R E F L E C T I O N S

A few months ago I was considering back surgery for terrible pain I've had for over a year. See my earlier post about this: http://johns-spot112948.blogspot.com/2011/04/back-trouble.html My wife saw a commercial for Cymbalta on TV.  I was sure it would not work. But I was desperate and willing to try anything. Now I am completely pain free. This sounds like a commercial but it was the only thing that worked for me. I recommend you try this before trying surgery. Surgery only works for 70% of the cases. For me it would have been: 3 days in the hospital on IV pain medication. 3 months recovery at home taking more narcotics Even then I might still be left with some residual pain. ____________ I've found two drawbacks with Cymbalta: 1. Getting used to the side effects which go away after a week. (Nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, decreased appetite, and increased sweating). For me it was like a case of food pois...

Here's a funny story from. FRIDGE SOUP: Have you all seen this one? :

The other night I watched the 1994 movie The Professional on TV.  I thought it was an excellent gangster movie.  There could have been a better ending instead of the typical shoot out. You know the impossible scene with one man killing dozens of others in a prolonged gunfight:  -his bullets always hit their target -their's always miss -his gun never runs out of bullets -their guns jam -he's a clever acrobat -they are stupid and clumbsy Yet I still enjoyed it, especially the song they played while showing the credits.  It was "The Shape of my Heart" by Sting. Here is the song with its poetic lyrics:

I've read that schools may stop teaching handwriting! Cursive takes more room and is less legible than printing. But it is faster, has a personal style and is easier on the hand. Here is the link for the original blog post:  Thinking About Cursive

I feel handwriting is important for children to learn. It's faster, easier on the hand and has a unique personal style. The more we learn the better. I find it can be relaxing if you write as slowly and as smoothly as you can.  It's just the opposite of  sending a text message with your two thumbs jerking back and forth as if having a seizure.  Abbreviating and using numbers for words ( "2" for two or too or to) is not as precise.  It substitutes speed for spelling and grammar. Here's the blog link: Is Cursive Obsolete? | Seconds

Kaleidoscope: A toy consisting of a tube containing mirrors and pieces of colored glass or paper, whose reflections produce changing patterns that are visible through an eyehole when the tube is rotated. Image via Wikipedia I remember having these as a child.  It was fascinating and magical for me. Try this link.  The images move quickly so be prepared.  If you move your mouse it changes even faster! http://inoyan.narod.ru/kaleidoskop.swf I found this on the"Aging Gratefully" blog http://aginggratefully.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-thought-thursday.html

Here is a site I found with unbelievably expensive pens. You have to have a look. Who can be rich enough to buy one of these pens?  If I was that rich I'd donate my money to help build something useful like a hospital wing. But the ad photos and narrative are fun to watch! Click on the "Historical" pens like: The Houdini has a melt of silver and metal from his keys. The Babe Ruth which has part of one of his bats. The Lindbergh pen cap has a piece of the motor from The Spirit of St.Louis. There are no prices listed.  I guess if you have to ask for the price you can't afford the pen. What a waste of money. Here is the link Krone Pens