WATER AND WINE, WATER TO WINE, WHINING IN GENERAL

 Out of the mouths of babes department, we had the opportunity to spend a large amount of time with the grandson this week. We shared several meals where I usually drink water except when we go out where I might indulge in a glass of wine. This led him to note I only drink the "W's" - water and wine. Duly noted. 

With so much golf instruction and outings going on this week I grabbed a club and took a few practice swings (first time in years). I must have subliminally picked up some tips as I nailed each shot better than I ever have in my life. The boy's new clubs arrived, so he was beyond excited which is good as I may want mine back...           

                                                                    

Quote that stuck this week. As the party known for lowering taxes and regulations on the rich and powerful while labeling anything that support "the people" as socialism (social security, infrastructure, medicare, job safety, unemployment insurance) I present this.  "Capitalism should improve the peoples' lives, not just provide profits for the few". Speaking of differences, the reps McCarthy chose to place on the January 6 investigative committee included "alleged" actual conspirators who publicly claimed their intent was to "screw up" an impartial investigation by maintaining the "insurrection" was merely an exuberant tour group. After which they emerged from hiding to go back and vote "against" certification surrounded by the broken pieces left behind. Jordan and Banks, I'm looking at you. Matt Gaetz take note. If and when (ahem) you are accused of a crime, you did commit, be sure to put yourself on the prosecuting side of the investigation - brilliant! Another quote I love "widen your lens". That applies to so much.

What is the deal with constant criticism of womens' clothing? In the same week a British long jumper was criticized for wearing too short shorts - which is similar to the mens' and she's been wearing them for ten years of competition. Conversely the Danish women's beach volley ball team was fined for wearing shorts instead of the required bikini bottoms (described as a close fit with a cut on an upward angle) in their competition (not the Olympics which allows either). WTF? Like we say, "our eyes are up here horn dogs". It is just another part of not being taken seriously. Women don't have the same hang-ups, though I must confess that oiled up dude from Tonga who wears the same outfit (basically nothing) for both the summer and winter olympics is worth a second look.

Gear Change. I was struck by the story this week of the punishment meted out to the poultry company after the deaths of six plant workers which were "totally avoidable" as stated by Labor Secretary Walsh. Yes they were. The Right to Know law has been in effect for decades where every employer has the duty to educate employees on the hazards of any and all chemicals and provide personal protection, training and procedures. Even a sign stating liquid nitrogen present which can be immediately dangerous to life and health (as it displaces oxygen) might have given these folks pause before they went in to inspect a leaking freezer. This also applies to emergency personnel who may be the ones investigating or mitigating such a situation as was pointed out when I was involved in a similar emergency situation in my safety days. Yes, we all hated my mandatory lecture on hazard communication but this is what safety folks have nightmares about.

I learned many oddball things practicing my "craft". I learned about HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtering when the dust rule came into effect. Essentially there cannot be more than 1/32  inch of dust present (fire, spark hazard) on surfaces which is essentially the height of a paper clip. Try to explain that to managers in a coal-fired power plant. Coal dust and flyash are part of the decorations and the negative air pressure generated from  the massive equipment made things a tad stubborn to remove. You haven't lived until you see people manipulating giant vacuum cleaner hoses on the top of a 3-story boiler. However, it did prompt me to search and seek out hepa filters for my home way before it was cool. 

I learned how one can do chemistry in one's kitchen sink when experimenting on random fluffs of insulation picked up in random areas. If it turned red/purple magnesium was present which probably meant asbestos which probably meant a whole lot of problem.

We also tried to come up with a recycling idea for the sludge filling a pond near the Lansing Zoo, a by-product from the water conditioning plant full of calcium carbonate mixed with flyash. Working it into our garden produced massive carrots. Though whether they were edible was debatable. However it did have a commercial application as a flowable fill for construction which would flow into place and harden. I have no idea whatever happened to that project...

I also learned to always opt for the commercially made and sized appliance cords for extra safety as we drag cords over and through things.  I believe I can vacuum the second floor from the first floor of my house with the insanely long cord I insisted on. I have various volt testers that I gleefully push into outlets testing for grounds. Though we did discover all our grounds were installed upside down.

After struggling with and researching the issue I had the unique opportunity of "field testing" one of the first ever tri-recording dosimeters. At the time everyone else used a separate monitoring device for each hazard. However as my folks entered sewers, toxicity, oxygen deficiency or explosive atmospheres were always a fun possibility. Of course, as we are dealing with people, my highly-trained workers almost became like poultry plant casualties one time when they did not  "trust the science".

Switching gears again, my grandson is an animal lover-he wanted me to save a drowning icky bugee thingee when we were in the lake the other day- and he has quite an imagination. He said he couldn't leave for the latest golf adventure until he had talked to his friend the mourning dove whose name was Isaac for some weird reason. Apparently Isaac is single and hangs out with his buddy Chris the blue jay and Ramon the raven. There is an entire story about these feathered characters from the boy who groaned every week when he had to do an original writing assignment for school. 

Well hopefully the monsoons for the week have passed and looking forward to five days drying out the mosquito hideouts. What's the point of  new deck and pergola if one fears being used as a portable blood bank. At least they make "OFF" in designer scents these days.....

BOWLS AND BALLS (WEEK of JULY 12)

"I really don't think you're in my bowl". Interesting words and in context at the time. However, I'll just leave it at that as it struck me as funny at the time. I'm strange like that. 

Interesting podcast interview this week where we talked about planning for disasters, emergencies, etc. We never expect something to happen-that's why we call it an accident, but in the safety/health world we are always nicked for not planning well enough, or training adequately, or holding folks responsible enough-AFTER the fact. As they say failing to plan is planning to fail.  Sounds good on paper. 

Podcast Highlights-there have been tsunamis in Michigan. Ever stood near the Grand Haven pier in the Fall or Winter?... After the "practice" bombing in the parking garage of the World Trade Center evacuation plans and buddy systems were put in place and practiced; leading to the miraculous escape of most of those on the floors below the airplane impacts... Many smaller and governmental entities do little or inadequate emergency planning. Though in my case it was not lack of planning, more of a lack of cooperation which I can now dub the anti-vax mentality. "It probably won't happen, if it does, it won't be that bad, if you die you die (literally)." When something happens it reverts to: "why didn't you push harder", sigh.

Speaking of deniers, why does one not run into people with polio, mumps, measles, smallpox, diptheria, etc. Blame those darn vaccines.  But the ones that really defy logic are those who know of people, or they themselves, infected with covid and still do not believe in protecting themselves. In the safety realm we call those folks "suicidal". Tennesee is now off my bucket list. To carry the water for "the big lie" those I laughingly refer to as "in charge" are prohibiting requirements to get the covid vaccine, and just to make it more fun, they have also decreed it illegal to require "ANY" vaccinations. Hello to the 1700's!

Talking about advance vs reactive planning, a Parks Department storage area had many interesting bags, bottles and boxes with powders and liquids possibly decomposing and "off-gassing" around the platform they were stacked upon. The philosophy was always, we need that, but we will buy more than we need and worry about what we do with it later. Well later occurred under my regime and I learned way more about agricultural products than I ever wanted to know. I think it would have been easier to stick with farm animal excrement than to determine where, what and how to dispose of our myriad of products. Though I suppose they would have bitched about the smell...This is the department where I insisted they test their hydro-vehicle lift, as required, and we blew it up. As the hoist was down for an extended period I was not too popular there. But it was amazing to discover how many entities are willing to take partially used "skull and crossbones" products off your hands, including the original purveyor of the goods. Hmmm.

General Beefs: Failure to plan is a theme I see. All the "hue and cry" about not being able to renew one's passport in a timely manner. Pandemic shut the country down.The previous administration cut government to the bare bones before that. You 'all sat around on your fannies for months until you decided to travel where you need a passport. Scalpers are snatching up passport appointments and selling them online. Any of this ringing a bell somewhere? I saw my passport was defunct in August, 2020, so what did I do? I renewed it, duhh. 

On a happier note, took the grandson for his first golf lesson this week. Fun to watch and cringe. Since he is playing baseball at the same time we have the opportunity to screw up either his bat swing or his golf swing or possibly both for a two-fer. Grandpa immediately ordered clubs and bag and both of them are very excited. I asked my budding Tiger if he understood what the instructor was trying to teach him and he said "yeah, but I don't get all that triangle stuff". At least he was polite about it. On the baseball front, after a hit he was blocked running down the baseline by two players frantically trying to field the ball. After the inevitable collision and fall, he got back up and made it to first base. Couldn't have been prouder. Maybe he will start wearing long pants to games, but I doubt it-skinned knees and all.

After about 50 years attending a church the OH decided to move to one closer to home as his previous church decided it was God's will, or something, and refused to follow any covid guidelines. Not wanting to infect others, he started attending the other church. Even the eventual sickness of a few parishioners and the actual death of the pastor, partially a result of covid, they still followed a reckless path.  At any rate after a year, the new church had a welcome reception for the new parishioners. I attended as I heard there would be cake - which was pretty good. 

A small congregation imagine their excitement when they thought they were getting two newbies for the price of one! I had to burst bubbles by saying I followed a different saviour interpretation but the cake was good and the people friendly. Also as it is a small group the pastor can see all of you when he delivers his talk so my usual snooze had to be postponed for 40 minutes! Wow-Catholics know better than to "homilyize" for more than 10-15 minutes. Small sacrifice for cake though.  

There is always BS going on in Washington D.C. but I think I will take a break this week. Though I do wonder why we have to keep re-trying issues that have been resolved previously (DACA). Shakespeare had it right-"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers" (HenryVI). 

The birds are a little sloppy when chowing down on their various seeds but sometimes we get a nice reminder of their activities   Happy Week.....

NO PARTICULAR ORDER (JULY 5TH WEEK)

Thank you my small, but loyal following as writing is my main hobby and necessity . There may be a fine line between laughing at life and cynicism but at 69 years and 8 months, I am convinced the lines are blurred. So much that seemed important when one is younger became exposed as a whole lot of running in place with no perceptible forward progress. Apparently the world belongs to those bold enough to just do it - ask for forgiveness later. Some may perceive that as a less than benevolent management style, but I hate inaction more than anything. Discussion is usually necessary as one cannot know everything and the need to avoid "tunnel vision" but make a decision!  Procrastination is death. I'm surprised I survived working in government so long. Did I squish some toes - no question. Did I accomplish some things I am proud of- also no question. 

Interesting thought department. Obama, arguably one of the more popular presidents, received more than 2 million less votes on his second election. The Dude who would be president, as popular as a cold sore, received 11 million more votes on his second attempt. If one were prone to conspiracy theories one might project "the fix was in", but too many democrats got out and voted. No wonder the repubs are crying foul...If you follow the polls-mostly I don't as they are highly inaccurate-there is an interesting one by the Pew Institute, a more reputable source.  When discussing what demographic actually supports repubs their most solid group is those over 75 so the struggle to win a majority of voters gets harder each year....now that's amusing in a macabre way. 

More Supremie mayhem as they strike down the California law that required non-profits to identify their donors. I thought the Koch brother(s) Citizens United did enough damage protecting dark money, but this is only the first volley that will eventually protect all donors (read rich and powerful) from being ID'd. Dark money just went opaque. These rich and powerful are being harrassed by "honest" people whines Alito. (The word "honest" was mine)

Squeamish post. Avert your eyes if sensitive to bodily functions. Oddly I am in the unique position of being able to report on both colonoscopys and Cologuard. "Enjoying" a colonoscopy requires several days of monitored eating (no red dye foods for obvious reaasons), etc. Then an interesting evening trying to choke down a gallon of a vile tasting liquid-I don't care what you mix it with. Come on. If they can make tasty gummi bear vitamins for adults, what's up with the liquid vomit which describes the taste and subsequent stomach reaction if one sips too fast. This is followed by an excruciating night of nature calls every thirty minutes or so. Clean as a whistle has a whole new meaning where every twinge of the nether regions heralds another trip to the porcelain bowl. One thought is they make the prep procedure so arduous that one welcomes the odorous fun that is to come (yes screaming and reaching puns galore).

Though nothing means nothing after a night of void...one still panics entering the medical facility that an unexpected little explosion might still occur. If one looks around the waitng room however you can be reassured that each face is showing the same signs of discomfort, exhaustion and apprehension. Finally led back to your fate the happy juice is IV'd in. The rest is gravy or... something. If semi-conscious, the patient can wax hilariously with the doctor-though why 17 students have to be part of the procedure I have no idea. I believe the doc asked if I minded the students observing or maybe it was the happy juice. I gleefully said "rear forward", let the learning begin. Afterwards there is quite a bit of discomfort until an overwhelming gas cloud emerges (there is quite a bit of air introduced with that snake going up the pipes). This "exhalation" is, of course, then celebrated with a chocolate milkshake from McDonalds.  I have no idea why, I just know it works.

So when my primary suggested it was time for the pipe job again I delicately protested (yeah right). He suggested Cologard the happy talking box one sees on the commercials talking to people about testing their poo while engaged in public activities - walking, swimming, lounging at the beach etc. Seems harmless enough. Then the box arrived and the 16 pages of instructions. There's quite a bit to it and heaven forbid if one does it wrong. You're basically catching, releasing and packaging up what happens each morning after two cups of coffee. (Actually proper order would be releasing and catching, but it was funnier the first way) One especially interesting precaution "be sure not to let other contaminants get mixed into the sample". Like what? Cereal? Perfume? Bugs? Oh yeah I get it.  Anyone who understands the plumbing of male and female specimans should know that certain parts on a female are not that easy to disengage from one another during the overall release. They supply you with a little pot to catch "solid things" but try managing one without the other ladies. 

I kept telling myself  it's all natural, its all natural, it's all natural until I said oh what the hell. First one has to "take" a sample with a little test tube and bottle it up. That's not too bad but THEN, one has to also package up "the rest of the story"  being careful not to "present" more than this interesting bottle of liquid could cover-with the note DO NOT DRINK OR GET IN YOUR EYES. Have to love the lawyers. They show a picture of two little sausages as the approved sample with the caveat yours may not look exactly like this- AS IF. Their sample looked like something a Shih Tzu would deliver.

As the temperature was 90, climbing and extremely humid I made the executive decision to take the package to the UPS Store myself rather than "wait" for them to pick it up. Big note to keep sample at room temperature and sent in within a day. That box sitting on my porch in the heat waiting for UPS did not seem like a solid (another pun) plan. Though I will say their packaging is quite extensive and the whole procedure is well-explained, but Ewww. 

On a lighter front...sarcasm. Just perusing a little news I found two people shot, one killed, by someone at the other end of the bar for no apparent reason; two dudes in a McDonalds pointing a gun in protest over salt on their fries; several "road rage" shooting incidents, and a gun-wielding patron upset by the amont of hot sauce on his chicken sandwich. Explain again to me why so many "conservatives" think giving guns and no rules to the masses is such a great idea?

Good News section. Nice time of year as we can celebrate two family birthdays aligned a day apart. Nice to see the whole gang at once-- it's been a while.  Also, da da da da!!! The deck is done! Although there are a couple of finishing touches to be applied, in general we have a deck and pergola. On to the next project.

                                             

FIREWORKS, EXPLOSIONS, MAYHEM -HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

 Heading into the 4th of July weekend. I hate to think this way but to me summer has three chapters-Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day and we are already moving into the 2nd Chapter of a very short book! My tan has barely started, barbecues have been scarce (cue rain) and I just started carping about the heat at night. Our new AC is still not doing its only task which is providing chilly air upstairs even after popping for the larger unit. Sigh.

On the good news front, our daughter started a new job (promotion) today and also got word their bid was accepted on a house (viewed during a tornado warning so we know it's a solid house). Talk about stacking up the newsworthy events. But to ward off the jinxs the house is not a done deal, so fingers and toes crossed as contingencies are worked through.

Also number five podcast is "in the can". I wonder at what point I will stop numbering them. We had predicted twelve or more easily for the first year. What naive babies we were. All the promised volunteer help has bogeyed, my preparations take much longer than anticipated and eager interviewees are becoming more elusive as summer fun beckons. Oh well this last recording was enjoyable as we discussed the problems of indoor air quality in closed up buildings, how we are poisoning our school children with our cleaning methods, and how maintenance folks are really invisible essential employees that we should all appreciate. 

We also lamented the dearth of folks going into the Industrial Hygiene field -you know the non-essential science of invisible organisms that can kill us such as legionella and covid. The young are all about Environmental and have no clue as to the hazards of the sneaky little indoor airborne heebie jeebies (to get technical). As my interviewee stated "Dilution is the solution to pollution" or don't work in a dust cloud.

These are the most insidious of problems to resolve as a Safety/Health practictioner. One person's complaint of not feeling well becomes a nightmare tracking down the clues and finding a solution, sometimes by accident. After exhausting all the obvious possiblities through air monitoring and surface samples for the constant complaints I got from an office group, I by accident, realized that trucks were idling in an alley next to City Hall. Upon looking up I saw the gaping maw of an air intake just about 5 stories high. Hmm, the proverbial light bulb moment. Look around sometime. You will be amazed at the number of air intakes in interesting spots, such as right next to the exhaust vent, or a car repair shop or a brazing operation or excessive B.O. 

True stories, one engineer I had to work around never used deodorant and apparently believed his once a week ablutions took care of the problem - Not. I was not quite as brash back then and after consultation with other office workers I was the one who anonymously left the can of Arrid on his desk one night. Another personal hygiene issue, related to me by a manager, was that she was getting constant complaints about an office mate with incessant "gas" issues that he assured he could not control (another example of Indoor Air Quality IAQ). And you all thought the Personnel Department was a useless division. "Explosive" situations "arise" all the time and HR becomes the solution. Say what you will but working from home has settled a lot of interpersonal issues this past year.

Interesting how ultra-conservative Suprem-ie Clarence Thomas thinks the federal laws on "mary de wanna" don't make sense as most of the country is already using, abusing and accepting. However in an abrubt "right" turn he thinks it's ok to shackle women and their bodies even though their right to medical privacy, and hey their bodies, is accepted by the majority of the country. Actually the Court has not been as partisan as first feared, but time will tell.

 UPDATE: already wrong on that last statement with them upholding restrictive voting practices in Arizona. One of the issues was the GOP's habit of quickly moving voting locations (in "certain" areas) to make it very likely that the minority voter will not know this and vote in the wrong precinct which means the ballot is thrown out. Not manipulative huh?

Speaking of repub manipulaton, Michigan Senator (State) Ed McBroom from the UP had the dubious honor of being called out by the "whiner in exile" as a RINO (repub in name only). He was the main author of the Michigan republican committe report written after a months-long investigation of voter fraud in the 2020 election. Surprise, Senator McBroom found no evidence of systemic fraud and even directed the attorney general consider investigating individuals who pushed false claims "to raise money or publicity for their own ends". How refreshing and, unfortunately, unusual these days to find people acting with integrity rather than doubling down on a lie when confronted with the truth. 

In the TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION category...one day after the Trump Organization CFO is indicted for tax fraud, etc., a Twitter post allegedly shows a LINKEDIN job posting today for a new CFO for Trump Organization with two applicants already applying. If true, WOW, though not surprising. Among the job duties, though, I did not see "ability to manipulate, bamboozle and hide tax liabilities, assets and account juggling".  Also, if true, Mr. Weisselberg (a Trump employee and fall guy since the 70s) should finally understand what loyalty really means to Orange Judas. Another humorous note, the court filing for the Trump Organization lists "Legal Aid" as the attorney. Either they can't afford their own attorney or a facist is relying on the socialistic system of providing everyone with a lawyer paid for by the socialist government. LOL. I assume that is in error but it sure would "piss off" a jury. 

Have to comment on Mr. Cosby's release. I am not privy to all the facts obviously, but a prosecuter gave him immunity for admitting he drugged multiple women so he could have sex with them? What is especially galling is he is out there now threatening to sue the Pennsylvania county and clamoring about all the "innocent" people behind bars. As by your own admission you are guilty, keeping your mouth shut would be of great service to the women who are now going to be intimidated about coming forward with similar complaints. 

On a happier note, recyling now has an added bonus. As the recycle center is open Wednesday afternoons, we crated up our mish-mosh of carboard, tin, glass (I'm embarrassed by the number of wine bottles), plastic, etc. and set off to do our environmental duty. In jest the OH suggested I take him to dinner. So we did even though it was not quite 5 pm yet (yes, we are those people, sometimes). Now he believes it should be part of the recycling routine. We also punctuate our bi-annual blood tests with a celebratory breakfast as we are "breaking the fast" of the last twelve hours. That's another four occasions for someone else to cook for us. 

New grill was put together through our joint efforts and no one was stabbed or stalked off after a screaming match in utter frustration. The black behemoth has been joy-riding for the last couple of weeks as I couldn't handle my end of lifting the darn thing out of the truck. Our contractor guy was going to do it, but we can barely keep him focused on the BIG project. That sucker weighed more than 100 pounds and apparently half of it was styrofoam.  Ended up with an entire leaf bag of styrofoarm pieces. If I could go back in time I would blow up that new major back in the 70's at MSU called "Packaging".

 My role on assembly is as direction reader, parts chaser and holder as tiny screws and bolts are continually dropped until finally seated. We only had to take it apart a couple of times as there are never enough pictures until you get to step 16 and realize the wrong end is up. 37 bolts at the start and 0 bolts at the end-do they know their parts or what? 37, just ponder how they arrived at such a number.  I confess I did walk away at the "hooking up the igniter part". I will be standing by with fire extinguisher the first time we fire 'er up though.

As for the deck - looking more deck-like. Next, the  facing goes on and PERGOLA building commences though the four green sentrys standing guard are kind of cool. Oh btw there is a nest full of babies on the overhead light which was supposed to be replaced a month ago. Sigh...

6/21 - SUMMER HAS BEGUN! (OR CRAP 1/3 OF SUMMER GONE)

 Monday started off with a bang, or was it a whimper-both. Cause-trees on lines; effect no power all day. Of course occurring right after the OH left for golf  thus trapping myself and my car in the garage as he also absconded with my car keys. Plus he never turns his phone on. Sigh. Only a Zoom meeting this am and an in-person meeting with my next interviewee. Neighbor showed me the extremely simple task of pulling the red rip-cord and voila - garage becomes manual, duh. After scrambling through several sets of keys I located a bent house key and car key. The power mysteriously came on right before 11 am and just as mysteriously shut off again at noon right after my internet Zoom meeting-cue the spooky music. The in-person meet was at a restaurant so I was happy to avail myself of food and, ahem, facilities. 

Deck Update:  It has basically rained every day since Wednesday so progress slowed to an agonizing halt. With rain predicted for the next fortnight, I was predictably agitated. A few "friendly" messages to our contractor and offer to help (as his guys don't like to get wet - true story) he and crew miraculously decided to brave the weather and work is now in full forward mode. They brought their cooler for lunch, we provided soda and the garage when the inevitable rain storm hit today. Support completed and first pieces of pergola laid in - green and white of course.            

Chauvinism or prestige - you decide. Cultivating a new interviewee from a medical clinic to talk about Mary Jane in the workplace I mentioned to him an article I collaborated on for that very subject with the President of a world-wide Loss Control Company. I sent a copy to frame our conversation later this week and he said upon perusing it, my collaborator was "on point with the issues". I had to tell him that since he liked it between he, I and the proverbial fencepost my "collaborator" changed exactly two words of the presentation but I knew a prestigious male would get more attention Major LOL. My new interviewee pointed out that marijuana is here, legal and generates cash flow (told my finance guy that two years ago) and the "hippies" of the 60's are the lawmakers of today.  Should be a fun conversation.  UPDATE:  It was.

The Supreme Court decision today (case brought by the NCAA) requiring colleges to pay any expenses of student athetes (even if they don't play) that can be related to "education"  will lead to the inevitability of paying the student athletes. Need a 3 bedroom condo to "study". Why not. Entertainment center and party friends to help you relax - of course. A new car to get to practice-makes sense. Why don't we just admit it's not about education (though the majority do not make it in the majors and need the degree) but about big business, fund-raising, exhorbitant salaries and country club facilities. To call them amateurs is laughable. To deprive the brilliant or hard-working young person who may discover the cure for cancer of any support seems extremely short-sighted. 

The exciting progress on the deck came to a lightening stop (see how I used that in the negative) when actual lightening started snapping its fingers. Never saw anybody move so fast, buttoning up that is. Half a deck and four posts for the foreseeable future. Considering the weather report, I should probably take the rest of the wood and build an ark-may need it. Success however, as the 30 year lost little scissors were found.

In other news, Joint Chief of Staff General Mark Milley put "sex-trafficker (alleged)" in training Gaetz  in his place by talking like an adult and relaying the truth.  As you may recall the General was the one that stood up to "Orange Soda-Jerk" (who appointed him btw) when he wanted the military to go into Portland "and crack skulls".  Funny that same direction was not given about the "Constitutional-molesters (alleged)" that defaced our Capital. Gen Milley explained in simple words why and how discrimination occurs, and continues to occur in the military and frankly, life in general. However our modern day segretionists basically put their fingers in their ears while stomping their lily white feet in frustration. Hankers back to the "good ole' McCarthy days" when he wanted the military to arrest, well basically anyone, based on innuendo with folks basically throwing their friends under the bus to save themselves. If the despots ever actually get control of a private army....Also if the "right" wants to declare war on the military, I don't think the "people" are going to be ok with that. Just saying.

Interesting conversation with my grandson the other day. The best convos take place in the car I always think. Anyway he told me how he got into poison ivy looking for rocks. I told him I had a couple of brothers who worked in the Parks Department I had approved for preventative shots before warm weather set in. Those boys were so allergic when they got poison ivy, they got it .....everywhere.  Of course Joe latched onto the fact that everywhere included "boy parts" when he gleefully told his Mother about our conversation. She knows both of us well enough so no harm, no foul. 

Odd things I know about doing Safety and Workers' Comp. To me it was just another day in the ditches, but to another my investigating their groin injury proved uncomfortable-go figure (yes deliberate pun).  Another dude wanted me to replace his expensive safety glasses, but did not want to tell me why. Finally discovered he tipped over into an influent (waste water) tank and fishing around for his glasses while trying to extricate himself without swallowing any was detrimental to retrieval. I approved the replacement.

 As I've said before 98% of the time I pay the claims, but those that were a little suspicious I had my ways. I was a genius at finding "restricted" work. I remember one dude moved to Muskegon with his girlfriend thinking I would never find him work within his limitations. Wrong.

 I love my Unions but when I suggested we staff the desk inside the door of the Police Department with a restricted duty officer to answer questions, the Union pounced on it as a nice 8 to 5 sit-down job. Sigh. Fire depatment was a little easier as they undergo so much training, it made sense to schedule sit-down classes for them.  I was not well-liked in those two groups-go figure.

 But on the plus side I did successfully fight for PASS devices that alarm when a firefighter is not moving (before it became required) and individual mouthpieces for their SCBAs (I mean yuck) so they didn't always hate me. As for LPD I was an early, and unpopular, proponent of bullet-resistant vests (which are hot and heavy) but I did advocate for athletic shoes for those late-night delightful chases through the alleys of Lansing.

Fun evening. I go to the 4:30 Mass on Saturday and right smack in the middle tornado sirens began screeching. Our priest seemed a little out of his element and slow to provide spiritual or any other type of guidance. He was relying on those of us with cell phones still on to direct our actions. Some hollared for continuing. So he asks what are we being directed to do. S E E K  S H E L T E R.  Are we not all mid-westerners? This is not our first rodeo. So haul butt down to the basement where sound systems, altar, music and chairs were set up in record time. I don't know if the acoustics are more echoey down there or people were singing loudly in the face of adversity, but we never sounded better. As they were planning a reception after the service we even had coffee and cookies to go with our Communion wafers...

                                                                    

(6/14) THE PROVERBIAL "DECK" IS STACKED/DESTROYED/REBUILT?

 

Yay. Our deck project has commenced.  The beautiful and less-humid weather inspired our contractor to start the project. Unfortunately it meant the OH and his buddy would not have the equally pleasant weather fishing this week as the deck job must be "supervised". Though to be honest there were plenty of questions asked and decisions to be made as tear-out proceeded.  For sheer entertainment though, never under-estimate the lure of a construction job on little and big boys. My nine year old grandson was equally enthralled with the new "playground" below. And my daughter ended up looking for lost items of her youth in the newly revealed dirt. Apparently her little safety scissors have been lamented for 30 years and never forgotten (well I did).

 My first shock  (outside of the cost of the materials) was estimating the helper's age as 12 or at least teen age. Nope 27. Amazing how an advanced age makes everyone else much look much younger-got to quit looking in the mirror... Also after a long day of tear-down the "youthful" worker still had the energy to perform back flips across the back yard before he left.  

BEFORE PICTURE:  

Excitement this am as two reckless drivers (apparently armed) crashed into a house and commenced running. Lockdown downtown as 40 million cops descended on midtown Grand Ledge while reports of a shoeless dude talking to kids at a bus stop proliferated. I looked around very carefully as I left the Doctor's office at 8 for any lurkers - which we should all be doing anyway! Caught without incident apparently, except for the demise of 40 million donuts and schools shut down. Oh well just an end of the year extra day off. UPDATE: Apparently there were 5 or 6 involved and it was part of a ring of thieves hitting pharmacies operating out of Battle Creek or Kalamazoo - now all caught. Yay GL cops.

We're becoming regulars at Menards as each level of tear-down reveals another issue-resulting in more material, "nope can't save that" "oops, that needs to be replaced", "maybe we could.. no need more". They're starting to greet us by name and opening up our own lane. Well with a 40 year-old+ deck one must expect issues. But at least we have been able to buy a new grill with the rebates so far.

In the news Texas is finally living up to their hype as gunslinger heaven. Anyone can carry anything-no license, no training, no brains-it's all the same. But apparently they are not taking into account that ex-felons and crazy people will be indistinguishable from you'all protectors of the innocents with your pearl handled revolver and, note to self, they will be carrying 45's, semi-autos or better, etc.

How refreshing. The American President met with the Russia dictator, er, President, and only one side trashed America and called her a liar; unlike the orange predecessor. Though returning the keys to the Oval Office proved awkward. As with "he-who-shall-not-be-named" all the hype and America asking for the meeting it just gives Putin more ammo that he is legit and part of an equal playing field. Should have cancelled as their latest attacks against democracy and protection of cyber criminals came to light.

Democrats need to show more backbone. With Repubs openly creating pathways of cheating for the next elections, subjecting poll workers to tremendous fines for doing their job of not letting the "poll watchers" unprecedented access to everything including challenging every voter, we need to take the gloves off. With McConnell, again openly, telling each of the repub senators to vote No on voter reform and swearing Biden will not name a Supreme Court justice what the hell are we waiting for? More bullshit bi-partisinship? There's a bridge in Brooklyn I can sell you guys and gals. Get rid of the fillibuster, pass infrastructure (bringing high paying jobs to the middle class), forgive at least a portion of predator student loans, pass a minimum wage, support working families, prosecute Mar-a-lago's current resident and his cronies, tax the freakn' rich and get'er done! Since all of their proposals benefit THE PEOPLE, they will be very happy. Duh

And not to end a good rant I am struck anew by what folks do not understand about people not wanting to be exploited. It's not a question of not wanting to work - they can't survive on peanuts and no benefits. They, in many cases, are not even promised a regular shift so they can work two or three jobs which many of them try to do. Do the math. At $15/hour that is still only $31,200 a year if you are guaranteed 40 hour weeks, 52 weeks a year. Not that hard to understand the problem.

Booked 1 1/2 new interviews for podcast land.  Now if I could just get our "volunteer" editor to edit the darn things. The first two have been playing for awhile. I still have two already in the can waiting for his magic touch. arrghhh.  Anyway one is a lady who was head of security for GM in Lansing and traveled a similar path to mine in the "not being taken seriously by men" world.  But we thrived and prospered and have a plethora of stories from our experiences. We enjoyed a lot of laughs. I think we need to podcast a forum of "Women in the Workplace: Friend or Foe".  But I think I want representation from all sources:  female, male, white, black, luddites, progressives, etc.

Speaking of religion...I was reminded of a story today of  when I was teaching CPR. A Muslim gentleman in the class (it was required training) claimed that "it is Allah's will if a man lives or dies".  I gently supported his right to his beliefs and asked him to "basically" keep them to himself and we would proceed in our unenlightened way.  NOTE: One never knows if training does any good, but one of the students told me later she was able to save her child when he began choking based on what she learned in the class. That is how I think God works in man or woman-as an instrument to provide knowledge and support.

Unfortunately I had a further relationship with the Muslim gentleman as he became a workers' comp issue. In searching for him one day I called the number he had left for contact. They answered as the local Mosque. Upon asking for Mohammed I have no doubt this was the only place in Lansing where the response was "Mohammed who?"  He eventually left conventional employment and became a street vendor dealing in fine perfumes and lotions. I'm not kidding - he had quite a briefcase of samples and we all bought from him.  Happy ending....

WEATHER OR NOT (JUNE 6-13)

This is a weird weather week. Feeling similar to Florida, the day dawns but no cool early morning relief and the day ascends in both temperature and humdity from there. Where walking out to the mailbox feels like opening the door to a blast furnace. Birds are still a-winging and a-singing though one would think they would be hiding in a dark space somewhere. Then, if one's lucky the sky darkens around 4 or 5 and hope rises of a good soaking. Instead we get barely enough to wet a rose's tongue and we leave the flowers gasping and reduced to tapping on the window asking please, please water us. I know it just rained, but really we need more moisture than that little pouf of rain. And the weeds just go merrily on regardless of the rain or lack therof-apparently they thrive by stealing moisture from the plants we want to grow.  Or perhaps the ground moles, another pest, are trucking it in for their friends.

Our daughter stopped over to borrow our internet connection to be sure an important interview took place uninterrupted. She was seeking less interruptions of both technology and people as this was a promotional opportunity. Athough the interview did not last long, she was very positive. Helps when you are personally recruited by those interviewing and a recent reorganization removed a possible detractor. She said as there were not second interviews planned and they were going to make a decision this week, she thought it must be time to tell her current boss she had interviewed. She was not anticipating a happy outcome to that discussion.

 It reminded me of how hard it was to leave one of my employers. As a "boomer" leaving a job took a larger leap of faith than the generations following. Loyalty is no more in most situations by the employer. Thus moving on and up is the appropriate action for employees. I was totally frustrated in a nicely titled and well-paid position but my direct boss was a nightmare. Respect or even appreciation for my ability to pull the proverbial rabbit from the rear quarters at any moment was vastly under-rated. It became expected. Even my last day, just before my going-away party, I was directed to lower the boom on an employee as the boss did not want to do it. The glares I received from that emp kind of dampened the celebration.

DIGRESS:  One thing I am proud of is whenever I left a job my direct reports (except one-see above) were always sorry and appreciative of my leadership. Upper management be damned - like my Dad we were about getting the job done and taking care of our people.

It took a bit to leave that position as the boss would use flattery, begging and undermining remarks to keep me in line. I actually went to an employment agency and after a battery of tests the director of the agency who was moving out of State offered me her job- true story! But I stayed where I was and had another miserable year of rabbit-pulling until I finally took the plunge into MIOSHA.

That was a great move and better suited to my interests anyway. But in updated news my daughter has moved onward and upward after acing the interview. Like there was any doubt. She said one of the questions (a proverbial chestnut) was "how well do you handle stress" . She began her answer with "I have spent the last ten months living with my Mother-in-law since we sold our house". Didn't hear the rest of the answer, just laughter. I also did not hear how her discussion went with her current boss however who just lost her second direct report in a month. Ah well.

Media certainly has its problems. Although it's our main bulwark against total dictatorship and accountability their shiney faces are becoming more muddy with the forced 24/7 news cycle. Which gives us entertainment, opinions, half-baked stories, innuendo and even lies at times. Most of us don't take the time to determine the difference unfortunately. "If it bleeds it leads" they say though I think they often inflict the wounds themselves in the interest of ratings. 

Case in point. In an interview with Putin the jounalist (I use the term loosely) after stating that Mr. P has been called a killer and Trump didn't believe it but Biden does, he actually asks "are you a killer?" What an ass. When the former KGB boss and lifetime dictator adroitly handles such a silly question you have to wonder how stupid are people? "Of course. I am a dictator and I squash all negativity and competition through poison and prison". Duhh.

On the bright  and largely overlooked side by "the media" a $250 billion bi-partisan agreement was reached in the Senate this past week. The money is earmarked for scientific research (read technology innovations and improvemnts). Finally dawned on the majority including McConnell that China is the greatest threat to our, and the world's, economy. The bill also allows little or no tarriffs for poorer countries (read not beholden to China) and the ability to sanction countries for human rights violations (read not buy from China). China has been flexing her muscles by shutting down questions on covid from its trading partners (read Australia) and holding back desperately needed shipments of medical supplies to the US during the pandemic to name a couple of examples.  Surprise - global economy only works if everyone is on a level playing field.

Meanwhile coping with the messed-up parking lot at Meijers during their blacktop extravaganza on what turned out to be the hottest days of summer thus far triggered a memory. In my ongoing quest to experience every job assignment so I could understand and give proper safety guidance I had the pleasure of working with a blacktop crew in the middle of summer. The only way I can describe the experience of 400 degrees of hot asphalt under your butt is it must be like riding a fire-belching dragon after a hearty meal of burritos. All the water in the world ain't gonna quench that fire...