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General – Page 14 – Chris Flannery

Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance.

– Kurt Vonnegut

whole ‘nother

why do i say that?

“thats a whole ‘nother problem.”

i know i hear it around me pretty often, its not a scranton thing as i hear it in philadelphia as well.

whole ‘nother: [adjective] additional but separate. (whole other + another?)

hold onto your marbles

if you’re into marble collecting, there is a pretty good auction coming up in Denver, PA.

Morphy’s has the listing here.

People know me as a ‘onion skin’ kinda guy, but hell when you see the Indians and micas at this auction, its kinda hard not to fall head over ‘peel’.

a flannery girl (ca. 2000)

In college I had no idea what I wanted out of women, I only knew what I wasn’t getting. At some point a friend recommended I write down all the qualities I wanted in a girlfriend, so I did. This was probably not what he had expected. It’s funny to look back, to see how I searched for a potential life-pincushion.

A Flannery girl…

…drinks beer form a bottle.
…will sleep in a sleeping bag.
…rides roller-coasters.
…looks good in sunglasses.
…has unattached earlobes.
…has cute feet.
…has some artistic ability, but refuses to use it.
…does not enjoy the movie Grease.
…eats Taco Bell.
…is very independent, borderline arrogant.
…is able to complete a Tuesday NYT crossword puzzle.
…enjoys baseball.
…doesn’t eat at the movies.
…can only cook one great meal.
…enjoys laying in the grass without brushing herself off.
…sees the humor in Cops. (the television program).
…doesn’t read Cosmo or Glamour.
…thinks marijuana is overrated.
…doesn’t even notice the subtitles.
…drives better than me.
…doesn’t feel the need to tell me everything.
…is a democratic.
…enjoys setting off fireworks.
…has the ability to entertain herself.
…has a wide repertoire of funny faces.
…knows all the names of chess pieces.
…doesn’t snore.
…can sleep with the blinds open and/or the lights on.
…enjoys listening to the Oldies channel.
…drinks real coffee. (by “real” I meant not cappuccino, etc)
…knows a few dirty jokes.
…can bowl.
…enjoys cereals and pop-tarts.
…collects something (but not dolls).
…prefers the company of dogs to cats.
…has a green thumb.
…can balance a checkbook.
…doesn’t apply bumper stickers to her car.
…can swim well.
…can read a map.
…is un-embarrass-able.
…not too uninhibited. (seems to contradict the previous)
…is spontaneous.
…just self-conscious enough.

perhaps, just maybe

there may be… just the slightest chance… at some undetermined point in the future, you may be interested in what i am doing right now… but i’d probably lie to you anyway.

DIY: Abortion

Sister Zeus says:

Herbs have been used by women since the beginning of time in an attempt to control their fertility. The information was passed from mother to daughter, midwives and wise women all possessed this knowledge. Starting in the 1300’s on up through the 1800’s possessing the knowledge of which herbs caused a woman to abort/miscarry became very dangerous, if discovered a woman would be accused of being a witch and tortured to death. Over time those who knew how to safely and effectively use these herbs were murdered or frightened into silence, terror which persisted for about 500 years.

Today clues to this once common knowledge remain, the names of plants which can cause abortion were preserved orally and in old books, mostly written and published by men, who’s working knowledge of these plants was limited, so it seems. We are left to piece together the clues they left behind and are working to regain the knowledge of how to harvest and prepare, how much to take and what combinations are most effective. There is still much we do not know about using these herbs. But each day we learn a little bit more about them, as we experiment with them on ourselves as our ancient grandmothers did long ago.

By sharing our experiences with other women we pool our knowledge, today we have sporadic help from modern scientists to help rediscover and validate what was once known.

Angelica/Dong Quai a uterine stimulant with the ability to strengthen and coordinate contractions, to help encourage the uterus to expel it’s contents. Follow the link for more information.

Black Cohosh to help the cervix relax and open. Many herbalists and midwives say it has the ability to “ripen the cervix” in preparation for childbirth. Follow the link for more information.

Blue Cohosh a uterine stimulant. With unique properties that encourage the uterus to contract. Susun Weed favors it either before menstruation is due, or at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. Follow the link for more information.

Cotton Root Bark should be used as a simple (by itself). Interferes with progesterone, and the corpus luteum. Stimulates uterine contractions. Chinese research supports these findings. Follow the link for more information.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera hookeri) may be helpful when used externally to help “ripen the cervix”, this phrase is often used during the birthing process to refer to the condition of the cervix, the cervix has to dilate to allow a newborn to pass, if the cervix is not ready, midwifes have herbs they can use to help encourage the cervix to get ready. Things happen a bit differently in a herbal abortion or miscarriage, the cervix won’t dilate the way it does during birth, but some of the same herbs may still help the cervix to relax and help to facilitate release of the unwanted pregnancy.

Parsley for use with other herbs or vitamin c. Good for starting a late period (when not due to pregnancy). Can be used as a pessary (vaginal suppository) to prepare the cervix for release. Follow the link for more information.

Pennyroyal One of the more toxic choices available. A herb with a long history as an abortifacient. In my opinion, there are better choices than pennyroyal. Follow the link for more information.

Pineapple (unripe)- Commonly used in tropical areas where pineapple normally grows. One lady was kind enough to send me this information:

    “Pineapple is well known in my culture as being the fruit that able to end pregnancy. It is considered “sharp” thus women during their menses are discouraged to take pineapple as the bleeding will become heavier and women who are pregnant especially at the earlier stage are forbidden to take the fruit in fear of miscarriage. However my sister had tried to end pregnancy before with 2 pineapples but did not succeed. Since she’s already married, she continued her pregnancy. I took one big young pineapple for the first day eaten in intervals of 1 -2 hours but I cannot stand the stomach cramps it caused me. I also tend to develop “blisters” on my tongue cause by the “sharp and stinging” taste of the young pineapple.

    Later, I was told by an elderly that it takes at least 4-5 fresh medium sized young pineapples (light yellow and hard, not juicy at all) taken raw, within 2 days along with the few glasses of pure young pineapple juice (using juice extractor, of course), for better result. I was also told that pineapple will not be able to end the pregnancy if the women has a healthy and strong uterus.”

Tansy Should be used with caution, often has side effects, and is probably the most toxic herb listed here on this website. Also with a lengthy history as a herbal abortifacient. Follow the link for more information.

Vitamin C In my opinion, probably the least toxic and most effective choice available. Interferes with progesterone, works best before the 5th week of pregnancy. Follow the link for more information.

2007/2008

2007 was the fastest year of my life.

Unless I do something wrong, I suspect 2008 will be faster.

I guess I’ll call it, sickness gone
It’s hard to say the meaning of this song.
An ambulance can only go so fast
It’s easy to get buried in the past
When you try to make a good thing last. – Neil Young

And instead of saying all of your goodbyes – let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It’s hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn’t go down
It’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning round – The Flaming Lips

The Phoebe Snow

A Promotional Record for the funding of Scranton, STEAMTOWN, U.S.A.

On The Famous Route of the Phoebe Snow

[audio:https://www.chrisflannery.com/music/phoebe_snow.mp3]

Words and Music by: Michael Gianetta

Vocals by: Kathy and Char

Lyrics:

Never had to worry rain or shine

You would always get there right on time,

Fascinating everso

On The Famous Route of the “Phoebe Snow”

There’s a famous bridge at Nicholson,

Right there on the way to Binghamton,

It’s exciting as you go,

On the Famous Route of the “Phoebe Snow”

Hoboken to Chicago,

Stretching out at Buffalo,

Stop in Scranton for the Night,

On the Road of Anthracite

On your way from New York if you nap.

You will the Delaware Water Gap

Stroudsburg and Mt. Pocono

On the Famous Route of the “Phoebe Snow”

[tags]scranton, phoebe, snow, Lackawanna, railroad[/tags]

Goya Painting Stolen! (in Scranton)

From NYT:

A painting by Goya was stolen on its way from the collection of the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio to a major exhibition that opens on Friday at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the two institutions announced yesterday

The museums said in a statement that the 1778 painting, “Children With a Cart,” was stolen in the vicinity of Scranton, Pa., while in the care of a professional art transporter. They said the theft was discovered last week but refused to provide additional details on the crime. Officials at both museums said the F.B.I. was investigating the case and had warned them that releasing additional information might jeopardize the inquiry…

I wonder where that painting is?

2/3 of US Workers Don’t Care About Their Work

As many as two-thirds of today’s workers are either actively looking for new jobs or merely going through the motions at their current jobs. While they still show up for work each day, in the ways that count, many have quit. That’s one of the sobering findings revealed in an urgent new book, ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR: How to Combat the Psychological Recession That’s Alienating Employees and Hurting American Business (AMACOM Books). The author, Judith M. Bardwick, Ph.D., has uncovered a widespread state of worker resentment, vulnerability, and fear afflicting companies across the country. She calls it the “Psychological Recession.”

One reason for this psychological recession is bad management practices – treating people like expendable costs rather than valuable resources and assets. Inspired by what works for innovative, caring, and profitable companies, Dr. Bardwick shares her ideas and specific strategies for fostering employee commitment and restoring people’s trust and confidence-in their company and their future.

Almost all responsible organizations offer their employees traditional incentives like competitive compensation and stock options. But how much do people really value these things? To motivate their employees and create passion among the workforce, companies should create a menu of choices that are meaningful to employees and reflect the company’s values:

Employee priority: I want to keep learning.

  • Work that’s different in content, place, or responsibility Challenges that involve some risk
  • Assignments that develop interpersonal skills
  • College classes on-site and advanced professional education

Employee priority: I want to achieve reasonable security.

  • Vacations, salaries, and benefits cut before any major layoffs
  • Hiring and promotions based on merit and peer review
  • Career counselors available to help increase my value to the organizationBonus pay for achieving goals and treating others with respect

Employee priority: I want to be successful.

  • Opportunities to be entrepreneurial and create new projects or businesses
  • Opportunities to lead and make decisions
  • New positions created to accommodate and showcase special talents
  • Acknowledgement of my contributions to my profession and my community

Employee priority: I want my work and my family to flourish.

  • Ability to earn a partnership or tenure while working less than full time
  • Respect and consideration for dads as well as moms Cutting-edge communication tools so I can work anywhere, any time
  • Clear agreed-upon rules in regard to employee accessibility

Employee priority: I want my life as well as my work to have meaning.

  • Work that contributes to causes I personally believe in
  • Opportunities to see the difference that my work makes
  • Paid time off for volunteer commitments Organization that expects employee input and welcomes new ideas

To take restoring faith in work to the next level, Dr. Bardwick broadens her scope to making the American Dream again achievable. Acknowledging the challenges of global interdependence and competition, she advocates creating a 21st-Century Safety Net for the many people who will, at times, find themselves adrift in the turmoil of a rapidly changing economy. Her sweeping plan focuses on reforms in three critical areas: education, healthcare, and the domestic job market.

With ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR Dr. Bardwick hopes to ignite a national resurgence of pride and personal fulfillment in working for an American company. Bardwick is a highly regarded writer, speaker, and management consultant, and has worked with IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, and 3M, among many clients. She makes her home in La Jolla, California.

For more information about ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR you can visit the author’s website www.judithbardwick.com or go to AMACOM’s website www.amacombooks.org.

Hat Tip: ENN  http://www.enn.com/business/article/24285

Polar are Ice Caps Melting

….at an alarming speed!

 

 

watch the newer NASA video:

 

I had seen this a few weeks ago, and thought this is quite disturbing… at the time I didnt realize this video only covers January 2007 through September 2007! Now it is outright terrifying.