For those who are, like me, true scientists, you are most likely perplexed by the obvious baffling question: If we can see the 5 surrounding planets, why can’t we see Earth as well?  Bewildered as I am, the excitement of this vision will have me up and out pre-dawn with my binoculars.  
Perhaps someday science will catch up with me and provide answers to all my brilliant questions on the mysteries of life!

“Today marks the beginning of Pride Month in the United States, a yearly celebration of LGBTQ+ people and history. The month dates back to the Stonewall Uprising in New York City on June 28, 1969. The next year, activists wanted to honor the anniversary of the uprising and so organized a march to Central Park with the theme “Gay Pride” to fight against shame and stigma. Since then, it has evolved into a month-long celebration involving parades, parties, and more.”

We should all feel good about opening our hearts and minds to accepting everyone as they were created.  If this or any part of the LGBTQ+ movement toward equality and pride bothers you, take heart.  I am sure the world already knows what a scumbag you are based on any of a thousand other things you do.

(P.S. If you are now ranting “Oh yeah, are we gonna accept serial killers, pedophiles and sanction marriage to sheep?” then you have already proven my point Tucker!)
Have a nice month!