Video blog #10 - Surgery day!

Hi all,

Well, today is the big day; lap-band surgery day!  Currently I weigh in at 252.8 lbs with a BMI of 38.1.

See you all later.

Michael

Video blog #9: Lap-band surgery next week!

Hi all,

Here is video blog #9.  The time for surgery is almost here.

Eight days and counting.

Surgery Approved!

Hi all,

I just got the call that insurance has approved my surgery!   My surgery date should be December 22nd, 2010.

I'll have a new video blog coming soon.

Michael

The "how and why" lap-band post

The lap-band is not the end-all solution to weight loss however; it is a tool that will help you get to your goal of a healthier and longer life. 

How does it work?  The lap-band is surgically inserted around the opening to the stomach.  It will act as a funnel and sends a signal to the brain telling you that you are full.  This means that you will not be hungry for about four to five hours after eating.  If you feel hungry before then, it is not “real” hunger; you are more likely feeling a desire for food.

In most cases, the band is inserted laproscopically, with several small incisions.  Most people can return to work 3-5 days after surgery.  For people who live alone or do not have someone to stay with them the day of surgery, patients will stay overnight in the hospital for observation.  

Even though the lap-band is safer than other surgeries such as gastric bypass, there are risks involved.  The risks include band slippage, blockage and absorption into the stomach lining.

The post surgery diet consists of liquids for a week or two, then soft foods and finally solids.  It is important to follow the plan and move on to solids.  If there is ever a feeling of something being stuck, make an appointment right away.  If, after a fill, the water does not stay down, return to the office immediately.

Fills and un-fills are done through a port under the skin, where a saline solution is added or removed from the band.

Most solid meals after the band will consist of 3-4 ounces or protein and 6 ounces of vegetables (always eat the protein first).  Do not drink anything until at least one half hour after eating.  If food is moist, drinking during the meal will not be needed.  Meat should be moist; nothing microwaved.

After the band I expect to feel a better sense of healthiness.  I expect to feel and look better.  This will improve my overall outlook on life.  Financially, when I use the band correctly, my food and medication expenses should decrease.  Of course, this will not happen unless I use the lap-band, my weight loss “tool” correctly.

 

Essentially, after surgery, the ball is in my court.  It’s up to me to follow through with the band.  Food passes through in about one minute.  Eating slowly and in small portions as well as chewing thoroughly is very important.  To help me on my journey is Southwest Weight Loss’s after care program.  The after-care program consists of support group meeting, podcasts, recipes, etc.  Most of these are hosted or created by Dr. Simpson.  In addition to the after-care I will make monthly visits in the first year for fills/un-fills as needed along with follow-ups with my primary care doctor.

These people give me the tools and support I need, the rest is up to me.

Video blog #8 - lap band update

Hi all!

Here it is....  Video #8.   I have jumped through the final hoop for insurance.  My weight is over and I expect to be having the surgery the 3rd week of December.   Enjoy the video.

Michael

Video blog #7 - 10/29/10

Hi all.   Sorry it's been a while.  I was sort of demoralized after my September lap-band surgeon consult.  It's partially my own fault since I didn't try hard enough to continue losing weight.  I just thought "I'm having surgery, I might as well eat all the stuff I won't be able to eat after surgery."   Wrong.  I put on a couple pounds and got in trouble for it.  However, this month I really tried and lost 11 pounds so things are back on track.

Enjoy video blog #7.

Michael

Video Blog #6 - lap-band update, car woes and Library life

Hi all,

Here is video blog #6. 

No book reviews this time but there will be another update later in the week after my Lap-band surgery consultation.

Enjoy!

Michael

Video Blog #5: Lap-band surgery update and book reviews

Hi all,

I finally have some new on the lap-bad surgery.  I don't have financing yet but, I was starting get depressed and procrastinate so I have decided to move forward.  My consultation with Dr. Terry Simpson is on 8/26.

In this video blog I also review the books, "Eclipse", "Breaking Dawn", "Pilgrims of Rayne", "Brains: A Zombie Memoir" and the UK TV series "Life on Mars".

As always, comments are welcome.

Enjoy,

Michael

Video Blog 4a

Hello all,
This blog post (4a) is basically the same as the one from yesterday (blog post 4).  One of the reasons I'm doing these video blogs is so that I can see myself talk and learn from my mistakes.  By "mistakes" I mean, talking too fast, rambling, etc.  I usually don't edit myself because I feel that takes away from the fun and spontaneity of the video blog, however, I'm doing this for the Leadership Academy so that I can show the before and after as I see it.

I was able to shave the video down from 5min30sec to 2min55sec just by focusing myself and reduce the repetition and not going off on tangents.  I even talked slower and was still able to give the same basic info in about half the time.

Thanks.
Michael

Video Blog #4

Hello all,

Here is video blog #4:

Enjoy!

Michael

Video blog #3 - 7/13/10

Hi all,

Here is another video blog for your enjoyment.  I'm lonely.  Please comment  :)

video blog #2, part 3 of 3

Here's the last part! Video blog 2, part 3 or 3. I'll have to watch the timer next time :)

Video blog #2, part 2 of 3

Video blog #2, part 2 of 3.

Video Blog #2, part 1 of 3

Hi All,

Since the carpal tunnel is getting a bit worse in my main writing/typing hand, I think I'll start importing video blogs, reviews, etc except for my running list posts (DVDs, books and facts) which all need updating.

Here is video blog #2, part 1 of 3.

Enjoy!

Video blogging

Hi all,

I picked up a cheap (really cheap) webcam the other day and started doing my video blogs.  I'll actually be getting a Flip UltraHD 120 min video camera soon.  I have several Amazon gift certificates I haven't used so those combine with Amazon's discount will get me the video cam for practically nothing.  It also means I'll be able to blog without dragging a computer around with me.  Seeing as how my left shoulder is still in a lot of pain (most likely a bone spur) and my right is still suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome the video cam will make life as well as lap band blogging a lot easier.  So, without further ado; here is my first video blog/review:

Remember me? Well, I'm back and have big news.

Hi everyone.  Sorry I've been gone for a while.  I've been having some health issues; shoulder, knees, back, breathing, etc.,  but most significantly with my writing hand an carpal tunnel syndrome.  I've been able to keep it together during the work days but after that my hand goes into the brace which doesn't allow for much typing. I'm trying to re-learn lefty typing but it's going slow. 

The other issue I've been dealing with is the weight.  For years now I've been avoiding a particular option.  I've been determined to try other things first, however, after years of trying diets (not all fads, some real ones too) and exercise I am barely holding my own and not losing anything.  I've got too much extra poundage and other health conditions, primarily the diabetes, has pushed me to this decision and it's not one I take lightly.  Surgery is definitely NOT the easy way out.  This is a major life changing event and it will be a long and difficult road.  As the body gets older it becomes more difficult to recover from  any procedure.  With my underlying conditions, it's even more difficult.  So, it's now or never (never meaning I'll probably be gone in a few years).  I also feel I'm setting a bad example for the kids. This is just me and my feelings, not a judgement on other overweight people who work with children. 

I have decided to go with the Lap Band Surgery.  This is the least invasive of the procedures and has the least amount of complications as well as being reversible if need be.  As I said, it's a major life changing event; not just the reduced amount and type of food I eat but also financially.   In order to get this covered I will need to switch to my employer's most expensive health insurance plan; that will cost an additional $75/month.  Plus there is a $500 deductible and they cover 90% which leaves me with 10% out of pocket just for the surgery.  Add in followup appointments with the specialist for fills and unfills on the band and Primary Care doctor check-ins, new clothes as needed, etc.  I'm looking at year one costs of approximately $5,175.  That doesn't include interest on the credit card I'll need to charge this to.  Since I am currently only about $60 ahead of my bills every month this is going to be tricky.

My time to have this done is early August (after the Library's Summer Reading Program but before Fall programming begins). 

I've begun taking step to come up with some creative financing.  You'll notice my blog has an Amazon.com link now.  I am part of their Affiliates program.  If you begin your Amazon.com search from my blog it will take you directly to the Amazon website.  You will not notice any difference.  It's the same website you have always used in the past.  Also, I don't have any tracking info so I have no idea who is buying the item.  The difference for me is that, for the referral, I will get 4% if the sale.  4 cents on the dollar is a lot, neither is 40 cents for every $10 but, hopefully it will add up in the long run.  I also have several links on the sides of my blog that relate to what I'm blogging about.  These are links to other sites with related info (I don't get to choose them) and I get a few cents for each click.

I'm working out some other creative financing ideas now and keep you all up to date on how things are going.  Also, as I get closer to the main surgery dates, I will begin to Vlog (video blog) about the experience both before and after the surgery.

Well, my wrist is really hurting now so I'm going to leave it here.  Please post comments or questions I'll get back to you ASAP.  I also plan, later in the week, to update my lists of 2010 movies, books and facts.  I have a lot of additions.

Until then faithful readers, [insert quippy farewell line here].

Michael

ugh

Sorry I've been quiet for the last several days.  I've been out sick with a bad cold and allergies.  I'll post something int eh next day or so.  In the meantime, I've updated my "books" and "dvd' posts with what I've been doing while I've been trapped at home under the covers.  Hope everyone out there is doing well.

Books, Books, where are the books?

So, I went with a friends to the VNSA books sale in Phoenix today.  Sunday is 1/2 price day which it much easier on the wallet and in the past we've found some good deals.  Even though the stock on Sunday this year was much less than usual we were stil able to find a few gems.  I'm not sure if there were fewer donations or if more dealers were there on Saturday but the place was pretty much picked clean.  I was hoping to get a few items to sell in my new eBay store which will be launching soon an I did.  Not many but I did get a really nice (and large) book on Da Vinci and his drawings for myself.  All in all, not a complete waste of a day.  I did get some good exercise. 

Speaking of which, tomorrow is the Renaissance Festival.  Going to attend along with some others from the Library system.  That'll be a lot of good exercise too.  Glad the temps are back in the mid 70's.  It's also nice to have a couple of days off from the unpacking.  Still lots to do but I've got to take a break.  As much as I love the Library I need to take a break for a couple days from that also.  I learned in my past job that down time is critical, even if there is still work to be done.

Oh well, better hit the sack.  Lots of walking to do tomorrow.

The Dangers of the Hokey Pokey (also comments on the symbolic frame of organizations)

If you have a bad shoulder, be careful how you put right right hand in. I did it a bit too quickly and gave it too much of a shake and pulled a muscle. Yes, I actually did injure myself doing the Hokey Pokey during storytime. It's not a bad injury, and I've done this several times in the past. It was such a fun storytime though, that it was worth it. It's already starting to feel better. This group also had a great time putting their backsides in and shaking them about. It's the simple things in life that make it all worthwhile.

Anyway, onto more adult matters. I've been reading my next assignment for the Leadership Academy in "Reframing Organizations" by Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal. This next one coming up is the symbolic frame of organization; the corporate culture and style that identifies an organization. It goes beyond golden arches, geckos, clydesdales and the bulls-eye. This goes deeper into the myth, vision, values and rituals of the internal workings of the organization.

Many organizations think they have positively "branded" themselves, showing people that this is how we do things and that's why we're wonderful. Unfortunately, my miss the mark. It's not just the outward appearance that creates your brand, it's also how you treat the staff, the policies you create, the rules you lay down, and the attitude you show everyone both internal and external. In order to have a truly great brand you must also consider the culture internally. The "do as I say, not as I do" attitude many organizations have completely destroys any brand you want to portray to the external customer. When any organization says ""we want to be number one with our customers", "the customer is always right", "we go the extra mile", etc. and then creates internal "hands-off" policies or publicly praising an action and at the same time privately reprimanding employee the you're just creating a false image. You can't force people to create a positive brand. You've got to fully embrace your brand image 100%, internally, externally, sideways, up, down, diagonally.... you get the picture.

For managers, those on the top rungs of the ladder and in these difficult economic times it may mean sacrificing. I don't mean cutting more frontline staff or lowering the wages of frontline, part-time (or full-time) workers who are already feeling underpaid, unappreciated, overworked, etc. What were those rules that from business class years ago? Twenty percent of the people do eighty percent of the work. It's also likely that the twenty percent are getting eighty percent of the pay. It's not all about money, but how about thanking the frontline staff for keeping the organization running on a daily basis. Throw a little day-long party (so all shifts get to participate), give them a gift card (a $10 gift card to Target or Wal-Mart can go a long way). You can't tell me that between a dozen or so (and in some smaller organizations maybe three or four) managers you can't scrape together a few hundred dollars to thank the people who have provided you the ability to earn the higher pay.

Until management begins to treat their employees exactly the same (or in many cases better) than they expect to their customers to be treated, they won't have that truly great brand.

relaxing weekend

Well, I took advantage of the cool, dry weather and stayed inside most of the weekend reading and watching movies. Anyone out there play the video game "Postal" or "Postal 2"? Well, they made a movie out of it. You really need to be a fan of the games to enjoy the humor that was in the movie. There were also a lot of "name" actors in it you don't expect to see in this type of film.

I saw "Thirst" which is a Korean vampire movie. Normally, I don't watch subtitled movies anymore because it's too hard to see the words, but this was pretty good. It was more like "True Blood" than "Twilight"; which is good, not that I despise "Twilight" or anything. It's just not as light. It's a bit more "grown up" like True Blood.

I also spent some time catching up on my 2nd/3rd grade chapter books. After "World War Z", which was a great book, I needed something light.

BTW, the preview for the new movie "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" looks really good.

State of the Union

What can I say? I support Obama. I hope he can do what he says he will try to do. I definitely trust and believe in him a lot more then the past several presidents. Now it has been a whole year but remember that he came in to office with a huge disaster on his hands; a disaster that was
partially created directly by the previous administration.

I still like many of his ideas and hope that the politicians can put the politics aside and do what's right for the people....all the people not just the ones with deep pockets.

Huh? What?

So, tonight I have blogger's block brought about by sleep deprivation. During the day I'm able to summon forth the energy to be a good Librarian and, of course, drive but nights are tough. I'm on my fourth night of 2 hr or less sleep. Let's hope tonight I can get a bit more sleep. There is lots of work to do.

So much to do and so little time

One of the reasons I try to NOT take an entire week off is the resulting overload of emails, interoffice mail and various other 'to-do" items that accumulate. On top of all that, there are texts to read to for multiple classes, meetings to prepare for follow-up calls to make, programs to prepare and breakdowns to have. I need a vacation just to recover from my vacation.

It's a good thing I finally have a job I love.

Unpacking is progressing slowly. My arm is out of the sling again so that's helping things move along. made some good progress today and knocked out four more boxes. Only about 75 more to go.

I received an email from the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library asking people to contact their city council and let them know you want to continue using the Phoenix Libraries (if you're using them). Right now, they are faced with closures and cuts in hours for those that remain. Fortunately my Library system isn't nearly that bad off. Phoenix isn't my area but I hate to see Library closures anywhere. This is a time when many people need and depend on Libraries for assistance and access. There must be other things to cut out of the budget besides Libraries. If anyone working for the city has a company car, stop it. It's a luxury the citizens can't afford. No more trips around the country or going from location to location. Conferencing technologies have come a long way. Anyone city employee making a six figure salary (or shudder to think, a seven figure salary); c'mon. You're supposed to be a public servant. City jobs shouldn't be way to get rich; and yes, I freely admit that I currently don't and never will make even close to a six figure salary. In fact, I live day to day. I didn't become a "public servant" to get rich. I did it to help and serve the public. You want to get rich, go to the private sector. There are plenty of other people out there who would be more than willing to work with and for the public for a fair wage that won't bankrupt the city (or state).

On a happier note, I'm proud to say that I won the "nerd of the month" award at my branch. I got a cool, decorated pocket protector as my award. See, there are low/no cost ways to make the workplace fun. And hey, I am a nerd. It's a lifestyle I have chosen and am proud to embrace.

So, while I'm in a Peter Griffin "You know what grinds my gears" mood, I gotta say that all these recall emails are really making me both nervous and mad. No, these aren't political recalls. These are emails I get from USDA and CPSC. Food and product recalls. Where's the sense of right and wrong? Is getting more money really worth people's lives. I mean, seriously. For the past year or so I've been getting on average 5 recall emails every single day.

Is there no sense of honor left in this world?

Well, it's 11:11 pm. Time to make a wish and go to bed.
Night all.

Michael

Sling typing

No, it's not some kind of sport or the name of a new rock or metal band. I pulled my shoulder again Saturday afternoon and I've been icing it and currently have it in a sling. When I first tore the rotator cuff and bicep in my writing/main typing arm it took a while to do things lefty. It's not too bad now, but still a bit slow and awkward.

Unfortunately, it's also slowed the unpacking progress which is already well behind schedule.

Since I need to let it heal, I took today off and saw a couple of movies. Both pretty good in their own ways, however a bit of an odd double feature; Outlander and Fanboys. See my "movie" post for ratings.

Today was also the first day in a week without any rain. Sure would have liked to finish unloading the car. Oh well. Maybe next week.

So, is anyone out there reading this blog? Give a shout-out/leave a comment if you're out there.
Want to hear my observations or theories on anything in particular? Let's get a dialog going.

I'm back ..... and dry

Hi all,

Sorry I was gone for a couple of days. We had some major, "storm of the century" type activity here in central AZ and that's never a good time to have the computer running for very long. We even had a tornado warning (watch got upgraded last night).

I hope everyone came through it OK.

To get you caught up, we had our first "Big Picture" presentation for the Leadership Academy. This was for our study of the political frame of organizational leadership. Ken Bennett, AZ Secretary of State was the keynote speaker. A very nice and likable guy. Didn't seem quite like your average politician you see on the news a lot.... I mean that in a good way. He had some interesting insights into politics, both governmental politics and office politics.

The day continued with some after lunch discussions between ourselves and several Library Directors from around the state, some learning/team building/networking activities and then after the day long event a few of us spent a few hours at the Spaghetti Factory in Phoenix for some food and more discussion. BTW, they no longer offer eggplant parmesan even though it is on the menu. Waiter said all eggplant items have been cancelled and will no longer be offered. Bummer. I had the chicken parmesan instead. Not even close. to eggplant parmesan or chicken parmesan at a lot of other places. Very disappointing. At least there was good conversation.

Until tomorrow. (I'm still trying to think up a new catch-phrase)

The Political Frame

No, I'm not talking about the race for government office, I'm talking about the political frame as it relates to office politics. Personally, I'd like to be able to do my job the best they can and for people to do the same. However, this is not some goody-goody, Utopian society so it's not going to happen.

As I'm reading about the topic I've realized that as much as I despise "playing the game" that's exactly what's going on; at least subconsciously. I can honestly say that I have not done any lying or cheating and have been faithful to myself, my ethics and my sense of honor. That relieves me.

I'm not a "yes man" and I'm not great at the office politics game but I suppose if I want to get a full time position and implement some of the great ideas I have I need to learn to form alliances, network out of my comfort zone and learn to "swim with the sharks." That's just how the world works these days.

Of course, I have no intention of compromising my sense of honor so if I never get ahead, I will at last have that. Honor is very important. It's who I am and that's not going to change.

That's one thing you can always count on as you read these posts and something I promise will never change. For better or worse, I will always be the real me.

School's back in session

Yup, back to school.....again. Now it's the State Library's "Library Leadership Academy" which is a great opportunity. It also means I won't have time to get a second job so it's back to Ramen Noodles, mustard sandwiches, and lightly flavored tap water again. I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end and I'll have several opportunities for networking.

I also need to kick into high gear the work on my Basic Indexing class. This is a graduate level course on indexing (back of the book and online/web-based indexing techniques). I've only got four months left on my extension and a long way to go. At least a year's worth of work to do in four months. Yikes.

On that note, got to hit the books for a bit before I can hit the sack.

Night all.

What's up with 2012?

You may have heard some of the theories; doomsday, solar flare, polar shift, block hole alignment, Planet X (Nibiru) collision, geomagnetic reversal, etc. Whether you believe or not, it's best to have a good idea WHY you believe. Just because someone, no matter who, tells you something will or will not happen does not mean they are right. They might have faulty info as well. Why not find out for yourself? Many local libraries have access to all kinds of databases and other resources to help you. A little leg work can also be fun. Think of all the new, interesting facts you may uncover.


Think we're having a lot more major quakes than any time in the past? Not really. We're pretty much on average. Here's a link to to some stats at the USGS (United States Geological Survey) which has been tracking quakes since the 30's: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/eqstats.php

As for storms; sure climate change is messing everything up but, in my opinion it's something we'll need to get used to pretty quickly. The people with the money and power to make a significant impact on climate change won't do anything because it would most likely diminish their money and power. Sure, the average Joe like you and I can do our little part, but unless several billion of us little Joe's all do something it won't be enough. It's the "big people", governments and corporations (not all mind you) that can have the most impact. But honestly, do you really think they're going to dig into their own pockets out of the goodness of their hearts and make a significant change for the better? I wish I were wrong. I hope I'm wrong. Somebody please prove to me that I'm wrong.

Feel free to argue about climate change, apocalypse theories, corporate and government greed and corruption, etc. but also please supply links to evidence or facts to back it up.

That's the end of my crotchety diatribe. I'm sick and I'm going to bed.

Back in the saddle

Well, today was my first Family Storytime and Shake, Rattle and Roll in a very long time. We didn't do very many programs the first couple of months the library was starting in January we started offering our schedule. We've got some pretty good size crowds considering this is still our first month. It was nice to see some familiar faces from Arabian as well as some new faces. I think it's harder for children's librarians to move branches because from what I've seen and experienced we get more attached to the little customers than the adults.

It seems many hadn't experienced SRR before, at least not in the style I perform it so it was a real hoot. Good thing the paneled wall is pretty sound proof.

For FST I tried out a couple of new books; "Sally and the Purple Socks" and "Whose Nose and Toes". They both went over really well as did one of my regular books "Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?". I saw on our shelves that we have some new dinosaur books. I'm going to have to unpack the six foot inflatable dinosaur and get him patched up so I can have another dino themed storytime. The dino is about twice as tall as my tallest kids in the past so it's great for taking pictures (that's him behind me in my profile pic).

BTW, I list all of the books I'm reading this year, including Storytime/Picture books in my blog post "2010 - Books".

2010 - New facts/words/terms

This is a list of new facts, words and terms I have learned this year. One of my New Year's resolutions is to learn at least one new thing every day starting 1/1/2010. If you KNOW that I have any of my facts wrong, please let me know which one and where to find the correct info. Thanks.


1/1/10 - The Incas thought of space and time as a single unified concept named "pacha" a very long time before European scientists did.


1/2/10 - Emperor Honorius ended the official/legal gladiatorial games in 404 CE after a monk jumped into the arena to separate two gladiators and was stoned to death.

1/3/10 -The Alpine Munia is a species of finch found in tropical and subtropical grasslands such as Papua New Guinea.

1/4/10 - Fairy tale author Jacob Grimm was born on this day (1/4) in 1785.

1/5/10 - On this day in 1967, a gallon of gas was only 28 cents.

1/6/10 - In 1926, women were banned from competing in marathons because it was believed it caused infertility.

1/7/10 - Zero was invented in India by Indian mathematicians dating as early as 5th century.

1/8/10 - The East Japan Railway Company (JR-East), as part of research aimed at developing more environmentally friendly train stations, is testing an experimental system that produces electricity as people pass through ticket gates.

1/9/10 - In 1987, American Airlines eliminated one olive from every salad they served in the first class section. It saved the company about $40,000 that year.

1/10/10 - Emery Molyneux was a maker of globes and mathematical instruments. His globes were first published in 1592 and were the first to be made by an Englishman; in fact, they were the first to be made in England.

1/11/10 - Saying "I'm going to unpack and go through at least one entire box full of papers a day until I'm completely unpacked" is much more difficult than actually doing it.

1/12/10 - A "labyrinthine projection" is one continuous, non-intersecting line (hand drawn) tht creates a photo-realistic image. The term was coined by an American artist names J. eric Morales in 2000.

1/13/10 - We live in dangerous, yet interesting times.

1/14/10 - Planck's constant is the physical constant used to desrcibe the sizes of the quanta in quantum mechanics.

1/15/10 - It's much easier to just type these facts in every day rather than making a list on sticky notes for a week or two and then transcribing them.

1/16/10 - Wrap rage is the name given for the anger and frustration people feel from the difficulty and sometimes inability to open those hard to remove/anti-theft blister pack and clamshell packaged items.

1/17/10 - In 1982, Peters and Waterman brought for the idea of "management by wandering around" which in short means management by getting out of the office and spending time with workers and customers.

1/18/10 - A "frame" as it pertains to the four frames of organizational leadership, is a set of ideas that forms a prism, or a lens, that enables the leader to not only see but understand much more clearly what goes on from day-to-day within the organization.

1/19/10 - Whether you want to believe it or not, caffeine is addictive. Just try to go without it for a couple weeks or months. Not just coffee, also chocolate, soda, etc. Not easy, but it can be done.

1/20/10 - The Library is a great place to hang out or just relax. If you haven't been to your local branch in a while give it a try.

1/21/10 - When someone says "that will never happen here" don't believe them. We do have the occasional tornado in central AZ.

1/22/10 - It's a good idea to have a back up disaster plan. A small closet with some non0-perishable food and water and other survival supplies is a good idea especially if you live on the top floor and have no basement or lower level to retreat to.

1/23/10 - All work and no play makes Michael a dull boy.

1/24/10 - If the apocalypse 2012 doesn't occur, don't fret. There is a 1 in 3,030 (approx.) chance that Earth will be hit by an Asteroid around June 3rd-9th, 2048.

1/25/10 - Fact: When searching for information on the internet, you should check multiple sources for the same information. You can never tell if the person posting something actually knows what they're talking about. If you find a site with the exact same wording, check another site.

1/26/10 - The Atakapa is an extinct Indian tribe that was located along the coast from Louisiana to Texas (from Vermillion Bay to Trinity Bay) in the 1600's.

1/27/10 - The Tonkawa were a nomadic Indian tribe comprised mainly of hunters who roamed parts of Texas and Oklahoma in the late 1600's.

1/28/10 - in 1675 Newton delivered his discourse on "light and color" to the Royal Society.

1/29/10 - In 1695 Nehemiah Grew successfully separated magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) from spring water. (Mr. Grew, my feet thank you for that.)

1/30/10 - In 1748 Jean Nollet, a clergyman and physisist, discovered a form of osmosis.

1/31/10 - Peter Henlein built the first pocket watch ever made in 1502.

2/1/10 - Raw sugar was first refined in 1503.

2/2/10 - In 1933, Ernst Ruska built the first electron microscope. It had a 12,000 power magnification. We now have electron microscopes that give 1,000,000 power magnification.

2/3/10 - The Palio is a horse race held in Sienna, Italy, where jockeys attack each other with whips. It's brutal and has been going on for over 800 years.

2/4/10 - In 1947, Dennis Gabor developed 3D holography. (1947!!! That was 63 years ago. Where's my 3D TV/movie??)

2/5/10 - Amelia Earhart disappeared in 1937 (I knew that). Her co-pilot's name was Fred Noonan (didn't know that).

2/6/10 - The first world map showing "America" was created in 1507.

2/7/10 - In 1960, the first argon ion laser is built.

2/8/10 - An Inkstone is a stone used to mix dry ink with water for Chinese calligraphy and painting.

2/9/10 - Bioinfotmatics is the use of computers, mathematics and information theory to model and analyze biological systems.  It is used quite a bit in genetic research.

2/10/10 - Soil liquefaction occurs during earthquakes when the water saturated ground loses its strength and turns from a solid to a liquid.

2/11/10 - The Bianchini Crater is on the northwestern part of the moon just north of the Jura Mountains.

2/12/10 - Many birds do not have gall bladders.

2/13/10 - The Javan Rhinoceros is one of the most critically endangered species on the planet.

2/14/10 -

2010 - Movies/TV on DVD

This is a list of movies/TV shows on DVD I have seen beginning 1/1/2010:

The International (2 out of 5)
Blood: The Last Vampire (3 out of 5)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2.5 out of 5)
Mercury Man (1 out of 5)
Dark Matter (2 out of 5)
Reefer Madness: The movie Musical (3.5 out of 5)
Drag Me To Hell (3 out of 5)
Pushing Daisies: Season 2 (5 out of 5)
Dead Space: Downfall (4 out of 5)
Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker (3.5 out of 5)
Terminator: Salvation (3 out of 5)
Azumi 2 (3.5 out of 5)
Last House on the Left: Unrated (0 out of 5)
Outlander (3.5 out of 5)
Fanboys (4 out of 5)
The Weatherman (1.5 out of 5)
Thirst (3 out of 5)
Postal (3.5 out of 5)
Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd: Out of Control (2 out of 5)
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (3.5 out of 5)
The Office: Season 1 - UK version  (3 out f 5)
Vampire Killers (2 out of 5)
Dexter: Season 1 (4.5 out of 5)
Chrysalis (1 out of 5)
Julie and Julie (4 out of 5)
Brick (1 out of 5)

2010 - Books

This is a list of books I have read beginning 1/1/2010:

Lost City of Farr - Pendragon Series Bk 2 - D.J. MacHale (4 out of 5)
Miss Holly is Too Jolly - Dan Gutman (2.5 out of 5)
Sea of Monsters: Percy Jackson, book 2 - Rick Riordan (4 out of 5)
Miss Daisy is Crazy - Dan Gutman (3 out of 5)
Chicken Cheeks - Michael Ian Black (4.5 out of 5)
Sally and the Purple Socks - Lisze Bechtold (5 out of 5)
Whose Nose and Toes - John Butler (5 out of 5)
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? (3.5 out of 5)
Mr. Klutz is Nuts - Dan Gutman (3 out of 5)
World War Z - Max Brooks (5 out of 5)
This Little Piggy's Book of Manners - Kathryn Madelin Allen (4 out of 5)
Too Many Cooks - Margaret McNamara (4 out of 5)
Crocs! - David T. Greenberg (3 out of 5)
Pete and Pickles - Berkeley Breathed (3.5 out of 5)
The Elephant Wish - Lou Berger (2.5 out of 5)
Previously - Allan Ahlberg (4.5 out of 5)
I'm Not Cute - Jonathan Allen (5 out of 5)
Roar! - Margaret Mayo (4.5 out of 5)
Hippos Go Berserk! - Sandra Boynton (5 out of 5)
The Never War: Pendragon Series Book 3 (4 out of 5)




Time Warp trio: Viking it and liking it (currently reading)
Reframing Organizations, 4th Ed. - Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal (currently reading)