ORDINARY DAY

I've been lackadaisical about posting here and visiting other bloggers as you may note.  Had a few matters to take care of, but must confess to just being lethargic toward blogging -- though I've thought of a never-ending number of topics about which I could easily have written with all that's transpiring in the world politically and otherwise.

Today seemed like an ordinary day when I awoke after another good nights sleep.   Disappointingly I didn't recall having a dream, or one I remembered, but I figured  there would be other nights with dreams to ponder the following morning.   Preparing my oatmeal breakfast for microwaving  I was quite pleased with myself that I hadn't let my mind wander as I did  a couple of times weeks earlier with startling consequences. 

I still laugh with chagrin  when I think about those mornings when I was mentally preoccupied so I unscrewed and removed the cinnamon bottle's cap instead of lifting the lid designed to restrict any amount poured out.  I had tipped that bottle over allowing a quarter or more of the contents to spill out instead of the desired light sprinkle in my fat-free milk filled cereal bowl covered with uncooked oatmeal, and now lots and lots of cinnamon.    Once cooked, the cereal became unusual tasting hot oatmeal that I covered also with bran, fresh banana slices,  red raspberries and blueberries.  Hopefully it was nutritionally good for me.  

Today's fare was more normal and  I combined my eating with other activities.    I addressed a couple of birthday cards with mailing to be timed for specific arrival dates  -- one staying in the Southern California area and the other going further west to the Hawaiian Islands.     I could send digitally generated cards but both recipients, quite computer literate, are more appreciative of these paper cards  to hold in their hands that also bear the senders handwriting, plus they visit their email accounts very inconsistently.  The one greeting is a surprise card shower orchestrated by the Portland, Oregon daughter on her mom's 70th birthday.   The daughter tried to write or email everyone her mother ever knew and asked them to contact any others who knew her Mom to send a card, phone or an e-card. 

The daughter had done the same thing last year for her Dad's birthday and he was absolutely astounded at all the friends who made contact.    I promised in my card to her Mom to definitely arrange to keep our annual meet next Spring -- half-way between her home and mine at a restaurant we found several years ago.  (Hope they're still in business.)  I've been lax in coordinating with her so we missed the past couple of years.    I know how much to treasure friends since so many of my younger and older ones have died.   In my defense she has more children, grandchildren to visit, plus annually she meets girl friends in Europe with whom she hikes.  

Writing of girl friends, I'm reminded another friend recently sent me an email noting the content described our mutual interest in brain and neurological functions with the conclusions confirming  what we knew to be true years ago from our own mutual interactions and experience.    I don't know the writer, or original source of the emailed story that I've re-printed here,  but think many of us have likely encountered this information elsewhere that her friend sent her.  

"In an evening class at Stanford the last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends. At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically this quality “girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well-being. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very GOOD for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged — not true. In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!

So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo, let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it's very good for our health.

Stay in touch with your girlfriends.  Maybe even forward this to them.   Thanks
to all the girls in my life who have helped me stay healthy, happy, and feeling very loved. "
My day continued with my writing a check to help with U.S. government expenditures, since seems I erroneously figured my income tax and owe them a few dollars more  including, literally, a few cents in interest.  I can't seem to compute my taxes correctly, (and they're not that complicated) 'cause one other year they sent me a refund I hadn't expected.  Our government is going to need a lot more money than I'll ever see since I heard on today's news our national debt is over a trillion dollars.  

Checks and cards written, I dutifully headed to my local post office, then stopped at a nearby department store, but disappointingly they didn't have what I wanted.   The clerk said, "Maybe this fall."   Before I had left home I had turned on the TV during my activities, but when I turned it off prior to going to my local postal office I noticed a strange video problem that would not correct.  I turned the set off deciding to check again when I returned.  Maybe a rest period would allow the TV to self-correct.

I stopped to purchase a fish sandwich on the way home but even this additional time had not provided healing time for my TV I noted when I still couldn't get a picture.    But I was at least pleased the fish sandwich was actually a fish sandwich, since in recent weeks I purchased fish on two other occasions only to discover once I actually  received a chicken sandwich and the last time was some sort of beef sandwich.   I ate the chicken on that first occasion, but the last time I was really angry and took the burger back.    Both times when I originally ordered in the middle of the day, the place wasn't even busy -- with no customers inside and none in the drive thru.   I've decided the moral to that story is, service is better if a business is busy.  Staff must get really lazy, careless and nonchalant when they have only one customer, one order to prepare.

But, about my TV -- no TV picture was the moment of truth.  I had to accept the fact the TV was definitely malfunctioning and I just wasn't sure where the glitch was.    What that meant was  I would not be viewing the Olympics opening ceremonies ..... unless ..... yes! .....I'll bet  I can view Olympic streaming video on the Internet!     I successfully viewed streaming video before and wrote here about it when Ronni Bennett spoke at a Washington State tech convention several years ago.  I again viewed streaming video and wrote about a Florida AARP convention event a few years later that a couple of  Elderbloggers attended.  So, I was ready.

Not so fast ..... I was disappointed to discover that those of us who choose to receive our  Olympic television signals via that simple technology called an antenna are discriminated against by NBC on the Internet.  The TV station with which I was associated years ago was one of NBC;s major network affiliates.   How could they abandon me???  The best of those Olympic opening ceremonies I could view were delayed excerpts of a few one minute or so long videos.    For example, I saw the current James Bond actor meet Queen Elizabeth and walk down the steps with the Corgis, had a glimpse of helicopter rotorblades -- but then as Porky Pig would say, "That's all folks!" 

I resorted to listening to an audio news account on that old-fashioned tech medium called a radio.   The news reporter who had viewed the actual event reported that Great Britain's elder Queen Elizabeth skydived with the Bond character out of the helicopter into the Olympic arena.  Now that would have been a sight to behold, even if it was actually stuntmen. 

Furthermore, when I discovered -- before the opening ceremonies -- this viewing complication for me -- I went to NBCOlympics.com contact page to inquire whether there was a way this antenna TV viewer might access that live coverage.  I dutifully typed the requested information with my question, but was unable to send the message because.....they must have had a CAPTCHA system since they told me to enter the numbers in the picture above, but there was no picture above, much less any numbers.  They said if I couldn't see the numbers to click on the picture (that wasn't there,) so I clicked on the space where it all should have been, but to no avail.  Maybe my eyes are going.

Tomorrow (today when this publishes) I'll try a couple things with the TV -- maybe install a new converter box I have, if it's not too complicated, (my son easily installed the first one) and see if that brings back my TV picture.  Otherwise, guess I'll have to acquiesce to purchasing a new TV and subscribing to .... yuk! ....cable (pricing pkg better for me than satellite.)    Or, I could try life with my all news radio station, newspaper news and Internet news.  Will have to find entertainment (though that's what a lot of so-called news is anymore) on the Internet and maybe view some DVDs. 

I wanted to hold out on a new TV purchase until the inevitable future I see with Internet and TV more prevalently converged and get a set then -- figured with the rate tech progresses today, it could be less than a year, or maybe up to a couple of years.  I don't want 3D 'cause I learned last year watching a friend's 3D set that after about an hour I get a headache.    Without Steve Jobs maybe tech won't move so fast toward the TV/Internet convergence marketable for the masses.   I'm still waiting to get a computer tablet (may want to get one and some apps I can use with select patients.)  I don't have an e-book (have too many paper books yet to read to justify buying an e-book, though I appreciate the benefits and will likely eventually get one.)  I'm not hung-up with having to read the latest best seller.  I still like actual physical books.

Since I've evolved into talking about digital and tech, I'll mention I still don't Twitter -- my circumstances simply don't warrant doing so.   I continue to enjoy my regular old cell phone,  use only a few of the features, mostly text with it which has been a really valued activity for myself and others.   I don't have a smart phone -- yet -- but having one is an attractive option eventually.   Young and old with whom I communicate still prefer our landline and portable phones for many conversations.  I also enjoy Skype -- interacting with and seeing the person to whom I'm speaking.

I have a Facebook account on which I've put very little personal information, no photos, use only with family (only one member uses FB but very little,)  a couple old high school, college friends (we had very small classes) and rest don't use FB -- for me it's all about not wishing to provide so much personal tracking info on the Internet for commercialization tracking purposes.   I only visit FB every few months, 'cause even those people and I communicate through other means.   I don't click on "like" or sign up with anything that requires I must follow them through FB and/or Twitter.     I prefer communicating with blogger buddies via our blogs and comments, personal emails, or other arrangements we might choose.
        
Also, I did finally succumb to repeated invites to sign on with Linked-In and will accept or provide invitations from those I know who want to connect with this business oriented community.    Again, I've seen no reason to post information about myself there, since I work only part time, am not seeking additional employment so networking is of little value to me anymore.  Mainly, I appreciate the regular news summaries on topics of interest to me sent to my email.   Anyone hoping to make connections through my account will likely be disappointed since I'm not actively building it, or pursuing links to add to my account.  If a name pops up I know, I'll likely add it.

Well, I think I'll be able to watch selected Olympic events on the Internet while I resolve issues surrounding my lack of television.   Advertisers and broadcast media won't care whether or not I watch TV because I'm not part of the age demographic for which they make their programming decisions.    Might be interesting to experience once again what life was like in the days I remember before TV.  Of course, it won't be the same because I have the computer and the Internet.

TEENS IN NYC ON DANCING BREAK

Dancers often become enthralled with their artistic performance form when they're quite young. A family member who later danced professionally first began when in college. The dance class had just happened to fit into his schedule to provide needed credits. Until then he had no plan to become a dancer. His athleticism prepared him well for the hard work, dedication and discipline he soon learned dancing requires.

I was introduced to dancing at a very early pre-school age as has been my granddaughter. Now a teenager, she's been dancing ever since, participating in dance competitions around her home area, traveling to Washington, D.C., Orlando, Florida, and most recently New York City.

I had made tentative plans early this year to visit NYC during her trip there the first of July, but re-considered as summer drew near. I concluded cooler temperatures at a different time of year would be more desirable there than the high humidity heat I'd likely encounter. I knew we wouldn't be able to spend that much time together, plus, when there is free time teenagers often have important friend-filled activities. There will be other competitions in the months, next few years, and possible holiday get-togethers.

I have been able to glimpse my granddaughter with her Richmond, Virginia dance team members at the front of the crowd outside NBC TV's studio. They had to arrive there really early in the morning to garner those spots with their specially prepared banner. They were thrilled to be seen briefly on MSNBC Today Show introduction on this link to a Meredith Vieira Tech segment.(Beginning has a 15 sec. commercial)

Spirits & Simple Tech

Earlier this week I was with a group of young to older aged friends, all seated around a table, turn-taking reading aloud as we listened to each individual’s original written prose, poetry, and plays. During that experience we share the broad spectrum of feelings associated with accounts of real life experiences, and fictionalized stories. The reading content ranges from serious drama through ridiculous farce, satire with the humor bringing forth subtle chuckles, broad smiles, and deep stomach-aching laughter.

This particular evening we began to notice a periodic brief faint chiming sound. This erratically repeating tone interspersed with long pauses between the chimes eventually caused us to begin focusing on determining the source. One of our number commented this could be a communication directed to her from a loved one who she discerned entered a different dimension long ago, but has followed her about during the ensuing years.

A small grand piano situated 10to12 feet away from us in an open adjoining room was suggested by another friend to possibly be the communicator’s instrument. We all maintained an open curious mind in deference to anyone present who readily attributes these sort of unusual immediately unexplainable events to more mysterious ethereal causes. We continued our activity with one ear attuned to listening for another chime. Not long after we heard that chime and just as we thought there would be no more an additional faint chime was heard.

Noticing a four-legged furry creature suddenly scurrying about the room there was some speculation this elegant resident and active cat might have ventured into the piano’s interior, possibly flipping it’s tail or using a paw in such a manner as to strum one of the strings. We all agreed the cat could cause the musical sound with that scenario.

This prompted story-telling time as some began relating tales of cat accomplishments including felines learning to use a commode, and actually being able to flush the unit, skills usually reserved for humans. I recalled a delightfully funny video a musician friend sent of a cat perched on a piano stool, reaching out with a paw to play individual white and black piano keys, cocking its head from one side to the other, very aware of cause and effect, quite intrigued with the differing musical sounds being produced.

A short time passed during which the cat in our midst was also in our sight, no where near the piano, and we were aware of exactly what he was doing – throwing his toy into the air and making a flying leap capturing it in flight. Suddenly, the magical tone chimed exonerating the cat, but leaving some of us who were seeking logical scientific explanations even more perplexed. A couple others seemed quite satisfied there likely wasn’t any such explanation.

Our increasing interest in locating the chiming sound source escalated as this mysterious tone persisted. In an afterthought I reached for my purse sitting on the floor by my chair situated closest to the piano room and next to the person who believed her other worldly relative probably was trying to communicate with her. Simultaneously, as I was extracting my relatively new, unfamiliar cell phone from my purses exterior side pocket the little black rectangle cried out a now familiar chime signaling the battery was low. We all experienced and “Aha!” moment, perhaps feeling a mixture of relief, reassurance and maybe even a little disappointment there actually had been a logical explanation accounting for this mysterious sound.

I cradled my dear little possession in my hands, promised I would reinvigorate it’s life when we returned home if only it would quiet. I gently handed it across the table to the middle aged male tech-employed expert who took one short look, punched a key or two, handed the crying phone back saying he didn’t know how to turn it off. Once again in my grasp, I just kept pushing that “End” button and suddenly with one loud musical gasp the screen went black, the musical spirit to temporary sleep.

I guess I’m long overdue to take time to read the complex operational “quick” book and even the much longer master guide. I always used to religiously read operational books and instructions for everything I purchased. In the beginning with the advent of digital I continued to do so with clocks, radios, portable phones, answering machines, coffeemakers, microwave ovens, CD players, VCR and DVD players.

I wonder if the day will ever come when there will be more standardization in the digital tech world, or maybe we’ll all prefer there not be and we’ll each have a broad choice of same but different items from which we can select.

In recent years I’ve been challenged by our old sprinkler watering systems -- two-same-but-different ones. Then I’ve begun to notice with the washing machine, dryer, regular/convection oven, digital camera, old cell phone and even more so this new cell phone, the greater complexity and size of these “how to use” instructional books. They come close to being epistle length, are often not that clearly written, are either too concise or not specific enough, and skip some of the very basic basics for newbie users like me. Some may have contradictory directions and use language often subject to different interpretations, much like that about which many groups argue over politics, religion and philosophy.

My approach to using some of this technology has frequently become one of resorting to personal operational trial and error. I combine my actions with referencing these technical bibles for a specific answer needed at the time, instead of trying to understand and be able perform every function before I use the item. Integrating the myriad functions gradually into my knowledge base seems to work best for my “how to” retention.

Soon after I began using the computer a few years ago and shortly after my husband’s death a tech friend of his/ours recommended to me a book titled “The Laws of Simplicity.” He had come in contact with the author described in this Harvard Book Store “Scholarly Highlights” interview feature “…John Maeda is a world-renowned graphic designer, visual artist, and computer scientist at the MIT Media Lab, and is a founding voice for "simplicity" in the digital age.”

I enthusiastically purchased a copy and even had one sent to a technology-interested friend. Disappointingly, I never learned of that person’s reaction or opinion of the book’s contents but I never pressed when I didn’t receive a response. I have on rare occasion sent relatively inexpensive books to select friends, but have concluded in recent years to discontinue that practice, or, at least to be more selective about to whom they’re sent.

After I read this thin short book which incorporates the authors wonder, recognition, and descriptive accounting when he notices the simplicity associated with the behaviors of his young child, I have been particularly interested in a reaction to the book’s contents from some other person I know with a background other than my own.

The reason I say that is, my therapy intervention training is steeped in simplification, breaking down actions, behaviors into the most basic steps and then simplifying them even more, if possible. Educators also would likely note effective teaching methods, acquiring new skills in any profession or job setting are most successful when they approach new information building from the simple to the complex. Certainly that has been the case in all other employment business settings I’ve experienced or in which others I’ve known have engaged.

So, when I read this book primarily directed at a variety of technically oriented professions I was intrigued that they required prodding to simplify, that such an admonition from one of their own within their circle of expertise was reportedly regarded as having enlightened them with such a profoundly new insight, or maybe he was just reminding them of something they already knew, or should know.

These impressionable readers are the highly intelligent engineers I respect who design all of this equipment that continues to become prevalent in ever-expanding areas of our lives. The readers also include many of the graphic artists, computer scientists such as this author John Maeda and other creators, professionally related technicians from whom we seek technical answers when our complex machines, tools, soft and hardware programs breakdown, malfunction, or just go kaflooey (or as the Spanish say, kontera.)

I was quite surprised to read accounts this book had such a significant impact on their thinking. I have labored under the false perception most of my life that simplicity was just the nature of things, guiding most of us in just about everything. I can only hope all those who continue to create the future technical innovations we’re all going to be using at least remember John Maeda’s message and follow his laws of simplicity.

Better yet, maybe they should remember how a patient, former career military man, once paraphrased my genteel carefully worded instructions to him for producing more intelligible speech:
He said, “Oh, you mean KISS!”
My puzzled response was: “What?”
He replied, “You know! Keep It Simple Stupid.” :