Riley Rants - Licking Calcutta

Ducks -- are yours in a row?

2012-01-28T05:13:00.000-06:00

I don't have any ducks, and you may not either, but everyone could probably benefit from paying attention to the details of getting their lives together. (History of the saying.)

Are you planning on retiring? A financial advisor told me that everyone can retire -- it's just a matter of how well.

Part of retiring is being prepared -- it may actually be about being prepared for your parents to retire, so keep that scenario in mind too. My parents had things fairly well organized, but even with all their great planning, there were things that we learned about planning that might help other people.

Now to the get you ducks in a row -- yes, there was a different word option, but I'm taking the high road.

How are your documents looking? Not even sure what to have? Start with these and go from there. (This is the point where I should let you know that I am not a financial planner and I don't even play one on TV.)

POA (this means Power of Attorney, not Pony of the Americas) A durable POA allows someone to make financial decisions for you if you are unable. This is a powerful document and especially if it is in the wrong hands -- yes, that does happen.

Will - yes you should have one and yes, it should be up-to-date. This document addresses who should get your property and if you have young children, who should take care of them. You may be able to do a simple will, or you may need something a bit more intricate, talk to an attorney about what is best for your situation.

Trust - If you hold your property in a living trust, your survivors won't have to go through probate court, a time-consuming and expensive process.

Living Will - charts the course for your health care, letting your family and health care providers know
what procedures and treatments you would want provided to you — and under what conditions. 70% of people do not have one of these, do you? You should. States may vary on their requirements so make sure yours works in your state. Find advanced directives here.

Health Care Power of Attorney - This should be someone that will be an effective advocate for your wishes, which may be more difficult than you would imagine. This person will take charge of your health care decisions in case you are unable to make those decisions yourself. Best to select someone that is comfortable talking with doctors.

Beneficiary forms for retirement accounts and other assets. Without these you'll likely end up paying legal fees to get to those accounts. A POD (Payable On Death) on file will allow funds to skip the probate process.

Life Insurance - May be a good idea if you have young children or own a house. Speak to a financial expert about your needs.

Funeral Expenses - perhaps this one should read "funeral expensive" because they really can be. You could set up a POD account with your bank and put money into that account to cover the funeral and related expenses. Neither of my parents wanted elaborate funerals and even with that request, both were still about $6,000. I'm not a fan of the pre-pay option for funerals. If you are considering that, you should do some research into the pros, cons and perils.

Final Arrangements - make your wishes known. If you are an organ donor, want to be donated to science, buried, cremated, have your ashes mixed into paint and rolled onto the walls of your home, be spread on the 18th hole of a golf course. Keep in mind that some things are not legally approved for disposing of remains and cremains. I did promise someone I would dance on their grave in a red dress -- hope I am still up to the job when the time comes.

Taking care of business - do you have a succession plan? Is there a buyout agreement? Does the business fold when you are gone?

Documentation - based on personal experience, I can tell you having access to these items is critical.

will
trusts
insurance policies
real estate deeds
certificates for stocks, bonds, annuities
information on bank accounts, mutual funds, and safe deposit boxes
information on retirement plans, 401(k) accounts, or IRAs, pensions
information on debts: credit cards, mortgages and loans, utilities, and unpaid taxes
information on Totten trusts (POD) or funeral prepayment plans (see above for thoughts on those), and any final arrangements instructions you have made
items in safes, safe deposit boxes, and other locked or hidden places
family history, including the location of photographs, heirlooms, and other irreplaceable items

Links:
What To Do When Someone Dies checklist (Colorado attorney put this together)

Caring Connections

Do you have tips of things to consider, please share them in the comments.

Rich candidates

2012-01-27T05:13:00.000-06:00

Image: Riley

This post is about rich politicians -- if you don't want to know then click away now. I have selected some folks that you may have at least a wee bit of name recognition with so you may conclude how closely these folks resemble you and your life. For me, they are not all that close to what I have... your experience may vary.

Mitt Romney makes $57,000 per day. (Note I did not say that he earns this money.) For the rest of us in the U.S. the Median Annual Wage in 2011 fell to $26,364. This is obscene.

Let's take a quick look at some of the rich folk that want us to think they are just like us. Please feel free to send me notes about the American Dream and how you are going to attain it via lottery tickets or whatever plan you have. Even if you somehow get enough money to financially qualify as a 1%-er, you won't really be one.

They're just like us...

John Edwards - Guestimated net worth: $45 million
Jon Huntsman - Guestimated net worth: $70 million
Al Gore - Guestimated net worth: $100 million
John Kerry - Guestimated net worth: $240 million
Mitt Romney - Guestimated net worth: $250 million
Ross Perot - Guestimated net worth: $3.58 billion

Next, let's visit some people that were released when John McCain opened Pandora's box. (McCain's net worth guestimate is $40 million)

Sarah Palin - Guesstimate $12 million
Bristol Palin - Guestimate $1 million - not a bad payback for being knocked up by local hockey player.

Now how about some local yocals

Michele Bachmann - Guestimate $2.2 million
Tim Pawlenty - Guestimate $1.2 million

I don't want you to feel like I slighted anyone earlier mentioning the lottery retirement plan so here are some lottery tips.

If you are playing a six number lottery, you should have 3 odd numbers and 3 even numbers in your play.

The important statistic is the 3 Even / 3 Odd: 431 statistic, when including the Powerball. Telling you that you should be playing six numbers that has a 3 Even and 3 Odd number combination.
Powerball - Number Frequency http://bit.ly/AhB6rY This may help you see a pattern.

Those are all the tips I can give you for now -- wouldn't want you to win without tossing some of those piles of cash my way!

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

John Edward's "Other Woman" Rielle Hunter and Marion Hulick

2012-01-26T05:13:00.000-06:00

Image

What do John Edwards, Rielle Hunter, and former Westminster winning French Bulldog owner, Marion Hulick have in common? Well, hold on to your proverbial hat.

First we should start with the world of south Florida. This area attracts many people -- some quite wealthy and some quite scandalous. Living in Minnesota, I can definitely see the allure to having a year-around climate for outdoor cavorting, and especially for showing horses.

The now Rielle Hunter was formerly known as Lisa Druck, (born 20 Mar 1964) is one of four daughters (In addition to Lisa, they had three other daughters, Roxanne Rae, Jennifer Ann and Melissa Sue.) born to James Druck (1934–1990) and Gwen Druck, who owned Eagle Nest Farm in Ocala, Florida, where they raised show horses.

In addition to being a wealthy attorney -- who ironically specialized in defending insurance companies -- James Druck had a private jet that may have made flying around to meet and teach Tommy "The Sandman" Burns how to electrocute horses easier. (He was all ready known by the Sandman moniker because horses would mysteriously die when he showed up at shows.)

At the time he was flying high as an attorney, little Lisa Jo had a winning horse called Henry the Hawk. Unfortunately for Henry the Hawk, he was owned by the Druck family and although in the prime of his life he was found dead in his barn. To be fair, James Druck had Tommy "The Sandman" Burns do the deed, but he taught him how so I find his behavior equally reprehensible.

Why did Henry need to die? Well for the $150,000 in insurance money, of course. In a 1992 Sports Illustrated interview, Burns claims that James D. Druck showed him how to electrocute Lisa's horse using a stripped extension cord and a wall socket. Burns was arrested in 1991 which created a fair amount of national attention. James Druck died of cancer in the Tampa, Florida area in 1992.

Burns and accomplice Harlow Arlie, both of the Chicago area, were held at the Alachua County jail after their arrest. There are some implications with these folks and the disappearance -- likely murder -- of the Brach's candy heiress, Helen Voorhees Brach.

Helen Brach, the vanished candy heiress whose name was on the ledger with Rub the Lamp, Belgium Waffle, Rainman, Roseau Platiere and Empire -- Thoroughbred horses that had been murdered for the insurance. Brach's body has never been found.

Shortly after the electrocution, Lisa Jo Druck fled from the tropical climes of Florida and headed to New York City. Once there, she dated 'Brat Pack' novelist Jay McInerney, who used her as the basis for the lead character in his steamy 1988 novel, 'Story of My Life.' McInerney claims her part is played in the novel by character Alison Poole and he further claims that Hunter/Druck's behavior was both intriguing and appalling. Based on what I have discovered about him, that is really saying something!

After New York, Lisa Jo Druck moved to California and married attorney Alexander M. "Kip" Hunter III (born April 14, 1959) in 1991. She changed her name to Rielle Hunter in 1994. They were divorced in 2000. Somewhere in that general neighborhood of time she started her own production company which leads us to John Edwards.

In 2006 Druck/Hunter was hired to produce a series of campaign trail behind-the-scenes videos of Sen. John Edwards. In October 2007, The National Enquirer leaked word of the affair and the fact that Hunter was pregnant. The candidate eventually dropped out of the race and admittedto cheating on his wife, but denied siring the child -- of course we know that changed too.

Now let's bring it home! Tommy "The Sandman" Burns was hired by French Bulldog fancier Marion Hulick when she was the horse trainer who helped this low-life, animal hit man kill one of her charges in the Putnam Country town of Brewster 20 years ago at the behest of her boss, cellphone heir George Lindemann Jr.

You can learn much more about the seedy side of the horse business in Hot Blood by Ken Englade. He covers all these folks and more.

All about Helen Brach, by Mark Gribben — Hatcheck Girl to Heiress — Crime Library on truTV.com

Edwards' mistress raised in Ocala

http://bullmarketfrogs.com/blog/2010/02/controversy-mars-french-bulldog-group-win-at-westminster/

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=munson_lester&id=3533725

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/opinion/10dowd.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rielle_Hunter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_murders#Drucks.27_Henry_the_Hawk

Miss Representation

2012-01-25T05:13:00.000-06:00

In the USA, 51% of the population are women, but only 17% of Congress is women.

Our elected leadership consists primarily of white, male, higher-income, college educated individuals, and those men only represent 6% of the general population.

This is your chance to either get complacent or challenged. The countries of China, Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan have more women in government than the United States.

Does this make you want to do something about it or just maintain the status quo? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Cast Iron Steak

2012-01-24T05:13:00.000-06:00

This is a variation on recipes I found. The first time I tried this was with Martha Stewart’s version -- if I find the video of all the smoke, I'll post it for your enjoyment!

Cast iron pans are great kitchen tool. Last night I took a newer pan and gave bone-in New York Strips a try. The results were quite tasty and I took photos so you can try it at home too.

Supplies and Ingredients:

Cast iron pan (The seasoned type, not a brand new shiny one.)
Steaks – we had NY Strips because they were on sale, you could use rib-eye too.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Ours is from Costco – good prices on it there.)
Freshly Ground pepper
Sea salt or Kosher salt
Montreal Steak Seasoning – optional and can be used in lieu of regular salt and pepper.
Paprika – for a little color.

I like to pull the steaks out and let them get closer to room temperature – about 60-minutes usually does it. Your experience may vary.

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 450-degrees Fahrenheit.
Place cast iron skillet on large burner and heat it up to high temperature.
Pour a little bit of olive oil on the steaks and rub that into the meat.
Add salt and ground pepper to taste – or Montreal Seasoning – and rub into the steaks. (Don’t forget to do this to both sides.)
I top the seasoning with a little Hungarian Paprika to add a touch of color.

Let’s get cooking!

Your cast iron skillet will be hot now – don’t touch it, that’s why there are companies that make oven mitts and tongs!

Sear each side of the steak for about 30-60 seconds (thicker steaks more toward the 60-second mark)
Take the cast iron pan and put it into the 450-degree Fahrenheit oven (See tip about oven mitts!)
Cook for about 3-minutes and then remove cast iron pan from oven and flip steaks over. (See mitts and tongs tip!)
Put cast iron pan back in the oven and cook for an additional 3-minutes.
Once the steaks have cooked on both sides for the specified times, remove the cast iron pan and let it rest with the steaks in it for about 3-minutes.
Now you are ready to serve the steaks or move them to a cutting board for slicing and serving.
Enjoy!

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” ~Julia Child

The Token Woman asks -- Who are you?

2012-01-23T05:13:00.000-06:00

Image: Riley (via cellphone)

Is this really an article or just an excuse to listen to The Who? Both. Yay! (This song speaks to me from my formative years, but for many it will remind them of a television show... oh well.)

Who are you? Seems like a simple enough question, but it has been the challenge of the ages. Here are some ways I would imagine you could work on creating an answer for yourself.

Don't compare yourself to other people. I know, easier said then done! You are you and they are they -- wow, that was awkwardly put, but the point is still valid. Stop trying to keep up with the Jonses -- or if you live in Minnesota, the Johnsons. Who cares what they do or don't do -- unless there is a moral compass there, then you might care... Is there someone you admire? Find a way to meet them and ask them to mentor you. What's the worst that can happen, they say no. So what. Move on and find someone better to mentor you.
What do you do well? Work on developing those skills. Simple enough -- take the high road, be positive, look to the future. Need help developing your skills, see the tip above and find yourself a mentor. Most people that are good at what they do are willing to help you if you ask. What's keeping you from doing that? Fear? Let that go and get moving!
Take Chances. If you risk nothing you gain nothing. Of course for people that are perfect, and have never made any mistakes or errors in their entire lives, this doesn't apply. (If you are one of those people contact me and let me know how you did it -- especially if you are a crazy politican, and the crazier the better. You know who you are!)

For those of you over 50 -- and even for those of you over 40 -- has age made a difference in how you feel about your ownself? Why or why not?

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Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

2012-01-22T05:13:00.000-06:00

As a teen, and even now, I really enjoyed reading the works of Edgar Allan Poe. I liked the Vincent Price movies and even the "Poe Toaster" in Baltimore that visited the grave for years.

Who is the "Poe Toaster" you ask? Reports from the 1940s and on tell of a man dressed in black -- no not Johnny Cash -- with a white scarf and a wide-brimmed hat that brings three roses and half a bottle of French cognac tribute annually on 19 January -- Poe's birth date -- appears after 60+ years to be nevermore.

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door —
Only this, and nothing more."

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; — vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow — sorrow for the lost Lenore —
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore —
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me — filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door —
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; —
This it is, and nothing more."

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"— here I opened wide the door; —
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore?"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!" —
Merely this, and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice:
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore —
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; —
'Tis the wind and nothing more."

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door —
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door —
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the Nightly shore —
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

Much I marveled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning— little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door —
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore.”
~Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven

Poe Image: This image (or other media file) is in the public domain because its copyright has expired. This applies to Australia, the European Union and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 70 years.

You must also include a United States public domain tag to indicate why this work is in the public domain in the United States. Note that a few countries have copyright terms longer than 70 years: Mexico has 100 years, Colombia has 80 years, and Guatemala and Samoa have 75 years, Soviet Union has 74 years for some authors. This image may not be in the public domain in these countries, which moreover do not implement the rule of the shorter term. Côte d'Ivoire has a general copyright term of 99 years and Honduras has 75 years, but they do implement the rule of the shorter term.

Paula Deen and the magic pill

2012-01-21T05:13:00.000-06:00

I have received some heat about my annoyance with the Paula Deen / Novo Nordisk Novartis / Diabetes announcements. As they say on Seinfled, "not that there is anything wrong with that." It should be noted that I am not pleased that Deen -- or anyone -- has diabetes; it is a disease that is epidemic in the USA and it takes more than a magic pill to make it all better.

You may be wondering what makes me think that I can say things about Paula Deen and what path she has elected to travel to hawk her drugs and cooking. Well, glad you asked! I am able to do this because I am perfect -- yes you read that correctly, perfect. Everything in my life has come together like a finely tuned machine -- perfect parents and family (even to the most distant shirttails), perfect homes, perfect schools, perfect grades, perfect marriage, perfect jobs, perfect health -- heck, everything is just PERFECT!

I feel so much better getting that off my chest! Please start sending me endorsement deals so I can get on with my perfect world.

You are what you eat. Okay, this quote more likely is shortened from the “Physiologie du Gout, ou Meditations de Gastronomie Transcendante" of 1826 written by French doctor and gourmand, Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. His statement says “Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es.”With my rusty French, it basically is telling us "Tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are." Lots of truth to this -- and we may actually be turning into the children of the corn, but that is for a different day!

What may have been missed in my earlier comments about Ms. Deen is my real issue is how long it took her to share the information. Yes, yes, yes, I get that it is a personal decision -- except when you are on television hawking your wares. Her "gig" is to cook which is fine and dandy, until it creates an issue that will kill you.

Lots of people have told me she is a role model of success and that I don't understand how hard it is for women in the food industry. Well welcome to the real world, it is hard for women in every industry. Or perhaps we should address the "people should know better" portion of the tweets, comments and e-mails. Yes, people should know better, but they don't. People see a role model -- whether she wants to be one or not -- that makes lots of things that are really unhealthy, even in moderation. (That doesn't mean they are not tasty -- who wouldn't love some of those foods?) As she so eloquently put it, "What you eat is also a factor, but I’ve always eaten in moderation.”

In my perfect world, my mother was a Dietitian so we saw plenty of well-balanced, healthy meals. That being said, we also some some amazing desserts and high fat foods too -- just not at every meal. I can hear my mother now if I had the opportunity to ask her about Paula Deen, "If you eat like that all the time you would have to be an idjit to think you'll stay healthy."

Here comes the positive spin -- because I am working on that in my perfect world.

Deen is coming to the party three-years late, but perhaps now with her books, television and BIG pharma money supporting her she can actually teach someone how to save their life. Get educating people Deen so I have a chance to write about you without feeling like you are a hypocrite. As an aside, Ms. Deen, it would likely taste better to people if you donated your big pharma money to diabetes education and research. Will that happen, not likely, but we can hope.

P.S. Cooking show folks, I have been published and I am hilarious -- think of how great that could be for your network? Healthy and easy to make with a side of humor. I'll wait be the phone in great anticipation.

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

The Token Woman talks Job search and the Fountain of Youth

2012-01-20T05:13:00.000-06:00

Before you freak out, I am not suggesting that you race out and update your fashions to pants that hang down below your butt. Phew, glad that part is over!

When talking to a friend about his resume and a current interview, he commented that the company wanted dates for all education listed on the document. Well isn't that an interesting way to find out how old someone is without actually asking the question.

Can you picture the HR person seeing the graduation date of 1984 -- which is before they were born -- and thinking that you are a modern, relevant individual? If so, let me know the drugs you are on because I want to get some of that reality altering substance! Fear not, I am here to assist you in getting "hip" but never say that out loud either.

If you are working and not concerned about losing your job, more power to you, just look through this information and take it or leave it. If you are unemployed or underemployed and working to get your life back on track, I hope some of this will help you.

First, don't be fooled that the "recession" is over. (Unemployment - November 2010 | Riley Rants - Licking Calcutta http://bit.ly/z2L8iF -- there are more, but this link should get you started in the time machine.) It is still out there, and my giant ego tells me it is still a depression, but that is for a different post.)

First off, we'll want to makeover the impression you make so you look like someone that could and should be hired. We need to get you whipped into shape so you look less like a Twinkie in a health food store. Today we will help you with re-youthing yourself into a viable product.

Computer. Do you have a Facebook page? If not, get one right now. You can find me there and I'll even be your friend if you need one -- of course that may or may not help your image! Do you know how to search on Google and Wikipedia (except on 18 January 2012 when they are blacked out) and are you comfortable with those pages? Are you following me? (Okay that was just a shameless self promotion tool, but really, are you following me? )

Texting. This is easier if you have a phone that isn't a 123ABC style, but it is still doable with those too, just not as quickly. I've gotten a number of folks started on texting and recently one told me that they prefer it to talking on the phone. Not sure you are comfortable texting, you can start by texting me. Want to make your life simpler on the phone side and look like you are keeping up and relevant? Get an iPhone. As an added perk, you can ask Siri where to bury the bodies at public events and people will be certain you are a little "off" but at least they'll remember you. (No I am not paid by Apple and I don't have a free iPhone, but I wouldn't mind that at all!)

Appearance. A number of years ago -- in the breakfast of champions era of coffee and cigarettes -- a neighbor child told me I had yellow teeth, eeek! I made an appointment at the dentist for additional cleanings and whitening trays. I felt better, the child felt better and I'm sure the universe felt better. You can save a bunch of bucks by going to the store and getting the whitening strips -- and using them! Once your teeth are brilliantly white, remember to show them off. Young people smile and now that you are one you should smile too. While we at the superficial parts, get your hair done. If you need color, have someone who knows what they are doing take care of it for you -- a bad dye job isn't doing you any favors. Not certain that your "look" is youthful enough? Take a photo and then really look at your image. Are you looking old and worn out? If so, get a cut and perhaps a color so you look your best.

Health. Get some exercise, it will make you feel better. Eat decent foods, it will make you feel better. Don't have money to join a club? Get off your arse and walk -- if you have a dog, even better! The dog will help you get up and moving just like a personal trainer. As an added bonus, when your dog is walked they are more relaxed and better behaved -- life is good! Don't take my word for it see what AARP says: Walking Protects Against Memory Loss, Dementia - Easy Exercise - AARP Bulletin http://aarp.us/wiXtie (Don't tell the HR rep that you walk because AARP tells you to!)

You can do this, and I'll help you where I can! Do you have a question about what you should tackle or in what order, let me know. Want someone to tell you if you need to change your hair, I'll do that and I won't hurt your feelings while it is happening -- I was in sales so I can finesse it to make you comfy. Do you have tips that have worked for you? Share them in the comments!

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

The cure for high prices

2012-01-19T05:13:00.000-06:00

I bet you are waiting for some really insightful comment here. Well hold on to your hats folks. The cure for high prices is -- high prices. Actually that is pretty insightful, but you may not be ready to accept that old school information.

Here is how I see it working -- in a really basic explanation. When prices rise, business produces more. If the price gets too high, then people buy less. Buying less makes too much supply which makes prices drop. Then recycle the entire process again.

We no longer own any houses -- and as it turns out, that is a really good thing. I have seen some amazing drops in housing prices, and I think we are really still a fair way from the bottom. Even the "bubble" neighborhoods are seeing reductions -- not as far, but still dropping.

As I watched the news this morning, I was particularly happy to not be paying for fuel oil again this winter. The average price for people using natural gas this winter is $671, versus $2,383 for people using heating oil, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Well, since the economy is in such great shape no one should have any trouble getting the bucks together to pay those prices!

What is housing for you? The great American dream or the great American deception? Perhaps a little of each? Are you planning to buy more property or stick with what you have? If you have lost a home will you try to buy again or live a less upkeep rental life? Perhaps a motor home and a vagabond lifestyle? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

Putting the "fun" in Funeral Homes

2012-01-18T05:13:00.000-06:00

Image: Riley

Ronald McDonald II Funeral Home

Image from Indianapolis Star

Today I saw a new funeral home name that must be included in the group above. The new addition is "Askew Funeral Home" in North Dakota. Another great name! If you have a photo of their sign please include a link in the comments! It also is not lost on me that they are located in a town called Cavalier...

I admit that my fascination with funeral homes may stem from my addiction to genealogy, so bear with me when I find some entertainment from names. Life of Riley has a bit of my information -- and you can always find more here too.

What do you feel when you see these images? Are you frightened of death or are you living your life in a fashion that makes you know when you arrive somewhere like this that you'll have really lived?

"Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life." ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Not sure how to start? Here are some tips. Please share yours in the comments too.

I love watching our dogs because they are great at living in the moment.
Do things you love.
Take to to meditate -- or reflect quietly -- every day.
Eat a healthy diet and get out and walk -- dogs are helpful here too.
Accept people for who they are.
When a door opens, go through it.
Be kind to other people, you have no idea what they are going through.

One more quote to help you get started:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” ~Hunter S. Thompson

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

Make it happen

2012-01-17T05:13:00.000-06:00

How are things going in 2012 for you? Are you still sitting around waiting for your band to make it big or are you actually getting our there and making things happen in your world?

Are you spending your time as a passenger watching life pass by your window? Not being an active participant cheats you out of a much better existence. After losing (euphemism for death) a number of people over the past few years, I can tell you their stories of enjoyment were in creating memories, not sitting on their arses waiting for something good to happen.

"Life just doesn't hand you things. You have to get out there and make things happen. That's the exciting part." ~Emeril Lagasse, chef.

As you know, still sorting and purging -- cathartic to be certain. It has taught me that the memories and experiences are the important parts. How is your clutter collection looking?

I liked this when I saw it today and thought perhaps you might enjoy seeing it too. If you have a favorite quote, saying, tip or thought, please share in the comments.

“Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you. ”
~ Christian D. Larson

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Moving forward

2012-01-16T05:13:00.000-06:00

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer was talking about the past and moving forward -- this analogy is so easy to understand and to picture.

The past is a trail you leave behind, much like the wake of a speedboat. That is, it's a vanishing trail temporarily showing you where you were. The wake of a boat doesn't affect it's course--obviously it can't since it appears behind the boat. So consider this image when you exclaim that your past is the reason you aren't moving forward.

I'll be waxing philosophic today -- if you don't care to ride along you should move on now.

I'm still sorting through things from the life that was mine prior to now -- it was vastly different in a material way, but I have learned that less is more there.Our house was full of consummate consumers, even though we lived well within our means, we were driven by ego.

That was a hard thing to actually put out there -- ego. It makes me seem like an egomaniac -- and perhaps in some parts of my existence I was one. That too has shifted a fair amount since 2006 when I shifted into living more on track -- just so you know, derailing is not always a bad thing -- or as Dr. Dyer would call it living on purpose.

How are you sitting in the ego versus purpose section in your life? If you are still living in the ego stage of life, your ego is telling you who you should be, how you should live, and the definition of success and happiness. Of course all of this is a big fat lie because it is created from external sources. What you really need to become happy and fulfilled is all ready inside you.

In the easy for me to say segment, we all just need to get our ego out of the way. We should strive to be open minded and willing, and let the universe bring it. I don't mean that you should sit on your arse and wait for it, but take action and be ready to walk through the door when it opens. You need to be ready to see and recognize the many gists that come your way, and yes, your ego will get in the way if you let it.

After posting the quote, several friends commented about the turbulence in the wake and there is some truth to that too. The one thing I thought of was how that turbulence also has dolphins that leap out of it -- which is really cool.

Share your thoughts in the comments if you care to.

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

SOPA and PIPA Internet Blacklist Bills

2012-01-15T05:13:00.000-06:00

Image

While checking my postings on Craigslist this morning I saw this bit of information that is important to all of us using the Internet. Please take a moment too look it over and contact you members of Congress.

Stop HR 3261 (SOPA) and S 968 (PIPA) Internet Blacklist Bills
Congress needs to hear from you, or these dangerous bills will pass - they have tremendous lobbying dollars behind them, from large corporations reportedly hoping to prop up outdated, anti-consumer business models at the expense of the very fabric of the Internet -- recklessly unleashing a tsunami of take-down notices and litigation, and a Pandora's jar of "chilling effects" and other unintended (or perhaps intended?) consequences.
Please let your Members of Congress know you OPPOSE H.R. 3621 "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA) and S. 968 "Protect IP Act" (PIPA):

Phone, yes phone your Member of Congress! (House) (Senate)
EFF Congressional Emailer - Oppose Internet Blacklisting (SOPA & PIPA)
OpenCongress Congressional Emailer - Oppose SOPA
Generic Congressional Emailer (You'll need your Zip+4)

Learn more about SOPA, Protect IP (PIPA), and Internet Blacklisting:

Growing Chorus of Opposition to SOPA
Open Letter against SOPA from 83 Prominent Internet Engineers
Why SOPA and Protect IP (PIPA) are Bad, Bad Ideas (Techdirt)
SOPA News (Google News)
SOPA Wikipedia entry
SOPA FAQ (CNET)

Internet Giants Consider Blackout Against SOPA!
Where does your Member of Congress stand on SOPA? (Project SOPA Opera)
Opponents of SOPA: Google, Yahoo, Wikipedia, craigslist, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, eBay, AOL, Mozilla, Reddit, Tumblr, Etsy, Zynga, EFF, ACLU, Human Rights Watch, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Ron Paul (R-TX)
Supporters of SOPA: RIAA, MPAA, News Corporation, VISA, Mastercard, Pfizer, Comcast, Time Warner, ABC, Nike, Walmart, Dow Chemical, Tiffany, Chanel, Rolex, Monster Cable, Teamsters, Lamar Smith (R-TX), John Conyers (D-MI)

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

Feeble attempt Suze Orman

2012-01-14T05:13:00.000-06:00

On 9 February 2009 I wrote about Suze Orman on this blog. (I would link you, but apparently that function doesn't currently work -- hello, Blogger are you getting my messages?)

Screw You Suze!
Suze Orman was on The Today Show this morning and shared her insight into how hard it is for people that took out $600,00.00 mortgages and now have houses that are worth $200,000.00 and want a loan modification. She tells us to feel badly for these folks because they could afford their loans and are current on their payments.

Suze, when are you going to address people that could afford their loans, then lose their jobs, can’t find work and subsequently can’t afford to live in their houses? Will you suggest selling the house – please see Lehigh Acres from the same morning show and the section in this blog on foreclosure numbers – moving to Seattle and taking a part-time job at Starbucks, a la your Oprah Show advice? How about a sit down with some of the select people I know that are now unemployed, or those that have lost their homes – at least the people I still know how to find. What would you suggest there? Thanks for nothing on today’s money tip.

Well here we are in 2012 -- almost three years later and I find myself needing to step out there again and ask Suze Orman why the prepaid card she is touting isn't better for her customers.

I was writing articles earlier this week and heard she was going to be on Anderson Cooper's morning show. I took the bait and decided to watch the program.

Well it appears she has created a new prepaid debit card and she wants Anderson watchers and really everyone to buy it. The Approved Prepaid MasterCard is promoted as “better than cash” and “safer than cash.”

The Approved card sells for $3 and there’s a $3 monthly fee which is waived for the first month according to what I found on the web site. There are various fees --similar to the better prepaid cards in the marketplace -- that can run up the monthly bill.

Orman hyped that the Approved card is the first prepaid card in history to share information with TransUnion, a major credit bureau. To me, this implied that it would help rebuild credit ratings -- that was an inaccurate assessment on my part. When I looked farther, I found the website says: "This data will not appear on your TransUnion credit report at this time.” Another downside of the prepaid cards is the lack of fraud protection.

In my not so humble opinion, Suze Orman could have created a more beneficial card for her fan base. This time my response isn't "thanks for nothing: but more of Feeble attempt Suze. As always, if you would like to know what might help real people give me a call, I have plenty of folks that could help you focus on current issues.

Image

Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T05:13:00.000-06:00

Does the thought of Friday the 13th bother you? How about the number 13 in general? I haven't got any of those concerns, could be because I was born on the 13th -- of course my family may have a different view for exactly the same reason!

From our friends at Wiki, here's the skinny on the 13th.

The fear of Friday the 13th is called friggatriskaidekaphobia (Frigga being the name of the Norse goddess for whom "Friday" is named and triskaidekaphobia meaning fear of the number thirteen), or paraskevidekatriaphobia^[1]^[2] a concatenation of the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή, meaning "Friday"), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς, meaning "thirteen") attached to phobía (φοβία, from phóbos, φόβος, meaning "fear"). The latter word was derived in 1911^{[citation needed]} and first appeared in a mainstream source in 1953.^[3]

Additional fun about how the 13th got a bad rap.

Norse mythology tells the tale of 12 gods having dinner at Valhalla. Loki walks in uninvited as the 13th guest and once there, has Hoder, the blind god of darkness, shoot a mistletoe-tipped arrow into Balder the Beautiful, the god of joy and gladness. Balder dies and the Earth goes dark.
Biblical reference would be the 13th guest at the Last Supper, Judas, the apostle who betrays Jesus.
In 1306, King Philip of France decreed the arrest and torture of the Knights Templar.

I did notice that May is the only month in 2016 with a Friday the 13th -- how cool is that! Will that still happen even if the world ends this year?

Are there superstitions that you believe more than others? I'll list some here, and feel free to share your favorites in the comments!

It's bad luck to put a hat on a bed.
Pictures of an elephant bring luck, but only if they face a door.
A horseshoe, hung above the doorway, will bring good luck. The shoes must be turned upward or the luck will run out.
If your nose itches you will soon be kissed by a fool.

Now to complete your experience, here's a little Superstition from Stevie Wonder.

Perception and perspective

2012-01-12T05:13:00.000-06:00

What is the image? As with many things in life it may depend on your frame of reference.

My life has been in a tremendous state of change since 2006, and it still isn't done with the tumultuous parts... although I am ready for a quieter and more settled existence -- at least for a little while. The upside is I have come to some conclusions that might help someone else. (Of course it might not, but you get what you pay for on this blog!)

How is your life looking? Are you trapped in routine to a point that you aren't seeing the proverbial forest for the trees? Lately I've been hearing people saying they are doing a lot but with very little sense of accomplishment. You may be feeling overwhelmed by "busy work" that never seems to get you anywhere -- you are not alone! Your life might be too finely focused -- perspective.

One thing that these past years has taught me -- and believe me, I am still learning -- is that life takes a fair amount of bravery. It takes a fair amount of bravery to see an open door and walk through it, and it also takes bravery to recognize that fighting for the wrong things isn't helping you long term. The challenge for me was finding the quiet places to see the benefit in letting go and then going forward on through a door onto a vastly different path.

What areas of your life are needing an influx of bravery?

Letting go

2012-01-11T20:54:00.000-06:00

Do you ever watch Dexter? In that show he always references his "dark passenger" and the challenges involved in living with that aspect of his life. Although most of us are probably not serial -- or cereal -- killers, we all have some darkness to us, whether we fess up to that or not.

Let's do a quick check on what our lives are like. Have you done something you are not proud of? Are you like Frank Sinatra with a few regrets? Ever feel like you've gotten the short end of the stick?

The past few years have taken me to some tremendous depths -- which allowed me to realize that there are many things that have been holding me back. I got this picture on Facebook today, and as often happens, I really like what Kermit the Frog has to say. (Image)

Are you still carrying around things that aren't helping you? If so, this is the time get rid of some of the excess baggage -- some of us actually are carrying around steamer trunks, but those can go too. Once you get rid of all the junk you have space for the good things to start happening. The key to creating this space is to let go of what you no longer need.

Take stock of your life. Evaluate your regrets, your beliefs, your bad behaviors and acknowledge what excess baggage you are carting into the new year. (Remember the airlines charge you a premium for excess baggage for a reason.)

Shed some of this baggage and free yourself up. You really don't need all that extra crap weighing you down. Is there someone you need to apologize to? Have you for given someone that hurt you? Have you forgiven yourself -- that one is hard!

This is your chance to dump any unneeded emotions and open up the space for positive things. What should go? Guilt, embarrassment, regrets and fear are a great place to start. Replace those with love, laughter, happiness and a peaceful mind.

Take those bad things and learn the lessons from them and then move onward into your future. You should be proud of yourself for getting through it. Winston Churchill had a great saying for this: "If you're going through hell, keep going."

You can do this, keep going and do it your way!

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

Paula Deen the hypocrite and diabetes

2012-01-10T05:13:00.000-06:00

Image

UPDATE - 18 January 2012

Are you kidding me! People are supporting Deen and her "new" disclosure that she has Type 2 diabetes. She knew this for 3 YEARS and now is coming out. Well kiss my grits, that is too long to not have adjusted what she was showing on her television program. Also, Novartis -- you suck too, hopping right on the hypocrite band wagon when you were prepping her promotion of your products all along.

Here's how I see it -- your experience may vary. She keeps her mouth shut and reaps in the lucrative Food Network and endorsement deals for THREE YEARS. Then when she see the big pharma money she decides she can come out with the news about diabetes and rake in even more money.

New cookbook deals coming. I bet these will be about healthier cooking -- now that it is profitable for her. You can also sign up for her newsletter about diabetes, but be warned that your name will be shared with Novartis -- you know, the company that denied negotiating with her.

I know we should all be in charge of our own lives and taking care of ourselves. Now for the big BUT... Deen kept hyping her shows and foods -- and yes, that was lucrative... lying, but lucrative lying so that makes it okay.

Are you thinking that medical information is private and personal? I agree, unless it is directly related to what you are telling people on your television show and via books and personal appearances.

Another great example of a celebrity not living authentically -- shouldn't be a surprise...

This whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

10 January 2012
There are rumors running wild about Paula Deen having diabetes. The Houston Press says Novartis claims no relationship with Deen, but who knows what we will find out.

I suspect that she does have Type II diabetes and is negotiating with some drug company over promoting the diabetes drugs.

For me, I would be trying to promote healthier menus and meals on my shows and in my products -- hey, wait, there's a great idea! I should have my own healthy cooking show -- I'm hilarious, I can cook and I need a job. What more could one ask for!

Hello, Food Network, hire me!

Vanished off the face of the earth

2012-01-09T05:13:00.000-06:00

Images by David Daniels

Remember Hurricane Charley? I heard about a man that bought a new bought and went sailing out into the hurricane. I suspect that he now lives sans wife somewhere in the Caribbean. A natural disaster would be a great way to disappear -- as long as you can remember not to contact anyone after the event!

I recall my mother quoting the saying "loose lips sink ships" and that would apply here too. If you really are looking to disappear you can't tell anyone what your plans are. Plus, you don't want to rely on family and friends to keep your secret when the heat is on.

How is your cell phone working? For me, tossing it into the back of someone's car as they drive past is a grand plan. They can take "me" all around town while I have my new prepaid phone that no one knows about -- I like that all ready, even if nothing else ever comes of this!

You also want to deal in cash or perhaps a pre-loaded "credit" card. I like the AMEX gift cards -- think of the endless possibilities with that arrangement! (I get no money from them for promoting their cards, but wouldn't mind it if I did!)

Here are some links to entertain your flights of fancy.

Frank Ahearn
How to Deceive by Frank M. Ahearn Disappearing starts at $35,000, but phone consultations start at $350. Let me know -- before you disappear -- how you like the service.

Hoping to see you on a remote beach, but remember don't tell me who you are!

Burning down the house

2012-01-08T05:13:00.000-06:00

I was thinking back to the fire at the house across the street and wondered how much of what we have is what we would take if push came to shove.

Let's play the burning house game. If your house was burning, what would you take with you? This is a challenge in your brain of what is practical, valuable and sentimental. What you would take will probably reflect your interests, background and priorities. Yes, I have asked this in interviews -- it's fun to hear what people say. You can also extend the question to offer 30-minutes to get out or even up to 3-hours. For our purposes today, imagine this is an immediate concern and you must get out as quickly as possible.

Here's my fast list: (Share yours in the comments if you care to)

Dogs
Husband (if he were unable to get out on his own)
Laptop -- for all the family history files
Cameras -- to record my new memories, probably starting with the fire!
Photos
Stübben saddle
Phone -- unless fire gets me a replacement that actually works

This seems like a great opportunity to start over. Yay!

Tomorrow we'll visit what would happen if you could vanish off the face of the earth -- okay, not literally vanish.

Now a different version than you might expect of Burning Down the House.

Email me anytime, follow me on Twitter, tell me your story, and please subscribe to my Examiner - Dogs column!

Motivations from Minnesota

2012-01-07T05:13:00.000-06:00

I'm at a dog show this weekend taking photos of all the goings-on and I felt a little lazy about what words to share here today. Based on that laziness, I decided to share some quotes that I liked. If you have a favorite that isn't on this list please share it in the comments.

"Create and stir other people to create." ~Robert Frost -- I really liked this quote, and I try to actually do this with people because it makes me feel better too.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~Mark Twain -- How are you in the regrets department? when I am uncertain, I evaluate if the activity is something down the road that I'll be sorry to have missed.

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." ~Henry David Thoreau -- Where are you at in your life with the castle and foundation building? Are you still suffering through the "if-then" brain? You know the one, if i get this then I'll do/be this.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow." ~Helen Keller -- The shadows allow us to live in fear, let's make a pact that 2012 won't be lived in fear! If you feel afraid, turn into the sun and push that darkness away.

“Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.”~Helen Keller -- That pretty much covers it!

Our final thought for today:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” ~Hunter S. Thompson -- How are you looking? I'm wearing myself out and having a great time doing it!

You can find me shooting photos on Twitter and Facebook, and with any luck posting at least 366 times on this blog in 2012.

Cut in half by a bad magician...

2012-01-06T05:13:00.000-06:00

I really debated putting my scar on the Interwebs, but then I thought about it and recognized that we all have scars -- some visible and some not. This particular beauty has allowed me to win biggest scars competitions, and all by itself when others were using multiples. As you may be able to tell, it goes almost completely across the middle of me -- and in the image, the right side actually curves around my side in a scar-hug. There are still metal bits and pieces inside the scar and the outside once had over 100 staples to keep me together.

How did I get such an awesome scar? I acquired this scar from my days working with a really bad magician. Yes, whilst standing around pointing and primping at things on stage, we decided to try the saw the lady in half bit and it just didn't go as well as one might hope. I've included Penn and Teller showing how the trick should go in case you were ever curious.

In reality, our scars help tell the story of who we are. I like to think of the scars as indicators of a life that was actually lived and not one that was imagined because fear held me back. Many of my scars are born of adventure -- and I wouldn't give any of that up! What are your visible scars? How were they obtained? Do you have fanciful tales to help them show people who you are and from whence you came? If not, you may want to practice regaling people with tall tales about them -- it makes them more interesting and rarely will people call you out on a great scar story!

Your physical scars are out there for all to see, but what of the invisible scars? How do those injuries to your spirit develop you into the person you have become? These scars can help you overcome something or they may hold you back. Which path do you prefer? I'm consciously working at having those internal scars be an inspiration rather than a deterrent to a happier existence.

Regardless if your scars are visible or invisible, I would charge you with shedding the thought of them as restraints to what your life could be and instead, ask you to use all your scars as an indication of strength and the wisdom acquired in a life that has been lived.

Please share your scars -- or the stories of them in the comments.

You can find me shooting photos on Twitter and Facebook, and with any luck posting at least 366 times on this blog in 2012.

I love The Garbage Man! (Redux)

2012-01-05T05:13:00.000-06:00

I've said this before and I'm glad to be able to say it again, I love The Garbage Man! Trash and recycle day happened this morning and in a surprise move, the recycle was picked up at about 8AM versus late in the day. Not a problem since the bins were out there and ready to go, but as I gazed out over the black ice on the driveway I figured I would slip and slide down there after walking the dogs to grab the empty bins.

Well, it hasn't warmed up enough to loosen the icy grip on the roads in the neighborhood and I was considering putting on the ice cleats and getting started walking dogs and grabbing bins when I looked out on the driveway and the trash barrel and bins were all up next to the house. Yes, Shane went above and beyond and brought all the containers up to the house! That was such a day brightener -- and yes, that is usually all it takes for me is something simple like that!

You may wonder about the next clip --- it really is about expectations. Take it with a grain of salt, or perhaps even a sack of salt as to the truthfulness of it, but entertaining no matter what. It struck me because it talks to what we expect affects how we behave. How often have you expected some type of result or behavior from someone and then magically you get it? That might be called self-fulfilling prophecy, or perhaps we can channel Albert Einstein here, “Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.”

I've been working at being more flexible and allowing my expectations to take a back seat has really helped with that. My parent's deaths really pushed me toward this new level of expectations and flexibility. I am still sorting through their things, and my own too. Working toward the path of happiness in this short life. By releasing the things of the past and paring down to only the items that I truly love I feel the path opening up to a brand new journey.

Please share how your path and journey are looking. Have you taken a leap of faith or are you clinging to feelings and things from your past?

FOUND - “Delsin” is Missing from Bloomington MN - Please Help

2012-01-04T12:37:00.002-06:00

The search for Delsin has been called off. The dog has been found and will be reunited with owner Anne Nichols on 4 Jan 2012. Video of the reunion will be available on WCCO television on the 5:00 PM newscast.

Tuesday afternoon and evening I rode around in a GMC Yukon Denali seeking a Bernese Mountain Dog that was slated to compete at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February 2012. It was a gut-wrenching search as light began to fade from the day.

Today I sent emails, posted on Twitter and Facebook and asked everyone I could think of to help in the search.

The 9-year-old dog, named Delsin, escaped and ran away from a home on Beard Avenue South in Bloomington when a child left the backyard gate open at about 12:30 PM on Tuesday.
Owner, Anne Nichols, is fortunate that someone found the dog and brought it to animal control. The reunion will likely be one that all dog lovers will appreciate.

When the dog escaped he was not wearing a collar and does not have a microchip.

Earlier Post regarding the dog.
By PAUL WALSH
Image by Anne Nichols
From: StarTribune

A prized dog bound for the famed Westminster dog show next month in New York City bolted from a Twin Cities yard, prompting an exhaustive search for the 100-pound pooch.

Delsin, a nine-year-old Bernese mountain dog, fled the fenced-in yard about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 10000 block of Beard Avenue South in Bloomington after a 12-year-old boy who lives at the home inadvertently left a gate open, said the dog’s owner.

“He lives with me, trains with me and I show him,” said Anne Nichols, who lives near Clear Lake, Wis., and traveled about 75 miles with Delsin to visit her brother and his family in Bloomington.

“He’s my buddy, first and foremeost, and happens to be a great showdog,” Nichols added. “He sleeps in my bed at night.”

Nichols said her nephew “feels terrible” about Delsin’s disappearance. “There is no two ways about it.”

Nichols has notified police about her missing dog. She’s also posted notices on various pet finder websites and has distributed posters at three nearby schools.

“Some people I don’t even know have driven here to look for him,” Nichols said. “Others are trickling in this morning. We’re going door to door.”

Delsin has long hair, and is mostly black with tan eyebrows, and a tan and white chest. He does not have on a collar, nor does he have an embedded tracking microchip.

He is not neutered, leading Nichols to believe that he “took full advantage of the opportunity” to find companionship.

Delsin qualified for his first Westminster by winning Best in Show at a competition in Duluth in July, beating out more than 800 entrants. This also would be Nichols’ first time having an entry at the world’s most prestigious dog show, scheduled for Feb. 13-14 at Madison Square Garden.

“I had Delsin’s father and grandmother, and I also have Delsin’s son,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to do Westminster and always knew that he was the quality of dog to do Westminster.”

Nichols said that while Delsin “is a pleasant dog,” she’s concerned that he could “be very spooky” while on the loose. She said that anyone who sees Delsin should call her at 612-968-5209 or 612-269-3615 .

Read more: StarTribune

Riley Rants - Licking Calcutta

Ducks -- are yours in a row?

Rich candidates

John Edward's "Other Woman" Rielle Hunter and Marion Hulick

Miss Representation

Cast Iron Steak

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” ~Julia Child

The Token Woman asks -- Who are you?

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

Paula Deen and the magic pill

The Token Woman talks Job search and the Fountain of Youth

The cure for high prices

Putting the "fun" in Funeral Homes

Make it happen

"Life just doesn't hand you things. You have to get out there and make things happen. That's the exciting part." ~Emeril Lagasse, chef.

Moving forward

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer was talking about the past and moving forward -- this analogy is so easy to understand and to picture.

SOPA and PIPA Internet Blacklist Bills

Feeble attempt Suze Orman

Friday the 13th

Perception and perspective

Letting go

Paula Deen the hypocrite and diabetes

Vanished off the face of the earth

Burning down the house

Motivations from Minnesota

Cut in half by a bad magician...

I love The Garbage Man! (Redux)

FOUND - “Delsin” is Missing from Bloomington MN - Please Help