home

Happy Birthday, Open Thread

It's that time of year again...this year it's a big one. I should be happy because I'm done with outrageous heath insurance premiums (now it's just Medicare, a supplemental policy, and a drug plan which together cost 1/3 of my monthly health insurance premium last year.)

But aging is never really a happy experience, even when you have good health and a good life. Every day there's a reminder of some part of the face or body that used to be "up to here" and has now shifted "down to there." [More....]

No need for gifts, but if you'd like to give something, you can buy me drink to lift my spirits (paypal link here)or send an online Amazon gift card here.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome. Comments with positive thoughts on aging will be particularly appreciated.

< Al Nusra Threatens Retaliation for U.S. and Allies' Air Strikes | Views on ISIS From the Middle East >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    Happy Birthday youngster and (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by fishcamp on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 07:13:35 AM EST
    thanks for the great blog.  Unfortunately now you have to choose from the 20 or 30 Medicare plans out there.  Most just go alphabetically with AARP which, of course, it isn't AARP but United Health Care.  And as you know the government is not watching out for us, they just want our money so they can bomb while on vacation.  Sorry to go berserk again.  Have a great day.  xoxo

    Age is just a number! (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Angel on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 07:56:49 AM EST
    Have a wonderful birthday and a wonderful year.

    When you have good health, it is just a number (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by christinep on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:04:41 PM EST
    Good cheer and good health for you in this new birthday year, Jeralyn!  

    Funny how so much can become so much fuller with each year ... and, these wondrous days in Denver and the always-beckoning beauty of the mountains ... it only gets more beautiful, more fascinating.

    As Capt Howdy suggests in this thread:  The $$$ only get us so far; as for the vast landscape of life ahead, rejoice and take the time to live it!

    Parent

    Age is a state of being and mind. (none / 0) (#58)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:54:59 AM EST
    New York Times | July 14, 2010
    Aging Gracefully, the French Way - "If there is a secret to aging well, Frenchwomen must know it. At least that's what Americans think. We look at actresses like Juliette Binoche, 46, or politicians like Ségolène Royal, 56, or superstars like Catherine Deneuve, 66, and figure that they must have special insights into the 'maturation' process. [...] For Frenchwomen, aging seems to be a matter of mind over makeup. If women feel good about themselves, right down to their La Perla 100-euro panties, they look good, too. Françoise Sagan once wrote, 'There is a certain age when a woman must be beautiful to be loved, and then there comes a time when she must be loved to be beautiful.' And many Frenchwomen seem to be well loved as they get older -- by their tight-knit families, their friends and, perhaps most importantly, themselves."

    Parent
    Happy birthday ! (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:09:34 AM EST
    I assume you plan to continue your work since I haven't seen any suggestion you would not.  Good for you if so.  Or if not for that matter.  It's strange.  For practically my whole life I was consumed and defined by my work.  To say I loved it would be an understatement.  I worked crazy long hours starting in the late 70s when the real career started and that continued right up to the early 21st century.
    Then something happened.  It was not a decision or any event.  I just got tired of working.  I started thinking, daydreaming, more and more about how nice it would be to never have to work again.
    Part of this I admit is that the industry has changed a lot in the last decade or so.  Less respect and loyalty from employers.  Not to mention less money.  Everyone I know who is still working and over the age of about 30 is absolutely miserable.

    So in 2011 the opportunity presented itself and I jumped.  It caused some real economic shock.  I was going to say hardship but in the perspective of the larger world that would be a silly overstatement.  The first two years was tough until SS started but even then I never had to give up pot or premium channels.   Shorter version, I have never regretted it for a second.  

    I'm almost exactly 2 years behind you.  In two I get my pension and I really will have arrived.  My we both live long enough to enjoy it fully.

    I can't even imagine (5.00 / 3) (#29)
    by ZtoA on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 03:53:31 PM EST
    not painting - rolling down the stairs, teeth brushed, hair not brushed, to my sun filled studio in the morning. I could imagine, however, having someone do my books and take care of my old crappy van (which I like). Working, for me, has actually increased in the last 2 years. Whew. But am taking a bit of a break now for a couple of weeks. Paperwork only.

    Parent
    That's very different from (5.00 / 2) (#35)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:12:29 PM EST
    punching a clock.  Even if you don't literally punch a clock.  Honestly one thing I do miss is having lunch every day with friends.  That's the only thing I miss.  Lunch.

    Parent
    Ha! (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by ZtoA on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 07:06:38 PM EST
    I think I'll get a clock for my studio (one that doesn't work) and punch it everyday.

    Parent
    Because your vocation and avocation are (5.00 / 2) (#50)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:02:46 PM EST
    the same. I did miss my piano when I was gone for two weeks.

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 2) (#31)
    by squeaky on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 04:11:27 PM EST
    I have a good friend who did sound for films, ran a very successful small company in London..  she worked ALL the time, 7 days a week...  she loooooooved it.

    now she is fine with taking it easy.  Still owns the company, helps out from time to time, but more interested in other things life has to offer.

    Parent

    Well (5.00 / 4) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 04:19:05 PM EST
    to be clear I stopped working for money.   I have not stopped  drawing painting writing.  Never saw that as work.   Stopped working.  Not living.

    Parent
    I have reached the point where I (5.00 / 2) (#71)
    by Anne on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:25:39 AM EST
    frequently get out the calculator and tally up where we are financially, and if I could retire without worrying we'd be eating cat food three times a day...I have one grandchild I'd love to spend more time with, and another due in 4 weeks, whom I'm also going to want to see a lot of.

    I think retiring at 65 makes the most sense, but the idea of working another 4 years isn't doing much for me.  Then again, 4 more years of 401(k) contributions, and a 6% annual contribution by my employer is kind of hard to pass up...

    I could take SS at 62, and see if I could work part time - that would maybe be the best of both worlds, for the short term.

    Husband is already retired and drawing SS and a small VA disability payment.

    What I really need to do is for us to try to live on the amount I think we'll be getting from all sources, and sock the difference away.

    Aargh...work just isn't doing it for me anymore!

    Parent

    Btw (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 10:45:55 AM EST
    IMO the Ray Donavon season finale was flawless.  

    ???

    Parent

    I have to watch it again, because (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by Anne on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 11:16:02 AM EST
    there was so much going on I was afraid I was missing things.

    Agree, though, that it was brilliantly done.  Less dark than I expected - all the killing notwithstanding - but still so much tragedy it's kind of mind-boggling.  Was trying to think if there is a single character who is "happy," and came up empty.

    Funniest moment had to be when Hank Azaria's character walked out of his office and heard the moaning coming from his secretary's computer, so he walks around and sees the video in which he had a starring role.  So much for being the new FBI Director, eh?

    Parent

    It was dense (none / 0) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:18:24 PM EST
    so many incredible moments.  Too bad about the woman but, honestly, didn't we know that was coming?  Ezra's psychotic musings about the Rodef (thank you RD for pointing me to an element of Middle East politics I was completely unaware). The new age a$$hat philosophically crawling into the trunk.  Attacking Micky with a tennis racket - talk about bringing a spork to a knife fight.  of People started getting what they deserved.  
    I loved that they gave Mickey a win.  Even a psychotic imaginary one.  
    The only one in that whole universe deserving of a happy ending is Bunchy.   Him and possibly the cop in love with Abby and possibly Terry.  Tho that is in question after recent events.  His girlfriend was always a tough call.  

    Something tells me all their endings won't  be happy.  My money is on Bunchy.

    Parent

    Oops (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:19:31 PM EST
    the link is only about the Rodef.  Sloppy.

    Parent
    my mini reviews of last night shows: (none / 0) (#76)
    by ruffian on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 11:32:42 AM EST
    Boardwalk Empire: Loved it. More Nucky and Margaret please.

    Masters of Sex: meh

    Parent

    on MoS, I should withhold final judgement (none / 0) (#77)
    by ruffian on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 11:34:11 AM EST
    since I did miss a couple of key scenes due to a tivo malfunction. Re-recorded, and will catch up later.


    Parent
    I thought Masters of Sex was (none / 0) (#81)
    by Anne on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:11:00 PM EST
    underwhelming; maybe this was a case of needing to fit a lot into the last episode, but I thought there were too many plot points you could see coming a mile away and not enough time to really develop them.

    I may watch it again - sometimes that helps!

    Parent

    I thought it was OK (none / 0) (#140)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 05:45:29 PM EST
    typically low key.  But OK.  

    Parent
    The whole thing with the kids just (none / 0) (#142)
    by ruffian on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:10:01 PM EST
    annoyed the heck out of me. She didn't sell them to the gypsies - they are staying with their dad a couple of more nights a week. She is so modern-before-her-time about everything else, and gets hysterical about that???

    I guess I stopped believing in any of these characters this season. Really disappointed, since last season was so good.  

    Parent

    It is strange that he two main characters (none / 0) (#143)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:20:22 PM EST
    are less likable with every episode.  It's pretty low on my list but so far it still on my list.

    It's does have characters I like.  I loved the total role reversal of the diet pill lady and the doctor.   How wonderful for her to not want to bring a "dumb blond" home to meet her family.  But I'm a doctor didn't even work.  Poor guy.   He's getting the tables turned and he likes it.

    I liked the strange park bench conversation between Libby (who I like more and more) and Virginia.  Interesting contrast between the reaction to the loss of their children.

    And there is Lester and Barb.   Can't help liking Lester and Barb.  

    I loved the final dialog between Masters and his old boss.  Face it pal.  You're an a$$hole.

    Parent

    Also like the unreturned (right) (none / 0) (#144)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:22:50 PM EST
    phone call from Hugh Hefner.  Don't really know the story but he probably ends up making them famous right?

    Parent
    Yup (none / 0) (#146)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:30:53 PM EST
    * We don't learn what it was that Hugh Hefner was calling Bill about, but Playboy unsurprisingly would play a huge role in the popularization of Masters and Johnson's work later in their career. I'm guessing we'll meet a fictionalized Hef sometime soon-ish. Hopefully, it won't just remind us of "The Playboy Club."


    Parent
    Getting to those (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:21:33 PM EST
    this afternoon.

    Parent
    Yes more Nucky and Margaret (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:22:10 PM EST
    and that Al Capone was quite a little psychopath.  Watching it I keep thinking, and he went to jail for tax evasion.

    Parent
    Speaking of why I got out (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 08:47:05 AM EST
    while the getting was good - 4 Reasons Movie Special FX Are Actually Getting Worse

    There is a lot of this i disagree with and a lot that's just flat wrong.  The author doesn't know as much about the subject as they think they do (certainly a first for Internet journalism) they often blame the wrong people and some of the examples and factlets are bogus.  For example there is a pic illustrating that CG "is now finding its way into non CG movies".  Which has only been happening since the earliest days.  The first two movies I did extensive work on we're "non CG" movies.  In fact 80% of CG has always been invisible.
    All that said, he nails the race to the bottom in VFX houses and the effect it has on people like me.  Oddly he never mentions the central problem there which is that CG VFX people are the ONLY professional group in H-Wood who do not have a union to protect them.  He promotes traditional effects without mentioning that the DO have a union.

    Still worth a read if you are a movie buff.

    Parent

    Actually (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 08:49:28 AM EST
    A bogus factlet would be a factoid wouldn't it?

    Parent
    Dance fans (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:41:58 AM EST
    this looks terrific Born To Fly

    LATimes review

    Catherine Gund's documentary "Born to Fly: Elizabeth Streb vs. Gravity" captures the Extreme Action Company in rehearsal, performance and offstage conversation, all with a vérité immediacy that's in sync with the business at hand. (Prolific documentarian Albert Maysles, whose credits include "Gimme Shelter" and "Grey Gardens," is one of the film's three cinematographers.) On a giant hamster wheel in their Brooklyn studio, and in spectacular feats on London landmarks, performers seemingly defy the laws of physics. Without question they reject conventional notions of what's humanly possible or wise.


    oop-left out the relevant quote (none / 0) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:48:33 AM EST
    the Streb Extreme Action Company challenges Assumptions of art aging injury gender and human possibility


    Parent
    One of Streb's dancer was seriously (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 11:41:18 AM EST
    injured during a performance. I don't think J should do these moves at home.

    Parent
    Link: (none / 0) (#12)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 12:45:13 PM EST
    Don't know much about the groups history (none / 0) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:17:37 PM EST
    but very surprised if that was the first or last.  When your motto is "if it's safe it's not action....."

    I would love to see them perform.  

    Parent

    Ouch! (none / 0) (#14)
    by Zorba on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 12:54:29 PM EST
    This is definitely a case of "Kids, don't try this at home. "

    Parent
    I think if you kids (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:15:09 PM EST
    are swinging giant I-beams and cement blocks from the ceiling we have problems that go beyond parenting.

    Parent
    Grey Gardens was a trip. (none / 0) (#8)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 10:32:39 AM EST
    Nice (none / 0) (#38)
    by squeaky on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:20:07 PM EST
    I used to see her perform regularly..  WOW what a great company.

    Glad to see that someone made a documentary about her work. Very unique approach, ahead of her time in a way.

    Parent

    Happy birthday (5.00 / 3) (#6)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 09:10:07 AM EST
    Here's a thought:

    Take your savings on health insurance premiums and treat yourself to a day at a spa. Or better yet, take what you save for the year and take a trip to somewhere you have always wanted to go.

    Enjoy

    Have a happy! (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 11:42:57 AM EST
    And good hunting for a supplemental policy.

    I also suggest looking at a Medigap policy as an alternative to Medicare + supplemental.

    BTW - The Feds put out a book, "Medicare & You." The 2015 edition is just out. Lots of good information plus all the plans available to you. If they haven't sent you one call 1-800-Medicare or borrow a friend's.

    I am confused (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 01:24:04 PM EST
    Isn't a Medigap policy the supplemental policy to Medicare?

    A Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance, sold by private companies, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover...

    Perhaps you meant a Medicare Advantage plan.

    When considering an Advantage plan, a person needs to access whether or not being able to go to a wide range of doctors and hospitals is important to you. Here in MO, many of my friends are seeing their networks in their Advantage plan shrink drastically this year.

    Parent

    Should read (none / 0) (#18)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 01:38:15 PM EST
    a person needs to assess

    Parent
    You're right and thanks (none / 0) (#24)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 02:37:58 PM EST
    I used the wrong term.

    Every policy changes every year and I just got a booklet from Cigna covering the changes. From a quick look premiums and RX co pays are down but max out of pocket is up.

    Your friends are probably in HMO plans instead of a POS plan.

    The key is to ask every question you every have thought of and then do it three more times. And pay special attention to their formulary.

    Parent

    Never heard of my Medicare supplemental (none / 0) (#34)
    by fishcamp on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 04:29:23 PM EST
    plan called Medigap.  It's just AARP Medicare supplemental.  Maybe HMO's have different names but I don't know about HMO's since I don't live near a city where they exist.  I believe they are the plans that limit which doctors and hospitals one can go to.  We only have two hospitals here in the keys but so far I can go to either and any doctor.  I'v heard about Medicare Advantage plans but nobody I know has that down here.

    Parent
    Medigap and a Medicare supplemental plan (none / 0) (#41)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:38:49 PM EST
    are one and the same thing. If you go on Medicare.gov you will see

    What's Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance?

    Read about Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance), which helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover.

    Your current AARP supplemental plan is a Medigap plan. The government just likes to complicate things by giving it two names when one would do just fine.

    Parent

    MOBlue, just today Monday, Sep. 29 (none / 0) (#75)
    by fishcamp on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 11:30:26 AM EST
    I received some Medicare statements for drugs I received recently and the giant 2015 Annual Notice of Changes, AARP Medicare Rx Plans and nowhere is the word Medigap mentioned.  Possibly with the plans I have they don't use that word or I don't know.  I'm not at all disagreeing with you and never would but it's just not in my info packet.  I'm in a very good mood since my air conditioning was repaired while I was in town this morning.  Yesterday the heat index hit 110 for a while and I just sat here and watched the Dolphins crush the Patriots in unbelievable heat.  btw my Medicare part D premium went up $6.60 for next year which is ok.  

    Parent
    Oops, meant the Raiders not the Patriots (none / 0) (#85)
    by fishcamp on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:24:35 PM EST
    guess the heat had gotten to my feeble brain.  Sorry Patriots fans.

    Parent
    Don't apologize. (none / 0) (#95)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:28:03 PM EST
    The heat obviously got to you, and transported you magically to Déjà Vu Land to recall a most enjoyable moment from three weeks ago, when the Dolphins DID in fact kick the Patriots' a$$es.

    Our weather out here has been stifling, too. But then, September is almost always our hottest and muggiest month of the year, and this month certainly hasn't proved the exception to that general rule. It's presently beautiful this morning with blue skies and light trade winds, but it's supposed to turn really gnarly by this afternoon, and we're on a flash flood watch -- just in time for my mother's arrival at HNL.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    ... after that 41-14 shellacking they took in Kansas City tonight, in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the final score. Tom Brady looked every bit the middle-aged QB.

    Parent
    I wonder how he (none / 0) (#175)
    by NYShooter on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 03:59:02 PM EST
    would have looked if he had receivers who realized they were playing football, and, not, "hot potato?"

    Parent
    AARP Medicare Rx Plan is a drug plan (none / 0) (#91)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 01:11:14 PM EST
    and not a Medigap (supplemental plan). They are two distinct animals with two separate premiums.

    It is quite possible that your AARP supplemental plan information package might not include the word Medigap. The term Medigap might have originally been coined by Medicare and some insurance companies might prefer to use Medicare Supplement. On Medicare.gov they use Medigap as the key word with Medicare Supplement Insurance in parentheses.

    Glad to hear that your AC has been fixed. 110 with no AC is pretty unbearable. Surprised you didn't find a nice cool pub to watch the game. IIRC you said it has been raining a lot in the Keys. Have you been able to do any fishing lately?

    The weather here has been great. Low to mid eighties. Unfortunately, something in the air is setting my allergies off big time so I have had to put my AC back on in an attempt to keep the great outdoors, outdoors.  

    Parent

    Thanks for the info MOBlue (none / 0) (#99)
    by fishcamp on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:36:18 PM EST
    and quite frankly I don't care what Medicare calls themselves as long as they pay most or part of the bills.  I did think of going over to the local pub but most of them were filled with screaming Dolphin fans, not that the game needed to be watched closely due to the high Dolphin score.  Haven't done much fishing in my little boat lately due to the heat but have been offshore with friends in big boats catching big fish.  The air is 90 and the water is still 84 but it is beginning to change, I think-hope.  One of my  favorite tricks is to troll for Grouper, which is not very sporty, filet it on the dock at the restaurant and have them grill it while having a cool boat drink.  When this event starts happening you are happily invited.

    Parent
    My supplemental plan no longer includes (none / 0) (#52)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:07:16 PM EST
    the medical practice group on which I have relied for years. But I can choose them on a couple of other plans.

    Parent
    Glad they are available elsewhere in Medicare (none / 0) (#53)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:16:08 PM EST
    system.

    Out of curiosity, will your current plan dropping your doctors result in you changing plans?

    I know for myself, if my current plan did not include the Siteman Cancer Center and their physicians, I would change plans.  

    Parent

    I am definitely changing to an (none / 0) (#54)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:20:57 PM EST
    HMO plan that includes this medical group.

    Parent
    Happy birthday, J. (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 11:43:28 AM EST
    Enjoy your goiod health.

    Happy birthday! (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by Zorba on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 12:52:24 PM EST
    And may you have many more happy, healthy birthdays!

    One more tip (5.00 / 6) (#15)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 12:58:16 PM EST
    Instant, painless wrinkle remover:

    Reduce the wattage of all lamps in your house especially around mirrors. Low lighting and poor eye sight works wonders to eliminate wrinkles. ;-)

    Works for me, anyway! (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Zorba on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 01:47:22 PM EST
    ;-)

    Parent
    Good tip Mo and (none / 0) (#21)
    by fishcamp on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 01:53:11 PM EST
    many stars and talent that I filmed over the years had a wide range of rules regarding your topic.  Fortunately now at my age I find myself remembering them, not that anyone is filming me.

    Parent
    This is why there is no such thing (5.00 / 3) (#22)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 01:54:30 PM EST
    as a brightly lit gay bar.

    Parent
    LOL! There are no brightly lit bars, period. (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 02:50:35 PM EST
    I'm speaking strictly from memory, though.

    Parent
    If you wrote your memoir as some of your (5.00 / 5) (#25)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 02:50:21 PM EST
    friends have suggested, you could use the techniques you learned while being filmed on your book tour.

    Waste not, want not as the saying goes. ;-)

    Parent

    ... a few years ago was that finally, the pretenses of youth were banished and I felt free to simply be who I really am. I firmly believe that the key to successful aging is the ability to retain one's own sense of grace and dignity during the process.

    This includes issues regarding personal appearance, which can be best achieved by simply following your initial instinct. If you suspect that you might look a wee bit ridiculous while wearing those jeans and tight polo shirt (or short skirt and open blouse if you're a woman), you probably will -- so don't do it.

    While you don't have to forgo style as you age, a nice and sensible benefit to achieving maturity is the realization that it's no longer necessary to impress the 25-year-olds of the world and garner their approval. If you like it, that's really all that counts.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Yes (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by Zorba on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:35:44 PM EST
    I find that the pretenses are all long gone.  You can really be who you are.  Within limits, though- I agree that a sense of grace and dignity are important.
    I do know a few older people (my age and older) who seem to have decided to "let it all hang out" in a not so attractive way.  I am speaking of their behavior towards others, BTW, not necessarily their clothing (or, in the case of some older women, way too much make-up).
    As my daughter says, the danger is that some people, as they age, do become more "themselves," but sometimes their "selves" aren't all that attractive in the first place.  Or, if you want to put it in Freudian terms (heaven forbid!), the superego is diminished, and the id takes the forefront.   ;-)
    "You kids, get off my lawn!"


    Parent
    My nearly 90 year old mom (none / 0) (#59)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 01:10:00 AM EST
    who used to be 5'10" with size 11 feet and always had snug (not tight) clothes is now 5'5 to 7" inches and still wears those clothes which she is now swims in. I try to get her to eat more and put 'some meat on her bones'. She is happy and doing well - needs a bit of care from time to time from family. I like to visit and cook and freeze 5-6 months of high protein dinners for her.

    I am no longer the shortest in my family, at 5'8"  (I used to be 5'9")- the dog died sadly. I guess my sister's cat counts, so I am taller than "grey kitty" (who everyone has a separate name for - the cat does not actually have an agreed upon name. It does not bother her tho) (she is grey and is very pretty and nice so I don't brag about being taller in front of her)

    Parent

    Donald have you ever watched/listened to (none / 0) (#61)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 01:51:09 AM EST
    "Drunk History"? It's on youtube. I just heard about it from a guest of mine from dinner tonite. I just watched the first one now. It is accurate and very funny. You might like it! I think I will watch a clip every night, in my bed, on my phone, while falling asleep instead of Portlandia, which I know by heart by now, and could watch a few minutes in my head to fall asleep in the 'right' frame of mind (having watched it many times over and - well - it's all true. I know people in Portland and can exchange long quotes with friends about the dialog and places filmed in the show).

    Parent
    I watched it a few times. (none / 0) (#145)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:27:14 PM EST
    And I thought the premise was funny, once. But now, it's like "Bad Lip Reading," which is also found on YouTube. I mean, how many different ways can you tell what is essentially the same joke?

    Parent
    Ha! not surprised it is too stupid for you (none / 0) (#147)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 10:41:22 PM EST
    I listened to one last night because the teens and 20somethings at a dinner last night said it was the "best thing". I thought, "good, history made the best thing and fun for young people". Now I would like to see a Drunk Pigment History and Drunk Art History series. Hmmm..... could I make a bit of needed $$ from doing that myself?? I'd get a great cool hipster actor (there's lots in Portland) and a bottle of Hendricks gin and I can be the videographer.

    Parent
    I'll send Bad Lip Reading (none / 0) (#148)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 10:43:30 PM EST
    to my 90 year old mom. She actually needs to lip read partly and is really bad at it. She won't get the joke tho so maybe that's not the best idea for me.

    Parent
    The girls all look prettier (none / 0) (#27)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 02:57:33 PM EST
    at closing time!

    ;-)

    Parent

    So do (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by Zorba on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:36:47 PM EST
    the boys.   ;-)

    Parent
    Happy Birthday! (5.00 / 3) (#16)
    by lentinel on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 01:07:19 PM EST
    and thanks for this marvelous website.

    Many happy returns (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by ragebot on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 01:43:17 PM EST
    from a veteran of Medicare.  Only advice I will offer is stay hydrated.

    Happy Birthday, Jeralyn! (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 04:12:47 PM EST
    You sounded a little down, don't know what to say but what we all know.  You research and write with the energy of a twenty-something, tempered with wisdom - which takes a little longer to accumulate.

    Agnes Martin (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by squeaky on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:30:50 PM EST
    Every day there's a reminder of some part of the face or body that used to be "up to here" and has now shifted "down to there

    And once the stuff that you were holding up for years shifts down, you do not have to worry about carrying it anymore... you lose the need to bother keeping up all the BS.

    More energy for the things you want to be doing.

    I always love to revisit this Anges Martin Interview for inspiration.
    At 85, spoke about the last 20 years of her life and how it had been the best years of her life. Mostly due to no longer having to carry the weight of BS.

    Mark Twain (5.00 / 4) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:38:33 PM EST
    "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been."


    Parent
    Nice! (none / 0) (#44)
    by squeaky on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:53:11 PM EST
    Carolyn Heilbrunn (pen name Amanda (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by oculus on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 08:26:03 PM EST
    Cross):

    In keeping with her views on aging in The Last Gift of Time: Life Beyond Sixty, she quit wearing high heels, hose, and other form-fitting clothing in her early 60s, instead adopting blouses and slacks as her daily attire. Heilbrun's son recalled that "My mother was a generous hostess when she was young, but lost interest in dinner parties as she got older. She preferred to order groceries from the local supermarket and have them sent to her apartment as she was too busy to waste time squeezing oranges at Fairway."[5]

    [Wiki excerpt.]

    Parent

    I listened to the interview (none / 0) (#60)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 01:14:04 AM EST
    while I was assembling dinner for friends and family tonite. Sous vide veggies and salmon (Yum) in a sort of "creative" nicoise salad. Yum. But anyway, the interview was great to listen to. I love her work. I love what she said and love her voice.

    Parent
    Tis the season (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:47:21 PM EST
    for season finales.   Outlander last night.  Ray Donavon and Masters of Sex tonight.  The Bridge on Tuesday and The Strain next Sunday.

    Technically Outlander was a mid season finale but it won't be back till April.

    Yea Cardinals (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 05:50:37 PM EST
    With a 4-1 victory by the Cincinnati Reds over the Pittsburgh Pirates, the St. Louis Cardinals clinched the National League Central Division title.


    Happy Birthday Jeralyn (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 06:28:21 PM EST
    Do something wonderful for yourself, whatever that may be.

    Congratulations... (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by unitron on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 06:58:51 PM EST
    ...and many happy returns of the day, from an only slightly younger well-wisher.

    Happy birthday, J. (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 07:05:49 PM EST
    And remember, no matter how humbug the aging process can be, it's still likely better than the alternative. Enjoy the day. Aloha.

    J, just dropped a small amount into (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:17:01 AM EST
    your donation bucket. This is a very small donation but it is to say thank you. I hope you use it to do something you like. If it was me, I'd go out to a nice dinner and have a great time with friends and a Hendricks gin very dry, very cold (gotta last a while, but a good glass of wine and then a good brandy for dessert could follow a long dinner if someone else is driving)(and you will look as beautiful as always in all that low wattage) martini with a lemon twist (tho a slice is cucumber is good too - not both at the same time, for me, too many flavors at once. I've been tole Hendricks is a "feminine" gin. Ha! I like it). Cheers to you!!

    Hendricks is my favorite Gin (5.00 / 5) (#63)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 06:09:01 AM EST
    my son turned me on to it and I never went back to the others. Mostly it's a shot of Ketel One or a shot of Patron tequilla. I'm not a big drinker! Chapagne is always great too.

    But on a Sunday night with work tomorrow, I'm going to save it for another night.

    Thanks to all for your good wishes and nice thoughts. They were a pleasure to read.

    Parent

    I also like a good vodka infused with (none / 0) (#78)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 11:40:49 AM EST
    fresh horseradish. Take a hunk of fresh horseradish and grate it up. Add vodka and let it sit in the freezer for several hours. Strain and return the vodka to the freezer. A small glass of that vodka will go a long way.

    I first tasted horseradish vodka at the "Russian Tea Time" restaurant in Chicago. A friend ordered it and let me have a sip. Man! It tastes like the sea. I've made it myself, though I don't usually because I like it so much. Just make it now every once in a while to take to a party and give tiny shots all around. It always is a big hit.

    Parent

    Joel Silberman on the media and (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by Anne on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 06:57:02 AM EST
    ISIS (bold is mine):

    The news media is the promotion and public relations arm of ISIS. War profiteers are among the media's advertising elite; and these clients are served by showing/promoting fear. Responsible reporting means telling a story from all sides in order to inform the viewer/reader. Today the media is competing for viewers/readers by amplifying the most sensational news in order to get an audience. Fear drives media consumption and the media feeds that fear.

    In our media if it bleeds, it leads. By over-emphasizing each horrific beheading video and war images, our media does its audience a terrible disservice. They are omitting the root causes for the rise of ISIS. Where is the funding money coming from? Who is buying ISIS' oil at below market prices that subsidizes ISIS? Who and where are the banks facilitating the transfer of $2-4 million a day in oil sales to ISIS? Where are the banking regulators who have access that information? To be sure, this is a complicated story to tell to an audience that wants to understand the situation but doesn't want to invest a lot of time in getting educated. But that's the story that I'd like to see.

    Link

    And more Joel Silberman, here.

    So, I guess I'm not the only one who wonders why these questions aren't being answered, much less asked.  Or whether there any so-called experts who aren't directly profiting from war.  It would seem not.  Apparently, if you were a high-ranking member of the military, the media want your opinions, and don't feel the need to question the inherent bias your current business and corporate interests bring to those opinions, nor do they feel the need to inform the audience of those interests so that we can judge the credibility of the opinions and advice offered.

    Happy belated! (5.00 / 5) (#107)
    by CST on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:06:32 PM EST
    I'm turning 30 today, so it's a big one here too.  Although to be honest I'm looking forward to the fact that I no longer get lumped with other 20-somethings.  Kids today!

    Since it's a big one, I decided to splurge and bought myself a new pair of skis.  One of my favorite birthday traditions is buying myself a present.  As nice as it is to get stuff from other people, once a year I make sure to get myself something I really want too.

    So my one suggestion on aging - get yourself something nice!  That way you always have a reason to look forward to it :)

    Buying myself presents has always been ... (5.00 / 2) (#137)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 05:35:21 PM EST
    ... one of my favorite traditions, regardless of the day or occasion. I don't need an excuse, because to be perfectly frank, I'm worth it!

    Further, I'd advise everyone that if you're going to buy yourself something nice, you should always surprise yourself with your own generosity.

    ;-D

    Parent

    P.S.: Happy 30th! (none / 0) (#139)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 05:37:27 PM EST
    It really doesn't seem all that long ago that I was 30, and now I'm closer to 60 than 30. Carpe diem.

    Parent
    Hope your B-Day has been a happy one! (5.00 / 3) (#150)
    by nycstray on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 11:19:28 PM EST
    Seems we share the day ;) And yes, buying yourself a present is a grand tradition, one I practice myself.

    Parent
    Happy B'Day nycstray! (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by squeaky on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 12:07:51 AM EST
    Happy B'day, Nycstray! (5.00 / 1) (#157)
    by vml68 on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 07:34:57 AM EST
    Happy Birthday to you (5.00 / 1) (#160)
    by MO Blue on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:33:58 AM EST
    Happy Birthday to you.

    I like to indulge in that birthday tradition also.

    Hope you had a great day and a even better year.

    Parent

    Happy happy (5.00 / 1) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:45:40 AM EST
    A little something to make you (5.00 / 1) (#168)
    by MO Blue on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 10:33:45 AM EST
    smile on the day after your birthday.

    Parent
    Happy Birthday (5.00 / 1) (#159)
    by MO Blue on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:30:14 AM EST
    30 huh. As I ask my grandsons: How did you get so old when I've stayed so young.

    Since they are fond of me, they agree  every time.

    Great idea to buy yourself a nice present on your B-day. Who better than you to know what you really want.

    Parent

    Happy B'Day CST!!!` (none / 0) (#110)
    by squeaky on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:19:14 PM EST
    Many more to come..

    Parent
    Oh, good. Not a GBCW after all. (none / 0) (#113)
    by oculus on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:25:30 PM EST
    Great philosophy (none / 0) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:27:26 PM EST
    happy birthday

    Parent
    A wise birthday tradition, CST (none / 0) (#115)
    by christinep on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:50:39 PM EST
    For such a youthful one as yourself, it surely shows wisdom beyond your years to honor your natal day each year with your very own gift.  Happy Birthday, CST!

    Parent
    Happy B'day, CST! (none / 0) (#121)
    by vml68 on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:18:47 PM EST
    Happy Birthday, kiddo! (none / 0) (#138)
    by Angel on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 05:35:36 PM EST
    Aretha Franklin... (5.00 / 2) (#151)
    by desertswine on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 11:22:14 PM EST
    new song.  No video, just audio.  She's 72.

    Happy (belated) birthday (5.00 / 1) (#163)
    by jbindc on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:47:14 AM EST
    Jerayln, CST, and nycstray!

    Happy birthday to Jeralyn, CST and (5.00 / 3) (#165)
    by Anne on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:57:30 AM EST
    nycstray - hope you all had or are having a great time celebrating, and that the year ahead for all of you is all that you want or need it to be!

    CST - I hope one of the gifts you gave yourself was to turn off the Patriots game at halftime so you could end your birthday in a better mood than that game was likely to leave you.  Better you should have missed the whole thing, really.  What do you think is going on with them - they really haven't looked quite right all season.


    I missed the game (5.00 / 2) (#169)
    by CST on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 10:43:38 AM EST
    Although it sounds like I didn't miss much.  They sure haven't looked right all season.  Brady seems pissed off, but he's not helping much.

    The world was in an otherwise giving mood though.  About a week ago I lost one of my favorite earrings on my way into work, and yesterday I found it sitting in a hedge on my way to the train.  I wasn't looking for it, it just happened to be right at eye level.  So that was pretty cool, an extra birthday present of sorts.

    Parent

    the earring!

    Parent
    Wow - that's amazing! (5.00 / 2) (#171)
    by Anne on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 10:54:25 AM EST
    I guess the universe was looking out for you!

    Parent
    Happy Birthday Jeralyn!! (none / 0) (#7)
    by squeaky on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 10:09:56 AM EST
    Many more to come..

    Happy. Freaking. Birthday! (none / 0) (#23)
    by desertswine on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 02:14:43 PM EST
    Woohoo!

    Happy BD J (none / 0) (#28)
    by ZtoA on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 03:47:51 PM EST
    You are truly a very unique person! Thank you for this wonderful blog and all the work you do. It's always fun to learn, no matter what age, and I have learned so very much from you and your commenters.

    Happy Birthday, Jeralyn (none / 0) (#30)
    by BackFromOhio on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 03:59:32 PM EST
    And thank you for the wonderful website.  Many happy returns from one who plans never to retire....


    Interesting piece of information (none / 0) (#49)
    by MO Blue on Sun Sep 28, 2014 at 07:38:49 PM EST
    revealed by Louis County police spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schellman.

    Schellman said he didn't know why the body camera the wounded officer was wearing was turned off during the shooting. link

    The officer had the means to remove any question about the circumstances surrounding the encounter but choose not to use it?

    I personally would like to know when was the camera turned off.

    Personally, I'd like to know... (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by Mr Natural on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:17:37 AM EST
    if any of those cams have ever been turned on.

    Parent
    Civil War History (none / 0) (#57)
    by ragebot on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:50:24 AM EST
    the Umbrella Revolution (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:05:56 AM EST
    Hong Kong Protests Spread as 'Umbrella Revolution' Takes Hold

    The protesters had one advantage: momentum. Dramatic scenes of thick tear gas clouds and young protesters dragged away by riot police have captivated Hong Kong and the world, evoking memories of the 1989 demonstrations the culminated in the bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown. China limited reporting of the Hong Kong protests mostly to official statements that condemned them as "illegal action" and blocked images of the unrest from appearing on social media sites.

    The U.S. expressed support for Hong Kong's "internationally-recognized fundamental freedoms," urging all sides to "refrain from actions that would further escalate tensions."



    Happy Birthday Jeralyn! (none / 0) (#68)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:10:41 AM EST
    Anytime I get down about my age, I always tell myself the alternative is a lot worse. LOL

    Happy Belated Birthday Jeralyn! (none / 0) (#70)
    by ruffian on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:18:17 AM EST
    Hope you had a special day, and that Monday morning is not hitting you too hard.

    I very much related to your musings on aging. It is hard not to notice material under my armpits that used to be in front. And the doors that realistically are permanently closing. It occurred to me the other day that I really am not ever going to have a fancy sports car. Somehow I just always assumed I'd be tooling around in a wonderful Mercedes roadster some day. Not gonna happen, and that is fine. I guess.

    But still, aging beats the alternative and I appreciate the arts more and more to take me mentally to places I cannot go physically.


    Talking about aging... (5.00 / 3) (#89)
    by vml68 on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:49:53 PM EST
    I have never been one to worry about my looks or worry about aging. A couple of months ago when looking in the mirror, it hit me that I seem to have "aged" overnight. I was completely unprepared for how hard that hit me!
    I probably wear make-up 4-5 times a year when/if I have to attend some type of function. Now, all of a sudden I feel like maybe I should be wearing make-up everytime I go out. I am sure I will get over this phase but it never ever occurred to me that I would go through such a phase.

    My husband just turned 40 a couple of months ago and I have been giving him grief about going through a mid-life crisis because all of a sudden he wants a sporty convertible! If he ends up buying a Mercedes Roadster, you are more than welcome to borrow it :-)!

    Parent

    Forgot to say, Happy B'day, Jeralyn! (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by vml68 on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:52:26 PM EST
    n/t

    Parent
    Hey vmi (none / 0) (#92)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 01:19:55 PM EST
    Where do you live?I have always wanted to drive around in a Mercedes Roadster. If your husband buys one, can I borrow it for just a short ride? Please, pretty please. ;-)

    Parent
    Just moved to FL a month ago! (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by vml68 on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 01:40:37 PM EST
    If my husband buys a Mercedes roadster (over my express disapproval!) you are more than welcome to borrow it, too!

    In NJ, one of our neighbors had a gorgeous bright yellow Lamborghini. Everytime I saw it, I wanted to beg him to let me drive it just once! I am not particularly "into" cars but that car was just beautiful to look at.

    Parent

    Not particularly into cars either (5.00 / 2) (#94)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:00:45 PM EST
    except for particular cars. Here is an image of a roadster that I feel would fit my "style" (hee hee) even more than the Mercedes roadster. I think I would look sooooooooo elegant toot-aling around town in it. I would have to assessarize it with just the right hat though.;-)

    Parent
    I'm going to wait until (5.00 / 3) (#101)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:39:04 PM EST
    I can design my own car. Take a design, for me that would be a 1953 (year I was born) banana cream pie colored cadillac with cream leather interior (yum), and modify it. I want that car in a small size. Then it just gets 3-D printed out and delivered to me.

    Until then I'm satisfied with my comfortable dumpy old 90s no-hubcap van that my sister says looks like a "rolling meth lab".

    Parent

    I would be happy with (5.00 / 2) (#117)
    by Zorba on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:09:39 PM EST
    a 1957 Chevy.
    Bright red.
    ;-)

    Parent
    Yes but those full skirts (5.00 / 3) (#131)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:51:33 PM EST
    would make my hips look fat. ;-)

    Parent
    But it's all about the bass (5.00 / 2) (#149)
    by sj on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 10:48:06 PM EST
    Okay (5.00 / 3) (#166)
    by MO Blue on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 09:23:14 AM EST
    My comment should have read:

    Only if you can TWERK.

    I've been done in by auto correct. Changing TWERK to tweak just completely spoiled the punch line or should I say bottom line? ;-)

    Parent

    I suspect (5.00 / 4) (#167)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 09:34:41 AM EST
    tweaking and twerking are not strangers

    Parent
    Had to look up "tweaking". (none / 0) (#172)
    by vml68 on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 11:03:43 AM EST
    The things I learn on TL!

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#173)
    by MO Blue on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 11:08:05 AM EST
    but the question remains:

    Have you learned to twerk?

    ;-)

    Parent

    Only if you can (none / 0) (#164)
    by MO Blue on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:56:37 AM EST
    Tweak. ;-)

    Parent
    Years ago, before our kids were born, (5.00 / 3) (#156)
    by Anne on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 06:51:11 AM EST
    my husband restored a 1957 Jaguar XK140 - it was gorgeous.  He sold it the year after our first daughter was born, because there was no room for the car seat and no way to secure it if there had been.

    It was a good move for a dad, but I think it kills him a little that he let it go - especially given what it would be worth now.

    This isn't my husband's car, but here's a picture to give you an idea what it looked like.

    Parent

    How about a ... (none / 0) (#153)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 12:49:30 AM EST
    ... 1957 Hudson Hornet?

    Parent
    No! (5.00 / 1) (#174)
    by Zorba on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 11:11:36 AM EST
    A thousand times no!  I want the '57 Chevy!   ;-)

    Parent
    That is truly an ugly Hudson Donald. (none / 0) (#155)
    by fishcamp on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 06:21:41 AM EST
    Unfortunately I remember a neighbor in Portland owning one of those.  I had a 1937 Hudson Terraplane  for a while in high school.  You kind of stepped down to get into that thing.

    Parent
    While the roadster is from 1937 (none / 0) (#106)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:00:27 PM EST
    I think I might have to go back to 1927 for just the right look.

    Parent
    Oh yeah (none / 0) (#127)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:37:50 PM EST
    Check these cool photos for fashion and style!

    Parent
    Some really interesting photos (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by MO Blue on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:49:17 PM EST
    of the past.

    Parent
    That would be a good fishing hat (none / 0) (#158)
    by fishcamp on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 07:49:29 AM EST
    if it was white MO...

    Parent
    I have quite a few hats (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by MO Blue on Tue Sep 30, 2014 at 08:45:26 AM EST
    butI don't have a white wide brim hat suitable for fishing. I will have to be on the lookout for one.

    I do have a tan beach hat that might do in a pinch. Not quite as glamorous as the hat in the picture but let me say:

    It is the person who makes the hat and not the hat that makes the person
    .

    :-)


    Parent

    I, for one, don't mind aging (none / 0) (#79)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 11:58:43 AM EST
    There are so many hidden benefits. I like looking at 'happy wrinkles' on other seniors' faces (don't see mine because I don't usually smile while brushing my teeth or my hair), eyes deepen and look wiser and beautiful.

    It is such a creative time in life if one is lucky. If there is any sort of stability then one can re-craft their life to a new exciting way of doing things one likes. One can weed out others. I've been going thru a phase where I've decided "Oh hell with it - I'm just going to be myself in my home and with friends and in public - nothing to lose that has not already been lost.

    I've also been going thru slowing down because of hip pain. It won't last forever, but my walking pace has had to slow down. I move slower than my 90 year old mom! (gads) But, wow, what you see in a slow pace is so different. I've started to notice things, sensual things like vision and smell, tiny objects and sounds, that I have never noticed before.

    Grown children, nieces, nephews, their friends etc. are a delight. I look forward (far in the future) for grandkids. And there's spell check.

    Parent

    Happy B'day (none / 0) (#72)
    by gaf on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 09:39:28 AM EST
    Happy Birthday, Jeralyn. Hope you had a great day & thank you again for running this site.

    Head's Up: If anyone is traveling ... (none / 0) (#80)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:07:27 PM EST
    ... by air today, you better check with your airline regarding your flight's current status, especially if that airline happens to have a major hub at either of Chicago's two major airports. (That would be United and American at O'Hare, and Southwest at Midway.) The ripple effects from that recent arson fire at the FAA's Chicago routing center a couple of days ago is continuing to play havoc with airline flight schedules throughout the country.

    My mother's flight to HNL from LAX this morning was cancelled by United, and she's being re-routed by that carrier through SFO, so she's arriving here later this afternoon, nearly seven hours later than she had originally planned.

    Aloha.

    Hippo Birdies J! And many mooooore! (none / 0) (#86)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 12:30:17 PM EST


    Hot mustard - who knew (none / 0) (#96)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:30:15 PM EST
    i have been expire experimenting with Asian cooking and one of the things I have been unhappy with quality wise is hot mustard.  Hard to get authentic stuff around here everything off the shelf was very bland so I thought I would consult oracle (otherwise known as the Internet) for a recipe.   And I found one.

    Dry mustard and water.

    And it works.  It did it for lunch and it was a hot zingy deeelight.   here's why.

    Uh (none / 0) (#97)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:31:42 PM EST
    since I have not expired from the experiments, so far so good.

    Parent
    I have tried making it a few times (none / 0) (#98)
    by vml68 on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:36:16 PM EST
    but it always tastes bitter to me. Don't know what I am doing wrong.

    Parent
    Wrong kind of dry mustard? (none / 0) (#100)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:38:23 PM EST
    i just used what was in the spice shelf.  Nothing at all special.  It was perfect and wonderful.  Powder and enough cold water to make a goo.  Let stand for 15 minutes.

    Parent
    I have tried it with Coleman's dry mustard (none / 0) (#103)
    by vml68 on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:47:56 PM EST
    powder and also with yellow and brown mustard seeds that I ground fresh in my spice grinder. No Luck!
    I read somewhere that if you soak the seeds in water before you grind it, it cuts the bitterness. I have found that it helps but it does not eliminate it entirely.

    Parent
    In the Category of Who Knew.. (none / 0) (#102)
    by squeaky on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:46:08 PM EST
    In fact, by some estimates, only 5% of the wasabi served in Japanese restaurants around the world comes from the rhizome, or root, of a wasabi plant.

    Wasabi

    Parent

    Yup. (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by Zorba on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 05:01:10 PM EST
    Mr. Zorba has visited Japan a few times for various scientific meetings.  He did have the opportunity to partake of real wasabi, and he said that it's nothing like what they call wasabi here.
    He was also taken to a fugu restaurant.  Fortunately, he didn't drop dead, since the chef was apparently an expert.   ;-)

    Parent
    Very Interesting (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:51:52 PM EST
    Now I want to try real Wasabi

    Parent
    You Can Order From Here (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by squeaky on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 02:57:21 PM EST
    It's pricey! (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by ZtoA on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:11:39 PM EST
    and then one can take wasabi pills. What a waste of good wasabi. Luckily I like fresh horseradish.

    Parent
    Was wondering how long it (none / 0) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:27:00 PM EST
    would take to use 1/2 lb of Wasabi.

    Parent
    SomeHow disappointing (none / 0) (#108)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:10:54 PM EST
    Insane (none / 0) (#111)
    by squeaky on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:21:37 PM EST
    But less dangerous than the cinnamon challenge, I suspect.

    Parent
    "Downton Abbey" (none / 0) (#109)
    by KeysDan on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:18:09 PM EST
    on a roll (rock and..)..   Elizabeth McGovern, perhaps better known, as Countess Cora Crawley, will embark on a US tour with her folk-rock band, Sadie and the Hotheads.  Her "all purpose head-tilt" will be accompanied by her guitar, and, on occasion, with other wards of Lord Grantham.  Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) has performed with the Hotheads previously.

    There is no word, at this time, if the Dowager Countess will be on the drums, or if either Mr. Carson or Mr. Bates (with or without his character's off and on again limp) will be on base. Thomas is always base.  Perhaps, Cora/Miss McGovern are cooking up something for Mrs. Patmore to do.

    Ms. McGovern received ... (none / 0) (#141)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 06:16:51 PM EST
    ... an Academy Award nomination for her role as the ambitious and opportunistic Evelyn Nesbit in Milos Forman's 1981 epic "Ragtime," an underrated but engrossing film about early 20th century New York City that's also known for James Cagney's final big-screen role as Rhinelander Waldo, the city's ruthless police commissioner.

    McGovern's early career, which included a prominent supporting part as Timothy Hutton's love interest in the 1980 Robert Redford film "Ordinary People," seemed on the upswing back then, but for some reason it just never took off. Her last notable appearance, before returning to the public eye as Cora in "Downton Abbey," was in Sergio Leone's final film, "Once Upon a Time in America."

    Aloha.

    Parent

    "Water, water everywhere, (none / 0) (#116)
    by KeysDan on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 03:55:25 PM EST
    but not a drop to drink, unless you pay up,"  Apologies to Samuel Taylor Coleridge and the poor.  And, shame on us.  The Detroit water shut off will continue after the Bankruptcy Judge ruled that the poor have no right to water.

     In Atlanta, the Metro Task Force for the Homeless, avoided, at the last minute, a shut off of water to the shelter, after they paid the $600,000 overdue bill .  Despite the City's payment plan, a $100,000 partial payment was rejected. The Shelter was able to obtain the necessary money from private, and some, anonymous donors.

    Nestles Makes the Very Best (none / 0) (#119)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:15:05 PM EST
    Oops (none / 0) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:17:44 PM EST
    Nestle owns and operates Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water, which has been bottling water from a spring in Millard Canyon, California, some 80 miles east of Los Angeles.

    It also makes water under its Pure Life brand from the same source, which is located on the Morongo Indian Reservation. Nestle pays the tribe for the water.

    Because the reservation is considered a sovereign nation, it's not under any obligation to comply with state laws concerning the drought.

    However, at least one state water supplier said Nestle is getting an unfair break.
    "The restrictions we have here should be felt statewide regardless of the water source," said said Kurt Born, general manager of Clear Creek CSD, located in the northern California town of Anderson.



    Parent
    It is now reported (none / 0) (#122)
    by KeysDan on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:21:07 PM EST
    that the "fence-jumping" White House intruder got much further into the executive mansion than the Secret Service previously let on.   Rather than being subdued at the entrance, the intruder transversed the East Room.  Kevin Drum describes the latest.

    Just saw this (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:25:30 PM EST
    Talk about intelligence failure.  This is really unbelievable.  Image if he had a bomb strapped on.   Also, why lie.  Makes it seem even worse.

    Parent
    The Secret Service head says (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by KeysDan on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:45:15 PM EST
    this is "unacceptable."  I agree.   Hopefully, however, the solution to this seeming incompetence rests not on more barriers and obstructions to the White House, but on better deployment and execution of personnel and resources presently available.   Before the Secret Service proposes something like an alligator-filled moat, they could try locking the front door and turning on the alarm system.  

    Parent
    Seriously (none / 0) (#130)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:50:07 PM EST
    still my money is on the moat

    Parent
    Yes, it may well (5.00 / 1) (#133)
    by KeysDan on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:57:04 PM EST
    come to that.  But, even that will not do the trick, if someone forgets to put the alligators in the alligator-filled moat.

    Parent
    Or the contractor will get confused (none / 0) (#136)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 05:09:36 PM EST
    and fill it with fuzzy stuffed alligators.  For which they will be paid in full.   And then paid to remove them.

    Parent
    They didn't use (none / 0) (#132)
    by jbindc on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:56:20 PM EST
    The first reports were of restraint (none / 0) (#125)
    by oculus on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:27:38 PM EST
    By the Secret Service b/c the burlar was "unarmed."  They shoulda nern heroes!

    Parent
    Really trying to figure out (5.00 / 1) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 04:30:24 PM EST
    "nern".  What is that a typeo for.   Usually pretty good at it.

    Parent
    "Be" (none / 0) (#135)
    by oculus on Mon Sep 29, 2014 at 05:06:02 PM EST