Afterbirth for Dinner - TIME

Ron says.... Whoa!

Afterbirth for Dinner - TIME: "There is so much you can't know about your spouse when you get married, like that one day she will want to eat her placenta. But there are two things you don't argue about with a pregnant woman: what she eats and that being full of life indeed looks sexy. So when Cassandra told me that for $275, a woman would come to our house, cook Cassandra's placenta, freeze-dry it and turn it into capsules to help ward off postpartum depression and increase milk supply, I said, '$275 is a bargain compared with the $20,000 I'll have to spend to tear out our kitchen immediately afterward.'"

"It's not the voting that's democracy, it's the counting."

NASA - ASTER Imagery

NASA - ASTER Imagery: "Global Map

NASA and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and industry (METI) released the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) to the worldwide public on June 29, 2009."

NASA - Space Station Appearing Nationwide Over July 4 Weekend

NASA - Space Station Appearing Nationwide Over July 4 Weekend: "Space Station Appearing Nationwide Over July 4 Weekend


HOUSTON -- As America celebrates its 233rd birthday this holiday weekend, there will be an extra light in the sky along with the fireworks. Across the country, Americans will be treated to spectacular views of the International Space Station as it orbits 220 miles above Earth.

Many locations will have unusually long sighting opportunities of as much as five minutes, weather permitting, as the station flies almost directly overhead.

To find out when to see the station from your city, visit:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings"

Albert Schweitzer

"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory."

I'm home... Jacky is not :(

I drove home yesterday from Sunnyvale, CA. Jacky stayed there. Lori has some structural problems that require workmen and she can't be there to oversee the work... So good old Jacky volunteered to stay on to supervise... Don't feel sorry for her... pity the workmen. Ginger asked me why I didn't stay too? I am a rat... that's why.... I needed to be home... It's sure good to be here.

Here are some observations I had on the 14 hour drive here...

• Did you ever wonder why most restrooms put up nice handrails for you to lower and raise your touche to the seat but hang the toilet paper dispenser below your knees? How does a wheelchair person reach the dispenser? Is it possible that the person hanging the dispenser has never gone to the bathroom (#2) before? Just wondering.
• Have you ever been to hot-o-fornia and then returned to Oregon and got out to pump your own gas?
• Did you know that the grass in CA is all brown but as you get close to the border of Oregon it turns green? (on the 101)
• Did you know that when the weatherman in CA. says a cooling trend is coming ... he means the temperature will be at or below 90F?
• Have you ever watched an elk lay on someone's front lawn and watch people who are watching him? What do you suppose he is thinking?
  
• Did you know that all though there are a zillion stores in San Jose within miles of each other ... you will spend more time going to and from them, finding parking, etc than in them?
• Why do people put their shopping carts in the middle of the aisle, wander off and stare transfixed, at products on shelves?
• You know how people here are always stopping and having conversations at the store here? In CA. they won't even look at each other.. Why is that do you suppose?
• I took the GPS unit and for fun asked it to plot a route home... I wanted to be on the 101, it (she) insisted I take the 5. Then on a turn the she rolled down under the seat where I couldn't get to her. Where she continued to replot the route to 5 and insist I take the next right turn or make a legal u turn. After awhile I was calling her awful names and recounting what I would do to her just as soon as I got out of traffic... She responded merrily, "turn right at the next intersection and then a hard left.... Bitch....
  

Carl Sagan

"It is of interest to note that while some dolphins are reported to have learned English -- up to fifty words used in correct context -- no human being has been reported to have learned dolphinese."

Oregon senators back placing NOAA fleet in Newport - OregonLive.com

Oregon senators back placing NOAA fleet in Newport - OregonLive.com: "'The Port of Newport is the only candidate that is centrally located along the west coast, allowing for easy access to the north and south ends of the West Coast. The Newport piers are minutes from the open ocean, which would maximize sea time for the fleet.'
NOAA is expected to make a decision in early August."

Vancouver's annual fireworks extravaganza is a no-show for this year's Fourth of July - OregonLive.com

Vancouver's annual fireworks extravaganza is a no-show for this year's Fourth of July - OregonLive.com: "July Fireworks at Fort Vancouver -- a tradition more than 45 years in the making -- won't occur next weekend.
Even though the decision was announced last year, the news comes as a shock to many people in the Portland metro area who've watched the display and have made the event part of their Independence Day celebration."

Oregon gets $16.8 million for energy projects - News�,�Community�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times

Oregon gets $16.8 million for energy projects - News�,�Community�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times: "The U.S. Energy Department says Oregon will get $16.8 million in federal stimulus money for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The agency said Friday the money will go for a program that helps reduce energy costs and raise efficiency in public and school buildings."

Work will slow trips to coast - News�,�Community�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times

Work will slow trips to coast - News�,�Community�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times: "Two projects will add up to 30 minutes to a trip to the coast on U.S. Highway 20 this summer.

Drivers between Eddyville and Toledo on U.S. Highway 20 may encounter 10- to 20-minute delays beginning Tuesday, July 7, as Oregon Department of Transportation contractors replace a culvert at the junction with Elk City Road, about 10 miles east of Toledo."

I didn't understand a word... but..I got the message!.

Freaky Facts About the Famous on the Oregon Coast

Freaky Facts About the Famous on the Oregon Coast: "David Ogden Stiers

The former star of the super hit series “M*A*S*H” from the seventies lives in Lincoln County. He’s also been a part of several series since then, as well as having made guest appearances on “Matlock” and “Outer Limits” in the past 20 years. In fact, some of his roles have been as orchestra conductors – one which he knows well. He makes occasional guest appearances on the coast and around Oregon conducting orchestras - from the Newport Symphony Orchestra to the Oregon Symphony."

U.S. Passes Million Swine Flu Cases, Officials Say - NYTimes.com

U.S. Passes Million Swine Flu Cases, Officials Say - NYTimes.com: "Swine flu has infected more than a million Americans, federal health officials said Friday, and is infecting thousands more every week even though the annual flu season is well over."

NewsGator Online

"A bore is a man who, when you ask him how he is, tells you."

Convicted Bear Feeder Learns Sentence - Portland News Story - KPTV Portland

Convicted Bear Feeder Learns Sentence - Portland News Story - KPTV Portland: "NEWPORT, Ore. -- A judge ordered a woman who had been feeding wild bears to move out of her home and stop feeding wildlife for the duration of her three year probation.
Lincoln County judge Thomas Branford described Karen Noyes' actions as reckless behavior. Noyes appeared in court Thursday to learn her sentence after a jury found her guilty of feeding wild black bears on her property along Yachats River Road."

Hatfield Marine Science Center hosts seventh annual SeaFest celebration in Newport - Entertainment�,�Press Play�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times

Hatfield Marine Science Center hosts seventh annual SeaFest celebration in Newport - Entertainment�,�Press Play�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times: "NEWPORT — Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center will host its seventh annual SeaFest celebration on Saturday, June 27, in Newport.

This annual festival combines hands-on activities, displays, tours and education revolving around the marine sciences. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center’s waterfront campus on Yaquina Bay, adjacent to the Oregon Coast Aquarium just south of the Highway 101 bridge."

"Committee--a group of men who individually can do nothing but as a group decide that nothing can be done."

on the road

We traveled to Ukiah yesterday and would like to encourage all you travelers about a hotel you might want to pass up if you are in that area,  the Discover Inn. It certainly lived up to its name and we did discover what was in it.

It looked like a good one.. The price was ok $76. But I should have suspected something when they rented us the Lizard Room. 

For a bed, it did look like a bed, but it was really a rock in disguise.. Lizards like to lie on hot rocks, you know? The room was very hot but it had air conditioning. However, keeping to the Lizard theme the management installed some sort of energy consumption device that shut off the conditioner just as the room was cooling down. For the comfort of any lizard that chose to stay at this hostel. By getting up every ten minutes or so you could cycle the air conditioner back on. This does tend to interrupt any habits you may have acquired over the years like sleeping 8 hours or so. 

Jacky and I had come up with an economizing idea and were going to incorporate it on this trip. I found Dinty Moore Stew in a microwaveable pack at Walmart and we tried it... it was pretty good. So I bought two last week for a $1.99 each at Wallyworld Jacky was to make some rice to go with it. The plan was to go into the hotel room and microwave our dinner.

It was a good idea but........ Jacky forgot to make the rice... Oh well, I'll just nuke up the stew and that will be fine... I put the stew into the microwave , closed the door and searched for the controls..... This was a surprise.... a microwave with no controls?? I opened the door to see what was going on in there.... That sure was a funny place to have ice cube trays...hmmm.

This is the first hotel I've been in for a long time that did not have a microwave

 oven. Do you suppose that Lizards don't like microwave ovens for some reason or other? 

Arriving at Lori's we were surprised to find that one of the bathroom floors has sustained water damage... I will be working a bit it looks like... Yes, by the way, I cried at the "leaving Oregon" sign. It was a cool 95 here today.

In Old Age, Friends Can Keep You Young. Really - TIME

Ron Thomas says... Folks you are about to lose the most valuable asset this park has, The Social Club, due to a lack of interest. This article relates what science has to say about that.

In Old Age, Friends Can Keep You Young. Really - TIME: "Going to the ballpark, visiting friends and playing bingo are simple diversions for many of us. But for the elderly, these social pastimes may play a critical role in preserving their physical and mental health."

NewsGator Online

Rodney Dangerfield

"I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her."

Prime time for tide-pooling | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Prime time for tide-pooling | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "Thursday's minus-2.64 foot tide is at 9:03 a.m. at Newport.

'Usually if it's a half-decent tide, a negative tide, you'll start seeing stuff about two hours before and extends to about two hours after,' said Jay Moeller, the chief park ranger at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area just north of Newport.

Yaquina Head features one of the better areas for tide pools, Cobble Beach, for those willing to take the 130 or so stairs to get down to it, Moeller said."

Huge Minus Tides a Complicated Story on Oregon Coast

Huge Minus Tides a Complicated Story on Oregon Coast: "Newport area lists the most impressive low tides this week:

Tuesday: -3 at 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday: -3 at 8:17 a.m.

Thursday: - 2.7 at 9:03 a.m.

However, the same days differ greatly in times and level of low tide about 100 miles north, at Manzanita and the Nehalem River."

Federal Saving From Lowering of Drug Prices Is Unclear - NYTimes.com

Federal Saving From Lowering of Drug Prices Is Unclear - NYTimes.com: "“Medicare covers up to $2,700 in yearly prescription costs and then stops, and the coverage starts back up when the costs exceed $6,100.”

Drug companies said they would give most beneficiaries a 50 percent discount on brand-name medicines bought when they hit the gap in coverage."

Orcas in Nehalem Bay!!! - www.ifish.net

Orcas in Nehalem Bay!!! - www.ifish.net: "It was late in the day after clamming with our friends from MN who had never seen the Pacific Ocean. We launched from the State Park ramp on the spit, further up in the bay and were cruising out to the mouth at a pretty good clip to throw crab pots. Then all of a sudden I saw a huge black fin and also a grayish one. I hollered at Jim 'STOP!!!!' and we were amazed to see three orcas across from us. Seemed like an adult and a baby and one other that seemed to me to be mid-sized but our friends think it was two young ones, so not sure on that. Anyways, they were really splashing and thrashing around and the sea gulls were all over the water, so it's pretty clear they had just gotten a meal of some sort. Salmon or harbor seal, probably."

NewsGator Online

"It's hard to be nostalgic when you can't remember anything."

Huge Pre-Stonehenge Complex Found via "Crop Circles"

Huge Pre-Stonehenge Complex Found via "Crop Circles": "Given away by strange, crop circle-like formations seen from the air, a huge prehistoric ceremonial complex discovered in southern England has taken archaeologists by surprise."

NewsGator Online

Alfred Hitchcock

The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder."

Agate Hunters, Rock Hounds to Flock to Oregon Coast

Agate Hunters, Rock Hounds to Flock to Oregon Coast: "(Newport, Oregon) – Father's Day weekend finds rock hunters, agate lovers and fossil collectors coming together for the annual Oregon Coast Agate Club's Gem & Mineral Show at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. The three-day event happens June 19-21, and boasts dozens of vibrant display cases, dealers, demonstrations, children’s activities, silent auction, raffle, door prizes and food. Admission is only $2 for adults, $1 for youth, children under 6 years of age are free."

Op-Ed Columnist - This Time, We Won’t Scare - NYTimes.com

Op-Ed Columnist - This Time, We Won’t Scare - NYTimes.com: "So here’s a far more representative “real-life story.”

Diane Tucker, 59, is an American lawyer who moved to Vancouver, Canada, in 2006. Like everyone else there, she now pays the equivalent of just $49 a month for health care."

BBC - Fergus On Flu

BBC - Fergus On Flu: "But it is different in the groups it targets. Very few elderly people are catching H1N1 flu, probably because they have immunity due to exposure to similar flu viruses."

WHO declares first flu pandemic in 41 years - USATODAY.com

WHO declares first flu pandemic in 41 years - USATODAY.com: "H1N1, better know as swine flu, is also continuing to spread during the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Normally, flu viruses disappear with warm weather, but swine flu is proving to be resilient.

Health officials in the USA and abroad say that most cases run their course without complications, but so far about 8% of 13,217 patients in the USA have had to be hospitalized, show statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency has detailed information on 201 of the 1,027 hospitalized patients, showing that 41% suffered from pneumonia, 16% required mechanical assistance with breathing and 8% died."

WHO Declaration of Swine Flu Pandemic Looks Imminent - ABC News

WHO Declaration of Swine Flu Pandemic Looks Imminent - ABC News: "According to the latest WHO data, there are now 25,288 reported cases of swine flu infection across 73 countries, including 139 deaths. That includes 13,217 cases and 27 deaths reported as of last Friday in the United States by officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

South Lincoln County News

South Lincoln County News: "FOLCAS board members plan to work with Lincoln County’s citizens, pet owners, county commissioners, shelter staff and the sheriff’s department to create alternatives that would keep the shelter open, vibrant, and progressively managed. However, these goals take time to put into action. FOLCAS is seeking emergency funding from the public and the county to provide a “bridge” that retains the current shelter staff and keeps the shelter open while other funding and management structures are established."

Area woman dies from strain of flu | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Area woman dies from strain of flu | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "A Marion County woman died Sunday of the H1N1 influenza virus, the first such death in Oregon."

BBC NEWS | Health | Alcohol: Is it really good for you?

BBC NEWS | Health | Alcohol: Is it really good for you?: "Myth

'It's an absolute myth that red wine is good for you,' says Professor Valerie Beral from the University of Oxford and lead author of the Million Women study.

'The evidence is not there.'

Professor Roger Corder, author of The Red Wine Diet, would disagree.

'Our research identified a group of chemicals called procyanadins which are polyphenols, and the key component in terms of protecting from heart disease.'

Polyphenols, such as the antioxidant resveratrol, are found in the skins of red wine grapes.

'In high doses it does seem to enhance the lifespan of mice. But,' he adds crucially, 'you need huge doses.'

In humans, it equates to thousands of litres of wine."

Bruce Perens - A Cyber-Attack on an American City

Bruce Perens - A Cyber-Attack on an American City: "Although they are silent on the topic, I hope those responsible for emergency services, be they in business or government, are learning the lessons of Morgan Hill. The first lesson is what stayed up: stand-alone radio systems and not much else. Cell phones failed. Cellular towers can not, in general, connect phone calls on their own, even if both phones are near the same tower. They communicate with a central switching computer to operate, and when that system doesn't respond, they're useless. But police and fire authorities still had internal communications via two-way radio.

Realizing that they'd need more two-way radio, authorities dispatched police to wake up the emergency coordinator of the regional ham radio club, and escort him to the community hospital with his equipment. Area hams dispatched ambulances and doctors, arranged for essential supplies, and relayed emergency communications out of the area to those with working telephones."

NewsGator Online

Robert W. Sarnoff

"Finance is the art of passing money from hand to hand until it finally disappears."

New Restaurant and Lodging Developments on Oregon Coast

New Restaurant and Lodging Developments on Oregon Coast: "In Newport, brother and sister owners Ian and Danielle Clayman have come up with a nice shot in the arm for Newport’s nightlife and culinary scene. Bay 839 is the name of the new hotspot at – you guessed it – 839 Bay Blvd, on the bayfront. A glorious d�cor that’s part woodsy and part modern chic - and reminiscent of Portland’s Doug Fir Lounge - is the highlight in the restaurant portion, while the lounge itself gets even cooler and sleeker."

NewsGator Online

Dan Quayle

Jun-05-2009 6:00:00 PM

"The future will be better tomorrow."

NewsGator Online

Warren Buffett

"The only time to buy these is on a day with no 'y' in it."

NewsGator Online

Cecil Baxter

"You don't get anything clean without getting something else dirty."

Medical Bills Driving Most Middle-Class Bankruptcies - Forbes.com

Medical Bills Driving Most Middle-Class Bankruptcies - Forbes.com: "Private insurance isn't covering costs as promised, report's authors say

THURSDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- In 2007, medical problems and expenses contributed to nearly two-thirds of all bankruptcies in the United States, a jump of nearly 50 percent from 2001, new research has found."

President Obama Speach in Cairo

In case you want to listen to the President Obama speach in its entirety ... 55minutes.

South Lincoln County News

South Lincoln County News: "Citizens young and old have rallied to save the Lincoln County Animal Shelter from closing to the public on July 1 because of budget cuts, which would mean that many cats and dogs would be euthanized. Five-year-old Kaiden Deckard has been selling hand printed cards at Waldport Video for a $1 apiece because he “wants to do his part” according to his mom. (Courtesy photo)
Motivated by the proposed budget cuts to the county animal shelter, a group of concerned citizens has formed the nonprofit organization Friends of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter (FOLCAS) to keep the shelter open.
The cuts proposed in the Lincoln County budget would eliminate four and a half positions at the shelter, which will close to the public on July 1."

Knock, knock: Got any meth for sale? | KCBY CBS 11 - News, Weather and Sports - Coos Bay - North Bend, OR - Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon | Local & Regional News

Knock, knock: Got any meth for sale? | KCBY CBS 11 - News, Weather and Sports - Coos Bay - North Bend, OR - Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon | Local & Regional News: "NEWPORT, Ore. -- A burglary suspect went door-to-door asking people where he could buy methamphetamine just four blocks away from where a homeowner caught him in the act of robbing a house, according to police in this Oregon Coast community.

The investigation started around 8 p.m. Thursday, May 28, when a Newport homeowner reported interrupting a male subject burglarizing his home.

The homeowner confronted the suspect, recovered the property and chased the suspect through the neighborhood before calling police."

Oregon Coast Sandcastle Festival Among Biggest in World

Oregon Coast Sandcastle Festival Among Biggest in World: "Ornate and intricate sculptures made of sand will be the center of celebration in Cannon Beach, with the 45th Annual Sandcastle day Festival taking over the town on June 13. The event cajoles amateurs, families, professionals and people of all ages to participate in this wildly imaginative festival, with hundreds of sculptures, figures, scenarios and creatures carved out of the sand near Haystack Rock."

"Newport vies as site for NOAA operations" | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon

"Newport vies as site for NOAA operations" | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon: "NEWPORT — Within minutes, ships docked in Yaquina Bay can make their way out into the open ocean, and it’s that quality that makes this spot a prime location for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Operations Center, officials with the Port of Newport say.

In coming weeks, the port will present a detailed version of that case to the federal agency, with the hope that NOAA will decide to relocate six research vessels and 75 administrative positions from the Seattle area to Newport, a move that could bring up to $19 million in economic benefits to the Oregon Coast."

an email from Laura...

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION:

Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Lifehacker - Use Ketchup to Shine Copper, Fight Skunk Odor, and More - Food Hacks

Lifehacker - Use Ketchup to Shine Copper, Fight Skunk Odor, and More - Food Hacks: "# Shine your copper: The article claims that you can 'massage ketchup over the copper and watch it dissolve the tarnish away (thanks to the acid).' If you're dealing with an especially stubborn spot, try adding in a pinch of table salt.
# Get healthier hair: There are other foods that can do this—avocados, for one—but you can also use ketchup. Rub it in you hair, then let it linger for about 20 minutes before washing.
# Soothe wounds: Freeze ketchup packets—or for that matter soy or other packets—and place them over your finger and other small wounds. It's basically like a miniature version of those reusable, freezer-friendly ice packs."

Gymnastics

David Brinkley

"The one function TV news performs very well is that when there is no news we give it to you with the same emphasis as if there were."

Hmmm?

Ask yourself this; 'Are you a human being having a spiritual experience, or a spiritual being having a human experience? - Wayne Dyer, PhD

Falls Among Elderly Often Caused by Inner-Ear Imbalance - TIME

Falls Among Elderly Often Caused by Inner-Ear Imbalance - TIME: "Most likely, things start going awry simply due to advancing age, Agrawal says. Smoking, hypertension and diabetes are also associated with higher rates of inner-ear balance problems. Fortunately, the condition is easily diagnosable in the doctor's office: patients are asked to stand on a firm padded surface and close their eyes. Without the ability to use touch and vision to stay balanced, patients who suffer from an inner-ear problem promptly fall down. The addition of that simple test to annual physicals, Agrawal says, 'would likely save millions of dollars and lives.'"

NewsGator Online

Mark Twain

"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow."

BBC - Earth News

BBC - Earth News: "The oldest and largest trees within California's world famous Yosemite National Park are disappearing.

Climate change appears to be a major cause of the loss.

The revelation comes from an analysis of data collected over 60 years by forest ecologists."

NewsGator Online

Segal's Law

"A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure."

Earthquake fault much larger, more dangerous than thought | McClatchy

Earthquake fault much larger, more dangerous than thought | McClatchy: "Scientists believe a 9.0 quake rocked the Cascadia subduction zone, where two tectonic plates collide just off the west coast, on Jan. 26, 1700, producing a giant tsunami that hit Japan. A similar quake, which could produce a tsunami of 60 to 90 feet that would hit the northwest coast in 15 minutes or less, is considered likely, though scientists aren't sure when."

Study Detects Flu Immunity in Older People - washingtonpost.com

Study Detects Flu Immunity in Older People - washingtonpost.com: "Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. cases are in people between 5 and 24 years old. Less than 1 percent are in people older than 65, those most susceptible to typical seasonal outbreaks of influenza. Of the people ill enough to be hospitalized, 40 percent have been 19 to 49."

Computer Cat Scan

ieda

Baskets reinforce lesson of kindness and humility - San Bernardino County Sun

Baskets reinforce lesson of kindness and humility - San Bernardino County Sun: "'Students have to do homework assignments that reinforce the lessons. Last month our theme was `honor.''

The baskets, filled with fresh flowers and candy, also contained a note about their 'mission to impact local neighborhoods with 2,000 acts of kindness.'

When Raeline Wray opened her door and saw the basket there, she thought it was a great gesture.

'I just thought this was so cool,' she said. 'I wonder how many people were having a bad day and found the little basket of candy on their doorstep and maybe just for a second forgot how bad the day was.'"

UPDATE: Utilities Test Google Software To Save Energy

UPDATE: Utilities Test Google Software To Save Energy: "A handful of electric utilities are rolling out software made by Internet giant Google Inc. (GOOG) as part of their 'smart- meter' programs in hopes it will help customers conserve energy.

Utilities including Sempra Energy's (SRE) San Diego Gas & Electric unit, Energy Future Holdings Corp.'s TXU Energy, and Integrys Energy Group Inc.'s ( TEG) Wisconsin Public Service Corp. are testing Google's software as part of programs to digitize their utility meters and relay usage information to the utility and to customers."

South Lincoln County News

South Lincoln County News: "The 2009 Oregon Boating Foundation’s schedule of sailing and kayak classes begins June 4.
These classes, previously taught through Yaquina Bay Yacht Club, have been a popular Newport event for many years. Sailing classes are divided into several age and ability groups and are taught by U.S. Sailing Certified Instructors."

On Charles Burke

Jim Rose forwarded this email from Frida Burke

Hi

Charles is coming along pretty well after surgery, he is walking 4 times a day but tires easily. However, his heart has a mind of it's own and the doc is having trouble regulating his heart beat and his blood pressure, which has been very low. So, he is still hooked up to all the monitors and gadgets they have available to keep an eye on him. He might get the chest tubes taken out tomorrow. No word on when he will be discharged and if he will come home or go to rehab for awhile.

Charles is in room 2311 bed #2 if you liked to give him a call, I'm sure he would be happy to hear from you.

Hospital # 541-768-5111

Frida

Thanks Ollie...

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lifehacker - Repurpose a Squeeze Bottle for Perfect Pancakes - Kitchen

Lifehacker - Repurpose a Squeeze Bottle for Perfect Pancakes - Kitchen: "If your quest for the perfectly-shaped, drip-free pancake has lead you down the dark halls of infomercial madness, take note: all it takes is the re-purposing of a condiment squeeze bottle."

Lifehacker - Voyij Finds Best Deals for Travelers with an Open Calendar - Deals

Lifehacker - Voyij Finds Best Deals for Travelers with an Open Calendar - Deals: "Sometimes your vacations are elaborate, months-long planned excursions. Other times, you just want to get out of Dodge as cheap and quick as possible. Voyij can help with the latter.

Tell Yoyij where you want to leave from and give it a rough time frame to work with. You can also search destinations and departure dates in a truly wide-open style if you're adventurous, or narrow it with parameters like 'next weekend' or 'June'. Once Voyij has the basics, it searches for the best prices for airfare, hotel accommodations, and vacation package deals and brings them back. From there, you can refine the deal search and your whimsical mini-vacation with various filters, as seen in the screenshot above."

"Unprovided with original learning, unformed in the habits of thinking, unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved to write a book."

A love song to his 7 year old daughter

This will make your heart soar. It's a good thing.

Nicole Mangum

A young member of the CERT team that lives just across 101 from LVH brought this to our attention:

Two wolves.
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, ' My son, the battle is between two ' wolves ' inside us all.

One is Evil. - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. '

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ' Which wolf wins? '

The old Cherokee simply replied, ' The one you feed. '

Mid-Valley man's 100 years of memories include looting Hitler's house | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Mid-Valley man's 100 years of memories include looting Hitler's house | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "Of course, he never thought he would make it to the century mark, either.

'I didn't think I'd ever get half that old, but I did.'

Beitel was born May 9, 1909, on the family farm in South Salem. He pinpoints the location by referencing a story we published the day I visited — the newspaper is on his couch — about the red dirt from Jory Hill that is being considered as Oregon's official state soil. The Beitels and the Jorys were neighbors.

Tony Beitel was the third of seven children. A brother and a sister, both in their 90s, are still living.

He became a farmer, like his father, and then a skilled sheep shearer.

'I used to sheer about 7,000 a year, so I know how to shear sheep,' he says. 'I did it all over the country.'"

NewsGator Online

Jimmy Buffett

"We are the people our parents warned us about."

SOLV Program Uncovers Hidden Graves on Central Oregon Coast

SOLV Program Uncovers Hidden Graves on Central Oregon Coast: "The gravesites were discovered at South Beach Cemetery Saturday, May 9 as part of Take Care of Oregon, a community cleanup program held in conjunction with SOLV and as part of the celebration of Oregon’s 150th anniversary of statehood. An entire dumpster full of garbage and debris was removed from the spot as well.

The identity of those buried in the graves is not known, as the metal markers were actually made to host paper placards with the names of the deceased. Those had decayed long ago, said Loretta Harrison, executive director of the Lincoln County Historical Society."

BBC NEWS | Technology | Underwater 'flying machine' launched

BBC NEWS | Technology | Underwater 'flying machine' launched: "The oceans of the world remain one of the great mysteries but one man believes his latest invention will change all that.

Graham Hawkes has built a state of the art submersible that offers 'exotic new capabilities to explore one of the least understood parts of the planet'."

Now 4,298 cases of new flu in U.S., CDC says | U.S. | Reuters

Now 4,298 cases of new flu in U.S., CDC says | U.S. | Reuters: "CHICAGO (Reuters) - The United States now has 4,298 confirmed cases of the new H1N1 influenza across 47 states and Washington, D.C., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday.

The outbreak of swine flu has been mostly mild in the United States, with only three deaths, the CDC said in a statement."

"In Seuss room, sleep settles score with Poe" | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon

"In Seuss room, sleep settles score with Poe" | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon: "NEWPORT — Two years ago, when asked to speak about book writing to the Willamette Writers’ Oregon Coast chapter, I was offered a room at the Sylvia Beach Hotel.

For the unfamiliar, it’s a four-story, nearly century-old hotel on a bluff at Nye Beach. And is distinguished by its 22 rooms decorated in the spirit of 22 authors.

Feeling adventurous, I chose the room of Edgar Allan Poe, he of the neurotic obsession with mystery, death and ravens.

I confess, the pendulum above the bed with the blood-red covers was a tad unsettling, as was the stuffed raven. A storm tattered the window with rain. Just before retiring, I opened the guest book."

Travel & Outdoors | The $20M lessons of "freeing" Keiko the whale | Seattle Times Newspaper

Travel & Outdoors | The $20M lessons of "freeing" Keiko the whale | Seattle Times Newspaper: "'In terms of giving Keiko a better life, it was 100 percent successful,' Rose said.

After two years of 'rehab' at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport to restore his health, Keiko spent four years living in net pens and venturing into the open ocean off the coast of Iceland. He then swam on his own to Norway, where he lived another year, free to come and go.

When he died of an apparent lung infection in December 2003, Keiko was estimated to be 27 years old — a longer life span than any other captive male orca, said Dave Phillips, director of the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation."

I think she was wrong..

Some of you have written me to say that you read this blog every day. One of you pointed out that it is a slice of history for LVH. That was one of the goals for this blog... I will continue just as I have been while I can. Some of you should consider learning how to write on the site. It can be just as simple as sending what you want on it to a special email address I would give you. If you want to be more advanced and put pictures on... That takes about a half hour to learn. The blog would be more interesting with your input either in comments or stories you write or pictures you send...

Let me know?

Jacky was talking to me today... She mentioned in passing that nobody really reads this blog anymore. She is pretty in tune with the community...

So, I've been mulling over whether it's time to hang it up? I have more projects waiting on the sideline that I can put my attention to.

I wouldn't shut it down entirely... It has some really good links that people may still find helpful and a couple of residents like to put up articles and pictures once in awhile. I just wouldn't post news or videos anymore. If someone wants to take it over and head off in a new direction that would be fine to0. I would be glad to share what I have learned with anyone wanting to dabble in it.

Acupuncture for Bad Backs: Even Sham Therapy Works - TIME

Acupuncture for Bad Backs: Even Sham Therapy Works - TIME: "Anyone who has suffered from back pain knows that when the throbbing gets bad enough, you'll try anything to find relief — heating pads, acupuncture, pain relievers, physical therapy, even poking yourself with toothpicks."

NewsGator Online

Thomas A. Edison

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

New Kind of Rain

Since moving to Oregon 12 years ago, I have always been amazed at the number of adjectives the weathermen have to describe different kinds of rain. Today, I would like to suggest a new name...... Sunny Rain!

As I looked out at the sunny vista in my living room this morning I could hear rain hitting the skylight in the kitchen. Every day is an environmental adventure here, isn't it?

Now 3,009 cases of new flu in U.S., CDC says | U.S. | Reuters

Now 3,009 cases of new flu in U.S., CDC says | U.S. | Reuters: "The United States now has 3,009 confirmed cases of the new H1N1 influenza across 45 states and Washington, D.C., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Tuesday."

Taco Tune

Roomba's journey shown to be endless, beautiful

Roomba's journey shown to be endless, beautiful: "We've always suspected our Roomba was actually performing a complex dance loaded with hidden meaning and bewitching charm instead of just bouncing around, and now we've got proof -- check out this long-exposure shot of a Roomba's path over 30 minutes. You can see the initial spiral path in the center, but after that it's a free-for-all that somehow manages to cover the entire room. Now if someone would just make a high-speed video set to the Benny Hill music, we'd be all set."

Two die in accident east of Newport - OregonLive.com

Two die in accident east of Newport - OregonLive.com: "Two people died and two others were injured in a two-vehicle head-on crash Friday afternoon on Highway 20 about twenty miles east of Newport.

The accident happened at about 5:20 p.m., according to Oregon State Police, when an 86-year old male driving a 1986 Cadillac De Ville westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 20 appeared to pass another vehicle. As the Cadillac crossed the centerline, it collided head-on with an eastbound 1999 Acura Integra driven by Cory Allen Lewis, 17, from Lebanon."

Inside