Hi again from the Bastion on the Puget Sound. . Well, sometimes the American public appears a little more uptight than at some other times. Just a show of hands, how many of you took a vacation abroad over the last couple of years? Yes, across the Irish Sea, the Channel and adjacent national boundaries count.
Okay, now, who paid for the trip? Who did you take with you and what was the size of your entourage? If you didn’t go with your significant other, what was the deal on that? Was it a friendly country? When you planned your trip, did you consider the impact it might have on your neighbors and community?
Aren’t these questions just a LITTLE annoying?
You know too many Americans have way too much time on their hands when they criticize their national First Lady for going on holiday abroad when there are so many of their countrymen who couldn’t afford a vacation on the other side of the street. And once they fastened on that one like a hungry hound with a ham hock, they find a few other reasons to object.
A little perspective definitely begs here. As deplorable as the jobless rate in America is, there are still about nine people working for every one who is not. Even though elective spending is down, Americans still go across oceans on vacation and in so doing, support an industry which employs hundreds, if not thousands, of their fellow citizens and certainly others at the point of destination.
Michelle Obama is also an international figure and as such, is expected to show up on foreign shores, as it were. She’s an intelligent, graceful, thoroughly ingenuous ambassador whom others seem to like even when they’re not high on Uncle Sam and His Eagle or even her husband.
She’s a nice lady and she’s good for the national image. I wonder how much ‘chill pills’ are going for and whether they can be surreptitiously slipped into the drinking water. I checked with a physician friend of mine and she quoted me a price for removing a broom handle from a certain part of the human anatomy.
It’s not as much as you think so if you know of anyone who could use the procedure, email me and I’ll pass it along to Doctor Sindy.
Okay, now, who paid for the trip? Who did you take with you and what was the size of your entourage? If you didn’t go with your significant other, what was the deal on that? Was it a friendly country? When you planned your trip, did you consider the impact it might have on your neighbors and community?
Aren’t these questions just a LITTLE annoying?
You know too many Americans have way too much time on their hands when they criticize their national First Lady for going on holiday abroad when there are so many of their countrymen who couldn’t afford a vacation on the other side of the street. And once they fastened on that one like a hungry hound with a ham hock, they find a few other reasons to object.
A little perspective definitely begs here. As deplorable as the jobless rate in America is, there are still about nine people working for every one who is not. Even though elective spending is down, Americans still go across oceans on vacation and in so doing, support an industry which employs hundreds, if not thousands, of their fellow citizens and certainly others at the point of destination.
Michelle Obama is also an international figure and as such, is expected to show up on foreign shores, as it were. She’s an intelligent, graceful, thoroughly ingenuous ambassador whom others seem to like even when they’re not high on Uncle Sam and His Eagle or even her husband.
She’s a nice lady and she’s good for the national image. I wonder how much ‘chill pills’ are going for and whether they can be surreptitiously slipped into the drinking water. I checked with a physician friend of mine and she quoted me a price for removing a broom handle from a certain part of the human anatomy.
It’s not as much as you think so if you know of anyone who could use the procedure, email me and I’ll pass it along to Doctor Sindy.
IN OTHER NEWS
I can remember when Made In China was NOT the best reason in the world to buy something. If it wasn’t before, it’s time to chuck that mentality because according to recently released government figures, China just overtook Japan as the planet’s second largest economy. She hasn’t passed the United States yet but astute forecasters are predicting her dominance of the global marketplace by 2030. Yep, for more.
As a reminder that America is not the only one taking it in the knickers economically, as it were, it looks like things are quiet so merry in Merry Olde England these days. That island nation’s government is implementing an austerity program many have not seen since the Second World War. We’re watching this one to see how the “average” Briton adjusts. They are a remarkably resilient people and much of America’s oft-touted “Yankee ingenuity” comes from an English gene pool.
And for anybody on the entire planet idiotic enough to still believe that it rains all the time in the Pacific Northwest/Seattle, we are into the third day of a heat wave which is expected to break tomorrow. And since this is a high pressure zone situation, what limited air pollution we do produce doesn’t go anywhere so we’ve also got air quality advisories out and people are being urged to get all their errands and exercise done before the sun really comes out. For more on this, please go here.
I can remember when Made In China was NOT the best reason in the world to buy something. If it wasn’t before, it’s time to chuck that mentality because according to recently released government figures, China just overtook Japan as the planet’s second largest economy. She hasn’t passed the United States yet but astute forecasters are predicting her dominance of the global marketplace by 2030. Yep, for more.
As a reminder that America is not the only one taking it in the knickers economically, as it were, it looks like things are quiet so merry in Merry Olde England these days. That island nation’s government is implementing an austerity program many have not seen since the Second World War. We’re watching this one to see how the “average” Briton adjusts. They are a remarkably resilient people and much of America’s oft-touted “Yankee ingenuity” comes from an English gene pool.
And for anybody on the entire planet idiotic enough to still believe that it rains all the time in the Pacific Northwest/Seattle, we are into the third day of a heat wave which is expected to break tomorrow. And since this is a high pressure zone situation, what limited air pollution we do produce doesn’t go anywhere so we’ve also got air quality advisories out and people are being urged to get all their errands and exercise done before the sun really comes out. For more on this, please go here.
CROSSING OVER
It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to American stage, screen and television actress Patricia Neal. She made her Broadway debut at the age of 21 in Lillian Hellman’s “Another Part of the Forest.” Her performance won her a Tony and the cover of LIFE magazine. From there, it was on to Hollywood and Warner Brothers where she starred with future California governor Ronald Reagan in the comedy “John Loves Mary”. By the end of the 1950s, she was among the film industry’s top grossing actresses and the mother of five children. Struck down by several strokes which left her partially paralyzed, unable to speak and short of memory, she determined to resume her career and made a comeback that to this day is still talked about in the former “tinsel town.” Ms. Neal, a native of Kentucky, died at her home in Martha’s Vineyard a week ago today. She was 84. For more and a fine tribute to this extraordinary woman and entertain, pleas go here.
SURVIVING HARD TIMES
Musician and wood carver Kurt Bowman, taking a break beside the walking sticks and canes he makes and sells. Photo by Rusty MillerFor over two years now, we’ve been giving you advice on how to survive hard times. This weekend ~ on what turned out to be the hottest three days of the year ~ we decided to see if something that is actually a lot of fun to do and can be extremely creative could also make money. The several of us who went in on this were ~ before the Recession ~ collectors of tasteful kitsch, which my wife, God Rest Her Soul, called “junk with a Boston accent”.
All of us have had experience organizing things like this for the PTA, the Scouts, the Girl Guides and the Daughters of the Confederacy. And since we are patrons of garage sales, we’re well versed in the do’s and don’ts such as, “Don’t sell a box of crayons with the unpopular colors missing.” The reason they’re missing is because kids love hues and tones that would gag a goat so either replace them or don’t sell it at all.
We also made sure everything worked and ran an extension cord outside so shoppers could test the electrical stuff for themselves. Everything we put out was also clean, in good repair and the price clearly marked. We have an impressive inventory, some of which is destined for local art and antique stores by way email ~ but most of which we priced for a counter offer of half but we did hold the line on several items just in the off chance that another collector would show up. Smart move because that did, in fact, happen.
We’re well situated for a sale like this because we live within three blocks of a university, half of whose 45,000 students live within a square mile of campus, along with staff and the other businesses and enterprises which traditionally support an academic community. We’ve had time to study the demographics, to pool our collective knowledge of pricing and even before that in the repair and refurbishing of stock.
How successful have we been so far? Our success has been modest but what is significant is that a number of people spent some extra time in the hot sun hanging out with us, shopping, talking and drinking the iced herbal tea we put out. Since all of us are artists or self-employed professionals who are doing this for extra money, it was also an opportunity for some networking.
We’ve decided to keep a couple of tables out during the week as well. We’ve just located a big garage of super kitsch we can have for the hauling so I imagine we’ll be busy for awhile. We’ll keep you posted and yep, this is probably one thing you could try at home. With parental supervision.
All of us have had experience organizing things like this for the PTA, the Scouts, the Girl Guides and the Daughters of the Confederacy. And since we are patrons of garage sales, we’re well versed in the do’s and don’ts such as, “Don’t sell a box of crayons with the unpopular colors missing.” The reason they’re missing is because kids love hues and tones that would gag a goat so either replace them or don’t sell it at all.
We also made sure everything worked and ran an extension cord outside so shoppers could test the electrical stuff for themselves. Everything we put out was also clean, in good repair and the price clearly marked. We have an impressive inventory, some of which is destined for local art and antique stores by way email ~ but most of which we priced for a counter offer of half but we did hold the line on several items just in the off chance that another collector would show up. Smart move because that did, in fact, happen.
We’re well situated for a sale like this because we live within three blocks of a university, half of whose 45,000 students live within a square mile of campus, along with staff and the other businesses and enterprises which traditionally support an academic community. We’ve had time to study the demographics, to pool our collective knowledge of pricing and even before that in the repair and refurbishing of stock.
How successful have we been so far? Our success has been modest but what is significant is that a number of people spent some extra time in the hot sun hanging out with us, shopping, talking and drinking the iced herbal tea we put out. Since all of us are artists or self-employed professionals who are doing this for extra money, it was also an opportunity for some networking.
We’ve decided to keep a couple of tables out during the week as well. We’ve just located a big garage of super kitsch we can have for the hauling so I imagine we’ll be busy for awhile. We’ll keep you posted and yep, this is probably one thing you could try at home. With parental supervision.
ON THE CANCER FRONT
The genetic susceptibility to ovarian cancer can now be predicted with much greater certainty, thanks to the work of a team of Yale researchers whose report was published last month in the journal Cancer Research. They’ve discovered what’s called a genetic marker which was evident in the DNA of 61 percent of the ovarian cancer patients studied. I found this very interesting and when I checked out the journal in which this research was published an even richer lode of information about one of the most silent and deadly killers of women on the face of this planet. Yep, go here.
In what has to be one of the most stunning developments since Mr. Smith went to Washington, DC, all insurance companies in Oregon are now required to cover the costs of cancer treatment. It’s the work of a quiet crusader named Heather Kirk. And she’s crossed the Columbia River into “the other Washington” now, where she is making her presence felt among legislators in Olympia. Seattle NBC affiliate KING 5’s Tonya Mosley reports.
RESOURCES AND RELATED LINKS:
Cancer Research Journal
National Cancer Institute (American)
Fighting Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Survivor Stories
Science Daily: Health & Medicine News
American Cancer Statistics 2009
Canadian Cancer Statistics 2009
In what has to be one of the most stunning developments since Mr. Smith went to Washington, DC, all insurance companies in Oregon are now required to cover the costs of cancer treatment. It’s the work of a quiet crusader named Heather Kirk. And she’s crossed the Columbia River into “the other Washington” now, where she is making her presence felt among legislators in Olympia. Seattle NBC affiliate KING 5’s Tonya Mosley reports.
RESOURCES AND RELATED LINKS:
Cancer Research Journal
National Cancer Institute (American)
Fighting Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Survivor Stories
Science Daily: Health & Medicine News
American Cancer Statistics 2009
Canadian Cancer Statistics 2009
As the Baby Boom generation moves into senior citizenhood, it’s not surprising that more attention should be paid to such diseases of aging as Alzheimer’s. We’re pleased then to report that a massive project to gather all that could be known about this one is yielding information which is not only making it easier to diagnose early but which promises dramatic results in the treatment of it as well. The project, as an organizational prototype, is also being used now on another scourge of the elderly, Parkinson’s Disease. For more, please go here.
I should have known this but when somebody tells me straight out that the sandwich I’m eating could either preserve me for a long time in my salt and pepper state or age me even faster than an interesting life has thus far, I tend to wonder what they’re smoking and wonder how much it goes for. This one came from a colleague, however, which is what makes the difference between an informed opinion and noise pollution. Yep, check it out here.
SEATTLE SCENES
Tell me again how many (University of Washington) Huskies does it take to carry a box springs home? Photo by Rusty MillerFor those of you planning to visit Seattle this month and plan to visit the Space Needle, there’s a free concert series going on there too. What some people who fly in for business or a convention do is have their hotel fix them a picnic lunch, then ask the concierge which bus goes to the Seattle Center/Space Needle and for a schedule, and then combine fine dining and a stellar view with some deli sandwiches, a grassy knoll and some outstanding sounds. Yep,check it out here.
If you’re visiting Seattle and would like to have a rather atypical experience, you might want to consider packing a lunch, leaving your hotel and grabbing a Metro bus for a short ride across the Ship Canal to the neighborhood of Fremont and a walking tour which includes mini-parks, some extremely interesting statues and vistas of two lakes, a towering dormant volcano and two mountain ranges that are simply not to be believed. For details, please go here
If you’re wondering why so many of us here are so passionate about the Pacific Northwest and the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, check out this slideshow of Mount Rainier taken recently and yes, on a sunny day.
SUMMER GUIDE: Let us steer you to the best beaches, festivals and fun.
SEATTLE FACTS AND FIGURES
Seattle Rainfall in Comparison To Other US Cities
Seattle Geography & Climate
For more information about Seattle
For live cameras on Seattle, the Puget Sound and Washington State
CRITTER STUFF
With the unseasonably warm temperatures we’re experiencing, our local furry neighbors are staying away from streets, sidewalks and driveways so this week’s news comes from a bit beyond the shores of the Salish Sea. Apparently animals.about.com conducted an online poll to come up with the ten cutest young mammals. We agreed with most of the choices and the photographs are absolutely darling. The site itself is also a fun and interactive presentation about other living creatures on the planet. Good coffee break stuff and an outstanding experience to share with your kids and/or grandkids. Yep, go here.
YOU GUYS THINK I MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Okay, this was a little weird. Some Japanese researchers have found a way to make nature’s most talented thieves even smarter. In their native New Zealand, the kea parrot is legendary for its feats of rip off. We understand there’s an entire industry devoted to protecting property and other possessions from feathered and feckless Robin Hoods who can also impersonate human beings, other animals and sound effects. And this is a creature they want to make better at doing that stuff? Go here for the story and if you can find any logic in this, get back to us, eh?
SUMMER GUIDE: Let us steer you to the best beaches, festivals and fun.
SEATTLE FACTS AND FIGURES
Seattle Rainfall in Comparison To Other US Cities
Seattle Geography & Climate
For more information about Seattle
For live cameras on Seattle, the Puget Sound and Washington State
CRITTER STUFF
With the unseasonably warm temperatures we’re experiencing, our local furry neighbors are staying away from streets, sidewalks and driveways so this week’s news comes from a bit beyond the shores of the Salish Sea. Apparently animals.about.com conducted an online poll to come up with the ten cutest young mammals. We agreed with most of the choices and the photographs are absolutely darling. The site itself is also a fun and interactive presentation about other living creatures on the planet. Good coffee break stuff and an outstanding experience to share with your kids and/or grandkids. Yep, go here.Recommended Related Links:
Go Northwest: Northwest Wildlife Websites
BBC’s wildlife finder
National Geographic Daily News - Animals
Retrieverman’s Weblog: Engaging articles on domestic & wildlife in the American South
Go Northwest: Northwest Wildlife Websites
BBC’s wildlife finder
National Geographic Daily News - Animals
Retrieverman’s Weblog: Engaging articles on domestic & wildlife in the American South
YOU GUYS THINK I MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Okay, this was a little weird. Some Japanese researchers have found a way to make nature’s most talented thieves even smarter. In their native New Zealand, the kea parrot is legendary for its feats of rip off. We understand there’s an entire industry devoted to protecting property and other possessions from feathered and feckless Robin Hoods who can also impersonate human beings, other animals and sound effects. And this is a creature they want to make better at doing that stuff? Go here for the story and if you can find any logic in this, get back to us, eh?
Well, that’s it for now. Thanks for the ear. Before you leave, if you’re in a shopping mood and into some interesting choices? We’ve got a “reader stocked” General Store that you might want to check out. If you’d like to sell something with us or know someone who does, email us at minstrel312@aol.com and we’ll see what we can do.
The Northstar Journal is not for profit and funded, in part, by contributions from readers like yourself. To contribute, please go here and our sincerest thanks.
Rusty
The Northstar Journal is not for profit and funded, in part, by contributions from readers like yourself. To contribute, please go here and our sincerest thanks.Rusty
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