The State of the Economy
Louis Jenkins
There might be some change on top of the dresser at the back, and
we should check the washer and the dryer. Check under the floor
mats of the car. The couch cushions. I have some books and CDs
I could sell, and there are a couple of big bags of aluminum cans in
the basement, only trouble is that there isn't enough gas in the car
to get around the block. I'm expecting a check sometime next
week, which, if we are careful, will get us through to payday. In
the meantime with your one-dollar rebate check and a few coins
we have enough to walk to the store and buy a quart of milk and a
newspaper. On second thought, forget the newspaper.
the con job
Charles Bukowski
the ground war began today
at dawn
in a desert land
far from here.
the U.S. ground troops were
largely
made up of
Blacks, Mexicans and poor
whites
most of whom had joined
the military
because it was the only job
they could find.
the ground war began today
at dawn
in a desert land
far from here
and the Blacks, Mexicans
and poor whites
were sent there
to fight and win
as on tv
and on the radio
the fat white rich newscasters
first told us all about
it
and then the fat rich white
analysts
told us
why
again
and again
and again
on almost every
tv and radio station
almost every minute
day and night
because
the Blacks, Mexicans
and poor whites
were sent there
to fight and win
at dawn
in a desert land
far enough away from
here.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Two from Neil Young
When God Made Me
Was He thinking about my country
Or the color of my skin?
Was He thinking 'bout my religion
And the way I worshiped Him?
Did He create just me in His Image
Or every living thing?
When God made me, when God made me.
Was He planning only for believers
Or for those who just had faith?
Did He envision all the wars
That were fought in His name?
Did He think there was only one way
To be close to Him?
When God made me, when God made me.
Did He give us the gift of love
To say who we could choose?
When God made me, when God made me.
When God made me, when God made me.
Did He give me the gift of voice
So some could silence me?
Did He give me the gift of vision
Not knowing what I might see?
Did He give me the gift of compassion
To help my fellow man?
When God made me, when God made me.
When God made me, when God made me.
Falling Off the Face of the Earth
I'd just like to thank you
For all the things you've done
I been thinkin' about you
I just want to send my love
I send my best to you
That's my message of love
For all the things you did
I can never thank you enough
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
I just want to tell you
You sure mean a lot to me
It may sound simple
But you are the world to me
It's such a precious thing
The time we share together
I must apologize
For all the troubled times
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Was He thinking about my country
Or the color of my skin?
Was He thinking 'bout my religion
And the way I worshiped Him?
Did He create just me in His Image
Or every living thing?
When God made me, when God made me.
Was He planning only for believers
Or for those who just had faith?
Did He envision all the wars
That were fought in His name?
Did He think there was only one way
To be close to Him?
When God made me, when God made me.
Did He give us the gift of love
To say who we could choose?
When God made me, when God made me.
When God made me, when God made me.
Did He give me the gift of voice
So some could silence me?
Did He give me the gift of vision
Not knowing what I might see?
Did He give me the gift of compassion
To help my fellow man?
When God made me, when God made me.
When God made me, when God made me.
Falling Off the Face of the Earth
I'd just like to thank you
For all the things you've done
I been thinkin' about you
I just want to send my love
I send my best to you
That's my message of love
For all the things you did
I can never thank you enough
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
I just want to tell you
You sure mean a lot to me
It may sound simple
But you are the world to me
It's such a precious thing
The time we share together
I must apologize
For all the troubled times
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Feel like I'm falling
Falling off the face of the earth
Good poems for hard times (1,2)
My sister Marilyn, the English professor, and BIL Stu, sent me a book of poetry, "Good Poems for Hard Times," selected and introduced by Garrison Keillor. The dedication:
"To the English teachers of America,
doing good work every day,
with admiration and affection
from an old student."
I've never been a lover of poetry, but I have been enjoying this selection, so much so, in fact, that I'm going to reproduce some in my blog, without permission. (What are they going to do to me?)
First two, one by Robert Bly, a Minnesota native, second by Raymond Carver, an Oregon native.
Driving to Town Late to Mail a Letter
Robert Bly
It is a cold and snowy night. The main street is deserted.
The only things moving are swirls of snow.
As I lift the mailbox door, I feel its cold iron.
There is a privacy I love in this snowy night.
Driving around, I will waste more time.
Happiness
Raymond Carver
So early it's still almost dark out.
I'm near the window with coffee,
and the usual early morning stuff
that passes for thought.
When I see the boy and his friend
walking up the road
to deliver the newspaper.
They wear caps and sweaters,
and one boy has a bag over his shoulder.
They are so happy
they aren't saying anything, these boys.
I think if they could, they would take
each other's arm.
It's early in the morning,
and they are doing this thing together.
They come on, slowly.
The sky is taking on light,
though the moon still hangs pale over the water.
Such beauty that for a minute
death and ambition, even love,
doesn't enter into this.
Happiness. It comes on
unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really,
any early morning talk about it.
"To the English teachers of America,
doing good work every day,
with admiration and affection
from an old student."
I've never been a lover of poetry, but I have been enjoying this selection, so much so, in fact, that I'm going to reproduce some in my blog, without permission. (What are they going to do to me?)
First two, one by Robert Bly, a Minnesota native, second by Raymond Carver, an Oregon native.
Driving to Town Late to Mail a Letter
Robert Bly
It is a cold and snowy night. The main street is deserted.
The only things moving are swirls of snow.
As I lift the mailbox door, I feel its cold iron.
There is a privacy I love in this snowy night.
Driving around, I will waste more time.
Happiness
Raymond Carver
So early it's still almost dark out.
I'm near the window with coffee,
and the usual early morning stuff
that passes for thought.
When I see the boy and his friend
walking up the road
to deliver the newspaper.
They wear caps and sweaters,
and one boy has a bag over his shoulder.
They are so happy
they aren't saying anything, these boys.
I think if they could, they would take
each other's arm.
It's early in the morning,
and they are doing this thing together.
They come on, slowly.
The sky is taking on light,
though the moon still hangs pale over the water.
Such beauty that for a minute
death and ambition, even love,
doesn't enter into this.
Happiness. It comes on
unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really,
any early morning talk about it.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Birthdays all around
Lucy's 3rd birthday was October 8, and Tracy's 35th (!?!) birthday was October 15, so we celebrated both yesterday at the Jendrzejewskis. Andy and the boys came from Redmond (Ali was on a girl's weekend in Walla Walla). Pete cooked an awesome meal, Lucy opened her presents, and we had ice cream cake for dessert. Poor Tracy doesn't get quite the attention she deserves, but that's what happens with kids and grandkids.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Trip to Eastern Oregon
We went to Eastern Oregon (Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa Lake, Enterprise, Joseph) with the Jendrzejewskis on Tuesday of this week and returned Thursday. Spent the better part of two days traveling back and forth, with just one full day there. John did all the driving, so the rest of us just relaxed.
Joseph is the gateway to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Confined within steep, eroded black basalt walls, the surging Snake River has carved North America's deepest gorge, measuring 7,913 feet from He Devil Mountain to Granite Creek below. Unfortunately we needed another day to drive to the 7,000' ridge overlooking Hells Canyon, and the tram to the summit of Mount Howard was closed for the season. The Wallowa Lake Tramway climbs about 4,000 feet to the 8,150-foot level on Mount Howard. It is among the steepest tram rides in North America; the vertical ascent is 3,700 feet from the base elevation of 4,450'. From this point the peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, the Seven Devils of Idaho and the rim of Hells Canyon are visible. But enough about what we didn't see....
We had just a wonderful time, and the weather was simply spectacular Indian-summer, with warm and sunny days and cool nights at 4400' elevation in Joseph (population 1,000+). On the way there we stopped in Pendleton for lunch at Hamley Cafe, then went next-door to Hamley cowboy outfitters, voted most authentic western store in America. Then on to Joseph, where we stayed at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast, award-winning European-style lodging. Owners Heather and Bill were very nice hosts. The Bronze Antler was selected by BedandBreakfast.com as one of the Top Ten B&Bs in the West for 2008-2009. Marge and I stayed in the Mirror Lake Suite featuring private entrance, flat screen TV with Blue-Ray DVD, vaulted ceiling, spa-style bathroom, king-sized four-poster bed, and gourmet full breakfasts. We had dinner Tuesday evening at Mutiny Brewing Company in Joseph. (Mutiny is Brewing!) The dinner special was a Prosciutto-stuffed chicken breast, which was excellent. Who knew, in downtown Joseph. Wednesday morning after breakfast we took about a two-hour tour of the Parks Bronze foundry in Enterprise, about six miles from Joseph. We saw the many steps involved in transforming the work of an artist to a finished bronze sculpture; very interesting and educational. Then off to lunch at the R&R Drive-In in Joseph for milkshakes and a bite to eat. After lunch we drove out to Wallowa Lake, followed by some browsing of the downtown shops in Joseph, including a visit to the Valley Bronze Gallery. In the evening we first went to Terminal Gravity Brewing in Enterprise, the local microbrewery where we sampled the microbrews. Then on to El Bajio Mexican Restaurant in Enterprise for dinner and margaritas. Thursday morning after breakfast we packed up and headed home, but first we stopped in Enterprise at The Bookloft to purchase copies of " 'Twas the Night Before Round-Up," a hardback children's book for the grandkids. The publication of the book coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Pendleton Round-Up. Our grand-pug Larue was pampered by our neighbor Pat Bartruff while we were away. Wonderful trip, good company, good food, good accommodations, perfect weather.... Thank you, John and Judy, for helping to make this trip a truly memorable experience. To top it all off, we saw a bald eagle soaring overhead on our way back to Portland.
Joseph is the gateway to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Confined within steep, eroded black basalt walls, the surging Snake River has carved North America's deepest gorge, measuring 7,913 feet from He Devil Mountain to Granite Creek below. Unfortunately we needed another day to drive to the 7,000' ridge overlooking Hells Canyon, and the tram to the summit of Mount Howard was closed for the season. The Wallowa Lake Tramway climbs about 4,000 feet to the 8,150-foot level on Mount Howard. It is among the steepest tram rides in North America; the vertical ascent is 3,700 feet from the base elevation of 4,450'. From this point the peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, the Seven Devils of Idaho and the rim of Hells Canyon are visible. But enough about what we didn't see....
We had just a wonderful time, and the weather was simply spectacular Indian-summer, with warm and sunny days and cool nights at 4400' elevation in Joseph (population 1,000+). On the way there we stopped in Pendleton for lunch at Hamley Cafe, then went next-door to Hamley cowboy outfitters, voted most authentic western store in America. Then on to Joseph, where we stayed at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast, award-winning European-style lodging. Owners Heather and Bill were very nice hosts. The Bronze Antler was selected by BedandBreakfast.com as one of the Top Ten B&Bs in the West for 2008-2009. Marge and I stayed in the Mirror Lake Suite featuring private entrance, flat screen TV with Blue-Ray DVD, vaulted ceiling, spa-style bathroom, king-sized four-poster bed, and gourmet full breakfasts. We had dinner Tuesday evening at Mutiny Brewing Company in Joseph. (Mutiny is Brewing!) The dinner special was a Prosciutto-stuffed chicken breast, which was excellent. Who knew, in downtown Joseph. Wednesday morning after breakfast we took about a two-hour tour of the Parks Bronze foundry in Enterprise, about six miles from Joseph. We saw the many steps involved in transforming the work of an artist to a finished bronze sculpture; very interesting and educational. Then off to lunch at the R&R Drive-In in Joseph for milkshakes and a bite to eat. After lunch we drove out to Wallowa Lake, followed by some browsing of the downtown shops in Joseph, including a visit to the Valley Bronze Gallery. In the evening we first went to Terminal Gravity Brewing in Enterprise, the local microbrewery where we sampled the microbrews. Then on to El Bajio Mexican Restaurant in Enterprise for dinner and margaritas. Thursday morning after breakfast we packed up and headed home, but first we stopped in Enterprise at The Bookloft to purchase copies of " 'Twas the Night Before Round-Up," a hardback children's book for the grandkids. The publication of the book coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Pendleton Round-Up. Our grand-pug Larue was pampered by our neighbor Pat Bartruff while we were away. Wonderful trip, good company, good food, good accommodations, perfect weather.... Thank you, John and Judy, for helping to make this trip a truly memorable experience. To top it all off, we saw a bald eagle soaring overhead on our way back to Portland.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
A word about dexamethasone
Interesting to observe side effects of drugs first-hand.
Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment of brain edema (swelling) in brain tumors. Dexamethasone is the steroid given in the majority of neuro-oncologic patients, at varying doses. Fortunately I am on a low enough dose (2 mg twice daily) to avoid the well-known and serious side effects of corticosteroid therapy.
A retrospective chart review of 88 patients treated with whole brain radiotherapy was conducted for a 6-month period to document steroid doses prescribed, tapering schedules, and steroid side effects. The most frequently documented steroid-related side effects were increased appetite (32%), proximal muscle weakness (28%), and insomnia (21%), which is pretty much consistent with my experience.
A survey of oncologists who manage patients with brain metastases was conducted at the same institution. The most common side effects noted by physicians were increased appetite or weight gain (46%), insomnia (24%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (20%).
Sturdza A, Millar BA, Bana N, et al. The use and toxicity of steroids in the management of patients with brain metastases.
Support Care Cancer 2008;16:1041-8.
Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment of brain edema (swelling) in brain tumors. Dexamethasone is the steroid given in the majority of neuro-oncologic patients, at varying doses. Fortunately I am on a low enough dose (2 mg twice daily) to avoid the well-known and serious side effects of corticosteroid therapy.
A retrospective chart review of 88 patients treated with whole brain radiotherapy was conducted for a 6-month period to document steroid doses prescribed, tapering schedules, and steroid side effects. The most frequently documented steroid-related side effects were increased appetite (32%), proximal muscle weakness (28%), and insomnia (21%), which is pretty much consistent with my experience.
A survey of oncologists who manage patients with brain metastases was conducted at the same institution. The most common side effects noted by physicians were increased appetite or weight gain (46%), insomnia (24%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (20%).
Sturdza A, Millar BA, Bana N, et al. The use and toxicity of steroids in the management of patients with brain metastases.
Support Care Cancer 2008;16:1041-8.
Happy 70th birthday, John Lennon
"Imagine"
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
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