Goal / Resolution

When it comes to goals and resolutions, we know the pros and cons, benefits and pitfalls.  I wish there were a fast way to review them all, at least to organize my own thinking; (that's one of my goals).

The following definitions are from The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (Unabridged Edition) ©1969 (a huge battered book serving as the perfect footrest under my desk.)  It would be interesting to compare with current definitions online.

goal (n.)  1. the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end. [plus 5 sports-related definitions.]  --Syn.  1. target; purpose, object, objective, intent, intention.  2. [sports] finish.

resolution (n.)  2. a resolve or determination.  3. the act of resolving or determining, as upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.  4. the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.  --Syn.  4. resolve, determination, perseverance, tenacity; strength, fortitude.

The next three books I wanted to share before another boxful goes to recycling at the Layton library (a partner in the fight against OCH, an OCD).

Think Uno on its 40th anniversary with Mattel:  Dr. Sheehan on Running, ©1975 by George S., pg 185 (ch. 16, Work and Play): "In play you can totally commit yourself to a goal that minutes later is completely forgotten."

Hyrum Smith shared his experience as Explorer advisor in Where Eagles Rest, ©1982, pg 84.  Offering them a trip to Hawaii, he required that they memorize a poem: "There is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul."  The group proceeded to earn enough money to pay for their unforgettable trip.

The Magic of Getting What You Want, ©1983 by David Schwartz, pg 226 (ch. 9, How to Come Back to Life and Enjoy it More): "Choose friends who look ahead, who have dreams, people who want to make life better.  Avoid folks who delight in telling you how bad life is and has been."

Wade Cook's "DON'T SET GOALS" [... The Old Way, ©1997] is without a doubt one of the very best.  -- amazon.com

Oscar Wilde wrote:  "A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.''  It's true; statistics confirm ...  -- miamiherald.com

Teachervision.fen.com/new-years/...  designed a fast lesson I love for kids. 

"Grade Levels: 4 - 8:  ...  What is a resolution?  A resolution is a promise  ... that you make to yourself!  It is a tradition for people to make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. ...  One sort of resolution has to do only with oneself.  You might decide to lose weight, to stop eating candy, to exercise more, or to watch less TV. ...  You could resolve to be more patient with your little brother, to be more helpful to your mom, or not to get into fights with your friends.  Some resolutions are about school and the outside world, such as getting to class on time, trying for better grades, or not teasing the neighbor's dog.  If you manage to keep these promises, it will make you feel better about yourself.  So, it's important not to make wild resolutions that are too difficult to follow.  Your promises to yourself should not be too hard to keep."

(Sage advice -- even for some of us adults!)  Have a prosperous New Year!

Fast-Forward 2010

This one's for me, and not a family newsletter; however, "the world is welcome here" (SLC theme for 2002 Olympics).  In the process of introspection (see "Two Weeks" posted 12/18) , while celebrating Christmas and preparing for 2011, I pause to review this year.  I'm thinking in random topical order, not chronological order; and as usual, with no attempt to be complete.

Our four youngest grandchildren were born (one on May 22nd and three on July 29th) -- what joy and increase in love!

We returned to Vancouver BC, via the San Juan Islands and Victoria, for a heavenly visit to the temple open house.
I made two trips to PA (near Scranton, "Pennsylvania's Progressive City") to visit our "baby" daughter and family: 2 weeks in Feb. (alone) by plane & bus, and 3 weeks in June (we two) by car (wow!)

Our new lawn survived the long vacation, and we survived our second summer on the frontier --mosquitoes and all.  The yard work was a shock after we were spoiled by hired help in Ogden during 4 years of "the easy life".

We acquired many nice neighbors and friends with a surprising boom in new home construction around us.

We stayed active in our church by accepting opportunities to serve.
I started our own company and actually got clients and income.

A business associate and good friend, Phil, maintained contact despite a difficult move from Idaho Falls to a spacious home in Southern California; and survived the recent deluge.

"It's a Wonderful Life" -- (Yes, we watched it again --probably the 40th time.)

Christmas Cards

After writing this post, I got my first glimpse of Google looking like Christmas cards!  So I wasn't the only one with that tradition in mind.  My follower will remember some of these people who sent Christmas greetings years ago:

"Some of our dearest friends are unseen.  ... gift from above:  ANGELS"  

-- Laurie & K. F.

"Happy New Millennium"  -- Dean & Diane and children, Layton, 1999

"We're all happy and healthy ...  Brian graduated from BYU [congrats!] ...  Rebecca returned from her mission to Texas -- going to the University of Utah [good choice!] ...  Lars is still on his mission in Micronesia ..." 

-- Cliff & Lynne and children, EMC, 1999

"So from Edmond, Oklahoma

Our new home, we're glad to call,

We extend our love to you,

And say, MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!"

-- The Jones Family

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:

he shall gather the lambs with his arm,

and carry them in his bosom ..."  (Isaiah 40:11)

-- Jonathan & Clare and children, LA area, CA

"This picture was taken in Jerusalem by Golgotha where the Savior was crucified."  -- Willis & Marie, SLC, 1980

"We were so sorry to miss your open house ...  Our ward will always consider you 'part ours'.  We love you!  ... happiness in the New Year."  

-- Elinor & Richard, SLC

"We're very blessed ...  We're expecting #4 in May and really thrilled. Give our love to friends & family ..."  -- Russ & Betsy and children

"Christmas 1998" newsletter

"Edgar A. Guest was a 'home-spun' poet of your Grandmother's day.  He was my 'folk hero'. ...  About Christmas, Mr. Guest wrote:

'If we had spiritual photographers available we should all rush out and make our appointments for the Christmas Season, because that is when our spirits (and our minds and hearts) would be, or should be, the most beautiful. ...  At Christmas time, our spirits ... are or should be concentrating on others -- what we can do to bring a little happiness to our families and to others. ...'

Please have a wonderful Christmas and a beautiful spiritual picture that will please your parents and extended families.  Love always, Gramma H..."  SLC

Now I wish I could recall the Christmas goodies delivered to our door every year.  I do remember they were all delicious --prepared and shared with love.  Fast food can't hold a candle to them!

Take a Deep Breath

With only a few days left (as many see it), are we starting to feel stressed-out over Christmas?   Having paused for a lunch break, I can offer some quick advice:  Stop and take a deep breath.

To help us, I found a fun website and picked a few examples:

www.subzin.com/s/Take+a+deep+breath

Find phrases in movies and series.

"Take a deep breath" has been found in 443 phrases from 387 movies and series.

"Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" (2002)

"You're sweating. Relax. Take a deep breath."

"Impossible to see the future is."

"Grease" (1978)

01:37:27  Don't you know what you must do?

01:37:32  Hold your head high

01:37:34  Take a deep breath and sigh... - Come on, Sandy.

01:37:39  Goodbye

01:37:41  To Sandra Dee

"Groundhog Day" (1993)

"Friends don't let friends drive. Stand up here. Take a deep breath."

"The Fugitive" (1993)

01:06:21 Check the film on that kid.

01:06:26 Take a deep breath.

01:06:28 Inhale, exhale. Again.

01:06:30 Slowly.

[ I just happened to pick two from 1993!  --was that a good year for movies, or what?]

"2012" (2009)

01:15:07 Sasha, now! - Okay, okay. Take a deep breath.

01:15:10 Pull!

01:15:13 Come on, baby.

"Men in Black II" (2002)

00:20:15 What?

00:20:17 Funny.

00:20:19 Take a deep breath. Everything is all right.

There.   Now do we feel better?   And a little fast food would help as well.

Two Weeks

If I were a student or school teacher starting two weeks of vacation today, what would I do?  (in addition to skiing 3 or 4 days, of course.)

1.  Introspectively at year end, I'd ask, "Where have I been this year?" (besides the East); "Why am I here now?" (not just the Layton frontier); and, "Where am I going next year?" (including the Oregon Coast, I hope.)

2.  Celebrate!  (Being out of school is really something!)

Last night, with close friends in the Conference Center, we were thrilled by David Archuleta, a gifted young man who sang his heart out like I never imagined.  I felt inspired by Michael York, a professional actor who recited Luke 2 and one other remarkable story.  It was a heart-warming way to remember Christ's birth and all that Christmas means to us.  "He will bring us goodness and light."  --Familiar old song

I would celebrate (study) the life and writings of Joseph Smith, the prophet of the Restoration, who was born December 23, 1805.  Through a humble farm boy, God ushered in the long-promised "dispensation of the fulness of times".  (Ephesians 1:10)

3.  Prepare for the New Year!

I see a door opening in front of me, like key images in the film "Temple Grandin".  It's a true story of an autistic young woman, who turned her unique visual thinking to her advantage, with help from her determined mother and a science teacher.

Temple Grandin (born August 29, 1947) is an American doctor of animal science and professor at [CSU], bestselling author, and consultant ...

The Learning Style of People with Autism: An Autobiography (1995). ...

Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1989.

-- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Grandin

And maybe I will try snowboarding before year end (in my dreams!)

Final Four

Some may suspect I'm already getting excited about April 2 and 4, 2011

(Countdown: 108 days, 2 hrs) at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas -- 

Host: University of Houston / Rice University    --ncaa.com/sports/
m-baskbl/...    -- but my follower knows better.

These four complete my 3-part series of "simple suggestions" for Christmas:

9.  Music -- listen and perform to your heart's content.

Recall your favorites from the past.  Play an LP, 8-track, cassette tape, CD, iTune, your piano and guitar; or attend a live concert like we enjoyed at "The Ridge" Monday night.  Go caroling in the cold -- it will warm your spirit. 
We especially love the King's Singers, who will be "performing in Exeter's beautiful Cathedral" this Saturday (UK).   --www.kingssingers.com

10.  Attend the church of your choice and meet a new friend.  Say a kind word to someone.

11.  Put a dollar or more in the Salvation Army bucket. 

The one December day I rang the bell in front of ZCMI with fellow Salt Lake Kiwanians, helped me appreciate the SA, which rescues so many throughout the year.

12.  Give thanks.  Need I say more?

That makes twelve; but I have a feeling there are more.  So I leave out the rest for you to share.

Next Simple Set

Last Friday my first four "Simple Suggestions" included:  remembering Jesus, sharing joy, Santa Claus (giving), and family traditions.  The next set is not in any special order --kind of like my shopping plans.

5. Enjoy food!  (I knew you were looking for that.)

In our own little Cannon family, we have always loved the Christmas morning feast, especially grapefruit, before presents are opened.

6. Do your shopping before 6:00 pm Christmas Eve.

I learned the hard way several years ago, as I drove home from work on Christmas Eve.  Having waited for last-minute specials, I panicked when stores were closing their doors in front of me as I drove into the parking lots.  True story!  Lucky for me, it was before the Twelve Days which end on January 6, Kings Day (Epiphany).  I love that tradition my mother promoted.  She opposed the popular practice of cutting Christmas short.

7. Take pictures/videos for priceless memories.

I must find my VHS tape of Christmas 1996, with our daughters in our cozy Hobbs Creek home; that alone is worth the $95 spent on a used two-pack video camera.  And I'd love to dig into the archives for those photo prints of our three sons eagerly opening their presents in our East Mill Creek home.  Happy days!

8. Sisters, read Christmas stories to the children, including your husband.

Brothers, be tender and loving; help keep the peace.  Remember Luke 2 (our favorite).

May you have joy, and some healthy Christmas goodies!

Simple Suggestions

You may call these Christmas rules (double meaning), or ideas.  They may be difficult to do, but they are simply stated.  I can think of twelve -- too many for one post; so I split into three.  (Be patient --the food part is coming.)

1. Remember Christ, our Savior --His birth and life. 

If not, at least believe in love, and be grateful that Jesus taught followers to love, not hate.

2. Share in the joy. 

It’s the perfect time to love your neighbor, especially your family, no matter what your beliefs.  Even sad cynics should see the benefits and enjoy.

3. Believe in Santa Claus (or Samichlaus, if you're in Switzerland)

--the spirit of giving (a miracle, like "on 34th Street").  Yes, I still believe!

(I know this gets personal, and there are opposing views, so this is one man’s.)

4. Start or strengthen your own family traditions. 

Do you and “yours” know them?

Let’s continue the conversation with those around us.  And not so fast, OK?

Break for Christmas

For a little diversion from work, I dug into my WWII-standard file cabinet to grab December journals.  Although I'm still trying to fit everything "worth saving" into it, I still love my well-organized, legal-size "tank" with five full drawers.

With Andy singing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” (so true), I found some 1987 entries I’d like to share with my follower, who understands my quirks.  (Thanks to calendaryear.net/1987 for days of the week.)

Tues. 12/15  Kay & Spencer delivered Christmas stories and gifts.

Wed. 12/16  Kay read us a great Christmas story.

Fri. 12/18  [Sons] still wanting me to set up train.

Sat. 12/19  Helped [sons] set up train in [bedroom].  Family to theatre: "Here's Love" ("Miracle on 34th St.") with Gordon Jump --at PVP. [Promised Valley Playhouse in downtown SLC]

[Searched history and found:]

Orpheum Theatre, Promised Valley Playhouse -- 132 South State --

1905, Carl M. Neuhausen, SLC (a German-born architect who planned several well-known Utah buildings, including The Cathedral of the Madeleine and the Thomas Kearns Mansion.)

--www.utahheritagefoundation.com/pdf/downtown/NDH.Tour.pdf

Tues. 12/22  [With in-laws] at Hale Centre Theatre [in old SLC building, to see] "Scrooge" (excellent!)

Thur. 12/24  Christmas pageant with Evans in stable [in NSL, I guess, not Boulderville].  Dinner at Evans' -- enjoyed a nice long visit.

Take to ranch: "Lullaby of Christmas" and Christmas music ... Vit. C ...

[Googled to find my favorite:] "Lullaby of Christmas" 1948 LP recording narrated by Gregory Peck.  [Result:] Our Vinyl Records Music List --

LP Loretta Young & Gregory Peck The Littlest Angel And Lullaby Of Christmas Decca Records DL 78009 1948 VG/VG Holiday Visual Grade ...

-- www.ourvinylrecords.com/pages/GSTEXTLIST.html

Friday, December 25, 1987

Breakfast.  Happy excited children!  Enjoyed reading book Curtis gave me:  Three From Galilee [: The Young Man from Nazareth, c. 1985] about young Jesus growing up. 

[Google found:]  Marjorie Holmes's fictionalized retelling of the life of Jesus covers a period overlooked by the Gospels - the "lost years" between age 12, when Jesus debated the elders in the temple, to the age of 30, when he actually began his ministry.  -- www.amazon.com

We all ate tons of candy & snacks.  (Surprised we didn't get sick!)

12/8/10  I enjoyed my "fast-food" lunch break with red&green&white-frosted pretzels, "Chestnuts roasting ..." (radio), and loving memories of good times.  Give yourself a break for Christmas!

Five More Hints

On this big Christmas shopping weekend, I recall my "Five Forever Favorites" posted 11/12/10, which in retrospect was a start on my list for Santa.  I better finalize the list now before being tempted by all the entertaining, creative marketing in full swing.

Hints for Santa

Fast food (energy) compatible with my desktop PC (oatmeal raisin cookies, e.g.) (-- Remember the chocolate and crackers.)

Black socks

White pillow covers

USB 2.0 extender cable for my SD digital card reader/writer (a favorite thing)

New-release non-fiction paperback book (Surprise me!)

Now I won't need to handwrite a list like I did in my youth, or mail it to the North.  (On second thought, maybe I should Email it just in case:  www.emailsanta.com)

Even Numbers

I was just thinking, "What's an odd subject I haven't written about?"

Then it came to me:  Even numbers, like 12/2/2010, 4/6/1830, decades, centuries, millenniums, our street address, number of grandchildren, my birth date and birth year.

[Definition, thanks to:]  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Even_numbers

In mathematics, the parity of an object states whether it is even or odd. 

... divisible by 2 and always end with a digit of 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8

parity [noun]

2. (mathematics) a relation between a pair of integers: if both integers are odd or both are even they have the same parity; if one is odd and the other is even they have different parity; "parity is often used to check the integrity of transmitted data"   -- whitesmoke.com

Historical Events on 2nd [of] December

1804 - Napoleon Bonaparte crowned emperor of France in Paris by Pope ...

-- historyorb.com/events/december/2

2006 Cuba:  Fidel Castro’s eightieth [80] birthday.  Raúl Castro attends ...

-- thepeoplehistory.com/december2nd.html#2006

 [Googled:] world events in year 1202  [like 12/2]

What I found reminded me of a 2010 movie with one of my favorite actors; but the story and script were disappointing.  Also, it would have helped to know more of the history before watching.

French King Philip II joined Richard I on the Third Crusade [1189 to 1192].

Richard was freed in 1194 [in Austria] and ... went to war with the French.

His brother John signed a treaty with Philip (1200).

Apr 28^th [4/28/1202] - King Philip II throws out John … from France.

Philip conquered Normandy (1204).

John … was defeated by Philip at the Battle of Bouvines (1214).

-- answers.com/topic/philip-ii-of-france

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: Philip II

There you have it – math and history lessons rolled into one odd post (#17), published at an odd time.

Holiday Homonyms

We got over Cyber Monday --what a rush! --shopped without going out in the cold or out on a limb (credit cards were hidden away, fortunately.)  The offerings were incredibly generous; and I’m glad sales soared 19.4% over last year, to boost our economy.

This morning my second thought was of holiday homonyms.  Last week we happened to land on an educational TV channel conducting an English class all about homonyms.  Imagine the thrill of finding something worth watching, for a change!

(I better make this fast.)  To quote a favorite dictionary I often use:

www.whitesmoke.com (See the Free … Online Dictionary on the right.)

homonym [noun]

1. two words are homonyms if they are pronounced or spelled the same way but have different meanings

[ I believe this definition, unlike others I won’t discredit, is rightly inclusive, if clarified with "and/" like this:  ... pronounced and/or spelled the same ... ]

Before I let you go find some better ones on your own, here are a few examples my MS spellchecker failed to catch, plus one that’s spelled correctly in context:

Christmas is hear! Bee of good cheer!

Their must have been some magic ...

... and a partridge in a pare tree.

Christmas present is here to stay.

May yore daze be merry and bright, ...

... with every Christmas card I right.

Wishing you happy holidays!  Have fun with family and friends!

A few of  the innumerable lights in our park 26 Dec 2009

Rivalry is Fun

Plenty has already been said about it, including a little friendly discussion at Thanksgiving dinner.  (Yes, we all still love each other.)

Two of our oldest, wisest grandsons (brothers) revealed a little rivalry between them, and agreed to share with me a thought about THE GAME this year.  Now it’s apparent they decided not to fuel the familial fire, and opted to keep their feelings to themselves.  Like I said --very wise.

Me?  Hints: My wife & I graduated from THE University of UTAH, Dad was on the polo team at THE University, and red has been my favorite color since I was a kid.  However, I can’t even remember what year the BCS-bound Utes beat the Cougars 48 to 24;  (does anyone know?)   And I love to see the Y win lots of games, so I'm sorta neutral ... you know --disengaged.  So, I say, "May the best team win!"

( Go Utes!!  You're the BEST!!! )

The Giving Thing

OK, I wrote about THANKS, as in Thanksgiving.  Now it's the day before ...
(I can hardly wait -- the antithesis of fast food.)  But wait -- retailers are all saying it's two days before ...;  (millions can hardly wait for … you know what.)  This is all about the GIVING part, the official “start” of Christmas shopping, though we are halfway to the "deadline" already.

This year I like to think of Black Friday -- (Googled) “About 355,000,000 results (0.18 seconds)” -- as a social, fun preparation for giving, in the spirit of Christmas, as retailers give great discounts and shoppers have family & friends in mind.  However, I will not be participating.  I prefer to be “far from the madding crowd” (which my 1 follower will recognize as an allusion to Hardy’s 1874 novel by that name.)  I now consider it a spectator sport to be enjoyed from the comfort of our cozy home, as I watch CNBC news on our old “big-screen” TV.  This Friday really is critical for our national economy, so I cheer them on!

May you relax and enjoy the next two big days, “as you like it” (yes, we recall William’s play).  And be generous to my helper, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, who rightfully reminds us all of this season of giving.

Glimpse of Gratitude

“Happy New Year!” is how I started my gratitude journal at “3:45 PM 1/1/2009 [F5 key on MS Notepad] Thurs. cc252” (a place familiar to the few people who might read this.)  I had determined to “start and keep a ‘gratitude journal’ this year.”  Introducing my work of brief daily notes, “My daily gratitude is [foremost] to my Father in Heaven.”

Now as we approach Thanksgiving, I share a few notes to remind myself of daily miracles, and possibly help others see what is really happening around us, in spite of the constant “noise and clutter” of the world.

“10:57 PM 1/4/2009 Sun.  I'm especially thankful today for our daughter … on her … birthday.  [She] is spiritual, lovely, talented, caring, fun & humorous.” [and very good looking!]

“3/17/2009 6pm [flashback:] 12/22/08 10:27a "I-15 N.Ogden and north: huge snow. Big rig just slid off [doing a 180] at Willard bend!  right in front of me!  It was a miracle I wasn't hit!”

“8:28 PM 3/18/2009 Wed. I was cut off and nearly hit by careless drivers twice today, once by big SUV on way to work …, another on I-15 by a car.   Thank God for someone up there watching out for me.  And what a beautiful day it was!”

“11:23 PM 4/19/2009 Sun. [a birthday]  [My wife] and I are so grateful for our "baby" daughter!”  [a beautiful woman making extraordinary contributions to the world around her.]

“1:26 PM 5/10/2009 Sun. --Mothers Day.  Today I am most grateful for my angel mother, a shining light in my life, growing brighter each year.  I feel she is close; and although she is very involved doing the Lord's work on the other side, she's not too busy to influence my life for good.  I am also so thankful for [my wife], the wonderful mother of our five children; and for her mother, another great light in my life.”

“9:45 PM 9/23/2009 Tues.  I'm thankful for having had my job for 2-1/2 yrs, and for all the wonderful people I've been privileged to serve.”  [And a super boss!  I will be forever grateful for Arthur;  his hiring me was a miracle.]

“Sat. [after Thanksgiving Day 2009]  A family walk at GSL Shorelands Preserve [on the boardwalk] was wonderful --just what we needed.  Watched [with grandchildren] "The First Thanksgiving" animated video from Living Scriptures; grateful for the Pilgrims' sacrifices and faith.”

T.G.I.F.

Having read my “Acronym, Initialism, Abbrev.” posted on October 26, 2010, you will instantly recognize TGIF as an … (you got it!)

ini·tial·ism / noun /

"an acronym or abbreviation formed from initial letters, specif., one pronounced using the letters' names rather than phonetically (Ex.: CD, DNA, ...)" 
-- YourDictionary.com

Disclaimer:  This is not a promotion for the restaurant, where it's sure delight at the red-and-white, and you can “stretch your taste buds’ limits ...”

Since 1971, TGIF for me has been "Thank Goodness It's Forever."  That's how I feel about my young bride (a few years younger than I, anyway).

At Thanksgiving time, for many it's "Thank Goodness It's Food!"  But the key operative word is THANK, and the word Goodness was originally God, the ultimate source of goodness and life.

May this season provide food for feelings of gratitude; and Thank God It’s Family.

Answers to “Name That …”

On Saturday, November 6, 2010, I posted these 10 “examples of what you can put together yourself, according to your group’s interests.  They come from TV, radio, newspaper, magazines, and movies …”

"It's 4pm ... Do you know where your money is?" –Maria

"The Portwenn Effect"

"great music — sound ideas"

Rome temple

"When in Rome"

"Prepare for the Blessings"

The Last Great Places

"That's logistics ... a continuous link that is always in sync ..." (UPS)

The 3-D Evangelist (Jeff K.)

"We ride!" --Lucky D.; "We fight!" --Ned N.; "We love!" --Dusty B.;

(always together ... forever!)

Here are the ANSWERS, intentionally out of order, to provide a little further challenge to the reader.  Match them with the examples above.  It’s super easy, like fast food for the mind.

"... an ambitious female New Yorker who throws a magic coin into a fountain ..." --touchstone.movies.go.com/wheninrome

[This is all too easy –sorry!]  thenewlogistics.ups.com

¡Three Amigos! (1986) – “unemployed actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village ...” --imdb.com/title/tt0092086

[Our] “mission is to enrich the lives of radio listeners” -- Classical89.org

Ensign, Oct 2010, pg 41, article by Russell M. Nelson --lds.org

"DreamWorks' Jeffrey Katzenberg fires back" --Forbes.com (11/8/10 issue)

To start “the Closing Bell program on CNBC ..., anchor Maria Bartiromo always says …”  --Wikipedia

Church News 10/30/10 cover;  to be completed in 2013

“The Nature Conservancy protects Earth's most important natural places”

-- Nature.org

“Doc Martin. Season 1 : Ep. 4 …” -- Hulu.com;  “... fictional” – Wikipedia

Sing for Food

Listening to the youth choir CD, "Libera in Concert" (5/30/07 in the Netherlands), I feel moved to write.

Last Sunday, as Halloween was over, we started practicing Christmas music in our local church choir.  I was amazed how fast everyone got into the holiday spirit by singing those traditional songs.  The music helped prepare my heart for teaching that afternoon.  I felt wonder that day, at the love Jesus offers us.

This morning as we got ready for choir practice when we'd rather sleep late, I pondered on what prompted me to get into choir over a year ago.  When I was about 15 years old, my caring father started taking me to church choir practice with him, and it wasn't too bad.  Soon after, on Feb. 3, 1965, I received through a distant relative, a special admonition to share my talents.  Of course, most young people hear that from parents and others.  Maybe a reason I responded as a 15-year-old was to have use of the car when I turned 16.  It turned out to be a preparation for East High choir, which I enjoyed as a junior and senior;  (I loved performing sacred music in church meetings and on other occasions with my new friends.) 

Now I recall a big reason I joined the choir last year was food!  The director held practices in her home near ours, and always served heavenly refreshments afterward.  I confess that the food really got me going!  So take note, choir recruiters and directors:  fast food to go!  Then watch your numbers grow, especially if parents planted seeds at an early age.

Five Forever Favorites

Here I focus on five favorites I feel stuck on for life --five you won't find in my profile.  (Specifically, I thought of products in the marketplace:)

1. Chocolate (my favorite fast food!)

2. Cheddar cheese sandwich crackers (Keebler, etc.) (lunch on the go)

3. Notepad, a Microsoft Accessory (lean & fast on any PC)

4. Dockers loose-fitting, lightweight slacks (from DI and JC Penney)

5. New Balance walking shoes (sturdy, lightweight)

I could go on and on with this list, but then it wouldn't be a fast read for such trivia.

Why do I get philosophical about such mundane things?  They are not of great importance to me.  Simply put, they serve to simplify and stabilize my life.  It’s my comfort zone; (especially chocolate, which I must add to my Favorite Movies list no one looks at.)

Full disclosure:  I am not being paid by any manufacturer/producer; nor do I, or anyone in my family (that I’m aware of), own stock in said companies.  (What a comfort to get that out in the open!)

How fast can you list five of YOUR forever favorites?

Post-Halloween Post

I almost forgot:  a couple of Halloween memories are begging to be shared.

0ur new neighbors, the Jones Family (for real), clearly love Halloween, the second most favorite holiday in this country.  The front of their house was all in the holiday spirit –creative and fun.  My favorite headstone in their front-yard cemetery, next to “GONE FISHIN’”, had the epitaph, "I'LL BE BACK".  It first reminded me of a scary movie character, then more thoughtfully, of "the greatest story ever told".  I wouldn't even try to keep up with that family at Halloween --just enjoy the show.

The big hit with kids at our house was the old wooden black cat with a long dowel for a tail.  Onto the tail, Grandma stacked chocolate-striped cookies with a hole in the middle.  The grandchildren loved pulling them off more than they did eating them (as evidenced by leftovers I saw in the garbage afterward.)  One 4-year-old would have taken them all to eat as the main course if his mother hadn't restrained him.  If you ever see one of those cool cats at the DI, grab it!

Now that #2 is over, I’m thinking about MY favorite holidays, and favorite works of Christmas music.  Speaking of fast food, I may share my feelings about the rush to clean up in the middle of my Thanksgiving dinner.  It’s OK --I understand; and I guard my plate.

Name That …

Several years ago, my wife and I put on a party in our senior community; (we were the "youngsters" living there.)  The activity we created that everyone loved was "Name That Movie" (clips of old classics, of course).  The social room with a kitchen and big-screen TV was perfect for this. It was like what we did decades earlier with young couples for Valentines in East Mill Creek; (you guessed it –lots of romantic movies.)

The idea came from the old “Name That Tune”  --“a television game show that put two contestants against each other to test their knowledge of songs. Premiering in the United States on NBC Radio in 1952,  …”  --Wikipedia.

The following are examples of what you can put together yourself, according to your own group’s interests.  They come from TV, radio, newspaper, magazines, and movies –to search and learn/verify the source, or medium.   Try it with a friend and see who can guess first, before relying on the Internet, or who can search the fastest, right out of the gate.

"It's 4pm ... Do you know where your money is?" –Maria

"The Portwenn Effect"

"great music — sound ideas"

Rome temple

"When in Rome"

"Prepare for the Blessings"

The Last Great Places

"That's logistics ... a continuous link that is always in sync ..." (UPS)

The 3-D Evangelist (Jeff K.)

"We ride!" --Lucky D.; "We fight!" --Ned N.; "We love!" --Dusty B.;

(always together ... forever!)

I hope you searched and found a few.  It’s fast, and food for fun.

Do Drivers Hear / ESP?

My New Year's resolution for 2008 was, while driving, to stop commenting about other drivers on the road, like they could hear me or use ESP.  My wife encouraged the change.  Yes, I had the common habit of verbalizing negative thoughts about Utah and Idaho drivers who were obviously not as skillful, attentive, and courteous as I was (60% of the time), especially as a medical courier.  Knowing how careful I've been since Driver's Ed. at East High School (OK, not always), some behavior I see, especially on freeways, is unconscionable.  (I finally got to use that word heard every election time --just try to pronounce it!  And let's hope that most voters make/made the correct choices this day!)

My reactions in a variety of irritating situations:

"Are you out of your mind?"   "You idiot!" [Sorry about the harsh language.]   “Get off my tail!”  "I wish you would please look more carefully before changing lanes!" [jk]   “You can GO now!” [I said that a lot, trying my best to be patient.]

As you may imagine, my life after rage was mellow, even as my keen observations continued, limited to non-verbal, “deserved” criticism (including big-rig drivers, believe it or not).  Seriously --it made a big difference in my life, for which I will always be grateful.  I just wish I could see drivers getting better, kinder and gentler, instead of the opposite.

Travelog:  Our road trip to PA and NY last June (to visit our daughter and family) was delightful, especially with the more relaxed Midwestern drivers.  Maybe somehow they could hear me or use ESP.  And the Kansas Whiskey Creek baby back ribs beat any fast food we ate on the whole trip!

May you enjoy the scenery along the way.

Have a Haunted House?

Some things from the past that I find around home are haunting me, occasionally raising their ugly heads until buried again.  As a collector of interesting things, I write this one about hoarding and OCH (an OCD).
My close friend Phil's advice is:  "Ask yourself, 'What good will this do for someone if I keep it?'"  It's tough deciding, I know from experience.
 
Phil is convinced that scanning (for digital storage) and discarding papers is a no-brainer solution.  Although that can be very time-consuming and requires plenty of digital storage space, I simply started the process as I found papers that I once considered to be lifetime keepers.  My 500-GB external drive was amazingly inexpensive, and the image file sizes are much smaller than I expected.

Somewhere I read about the photo solution --taking pictures of keepsakes and "valuables" before discarding or giving away.  I started that process when we moved to a new home last year, finally closing out our storage unit; (what a trap!)  By the way, shoot your valuables (computer, TV, Wii, antiques, silver, gold) for inventory and insurance purposes.  One baby-step at a time works fine; (remember Bob!)

I confess to being a collector, maybe OCH, pointing out examples of "why you should never throw anything away" (a standing joke); but now I'm on the sure path to recovery.  It feels great, and helps prepare for the holidays and guests!

Starting takes only minutes, and you will quickly earn a reward, a fast-food treat (remember: energy food; or think of Bob's ecstasy at the dinner table!)

Acronym, Initialism, Abbrev.

With a title like that, I'm likely the only one reading this serious stuff  --no kidding.  This is more complicated than I first thot, and I'm challenged to be brief while satisfyg my hungr & thirst for knowledge.  (O boy.)  Looks like this will take more than 1 LFF post to properly addr. the subject.  Being in the lang. business, I'm intrigued.  (Anyone still w/me?)

I'm on a short lunch brk in my ofc, so I will rely on what seems to be a good source: YourDictionary.com  It just taught me re. initialism (I didn’t know that), and acronym and abbrev. 

ini·tial·ism / noun /

"an acronym or abbreviation formed from initial letters, specif., one pronounced using the letters' names rather than phonetically (Ex.: CD, DNA, ...)"

YourDictionary explains: “When you shorten a word or phrase, you make an abbreviation. For example, these are abbreviations: NV for Nevada, tsp. for teaspoon, … NBC for the National Broadcasting Company, and radar for radio detecting and ranging.  Taking the first letter of the main words in a phrase makes an initialism.  Examples are: PIN for Personal Identification Number, ... and UPC for Universal Product Code.”

[As anyone smart enough to read blogs can plainly see, the phrases "PIN number" and "UPC code" have a problem with redundancy, which often bothers me.  (I may be the only one losing sleep over redundancy.)  It's like defeating the purpose of abbrev.! (jk)  (And you're s'posed to be LOL.)]

YourDictionary further explains: “Acronyms are both abbreviations and initialisms. They are a very special kind of initialism, because they form a word. Here are the definitions of some of them:  scuba for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, … and OPEC for Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.” 

“To sum up, initialisms and acronyms are abbreviations …”

Watch for the exciting (jk) sequel titled "Backronyms"

(acronyms built restrospectively to match a word). 

Sneak-prevw examples from YD:

DOG:  Dutifully On Guard

ITALY:  I Trust And Love You

Yes, I do, and hope you enjoyed a fast lunch brk as much as I did.

A Few Choice Words

I'm wondering ...

Did you ever wish you had come up with a few choice words when you ran into someone ... or something?

I know that Jesus often did when performing miracles, such as:

"Stretch forth thine hand."  (Matthew 12:13)

"Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole."  (Mark 5:34)

"Lazarus, come forth."  (John 11:43)

“Peace, be still.”  (Mark 4:39)

This may be a good day to share a few choice words with a friend

--maybe yourself --your journal --the world!  Your choice.

May you find peace.

Fast Food, Coupon Drive

In defense of "fast food", I say it has possibly contributed more to individual and corporate productivity (think energy food), and saved more people from starvation than anything else.  (Not really.)  It has also been the subject of more office planning (early morning, that is) than any other key activity of the business day.  I know this from experience in dozens of offices where I worked.  Tag: "What's for lunch??"

When my wife and I had young children to feed, we had a favorite activity and fun family tradition called the "coupon drive".  We collected fast-food coupons, then drove around town ordering, dividing, and eating one or two of a single item at each drive-thru.  The workers often felt sorry for us buying so little to feed the six or seven of us.  After about eight stops, we were stuffed!  This enduring tradition would not be possible without fast food.  Our youngest actually wrote a report on it for school (using fast-food language, of course).  Since then, the words "coupon drive" always bring back fond memories.  I can hardly wait for the next one!

May you enjoy the drive, however you do it.

And a little healthy fast food.

Words

I have enjoyed reading blogs this year, after a late start in the game.  (Blog: a word that is missing from my 1998 Merriam-Webster Dictionary.)  I often wish there were more time for reading, as my life may be short.  Who knows?

Sensing that many other readers are pressed for time, or may not be intensely interested in my shared journal, I decided to blog with "language fast food".  Words can get in the way of human progress, as well as inspire great achievement. 

Don't miss this Friday:  Fast Food and The Coupon Drive

Thank you for your interest.

Wishing you success and happiness,

and a little healthy fast food.