A wonderful morning in Chicago! The sun was bright, glittering off of a calm Lake. Not a cloud in the sky at 7:30 am – a rather unusual occurrence in this town. The boats were in their slips resting quietly after a weekend during which many more craft were out on adventures than I normally see. I was station hopping on the radio and found a wonderful piece that fit the morning perfectly - Giuseppe Torelli’s Symphony for Four Trumpets on WFMT.
I did not know this piece at all as I enjoy classical music but do not remember the names of any but the most famous works. But anyway, the trumpets made loud clarion calls that stirred my heart and mind. The world is alive – you are alive – live strong and forceful lives – make your presence known – make a positive impact – this is not a day to be quiet - arise and use your energy today.
This Symphony sends a strong message for me today.
Take care.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Quotes
Hey there World!
A thought for today, from Sun Magazine, a quote from Annie Elizabeth "Bessie" Delany, at age 104. I thought I could change the world. It took me a hundred years to figure out I can't change the world. I can only change Bessie. And, honey, that ain't easy either.
Another, also from the April issue of Sun, from M. Scott Peck: The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual - for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the batlle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.
Think about these words - are they contradictory? Is one true and the other not? What do you think?
Take care
A thought for today, from Sun Magazine, a quote from Annie Elizabeth "Bessie" Delany, at age 104. I thought I could change the world. It took me a hundred years to figure out I can't change the world. I can only change Bessie. And, honey, that ain't easy either.
Another, also from the April issue of Sun, from M. Scott Peck: The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual - for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the batlle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.
Think about these words - are they contradictory? Is one true and the other not? What do you think?
Take care
Monday, June 22, 2009
Chicago
It is a summy day in the city and the lake was calm and smooth this morning driving to work. We got hit with heat and humidity over the weekend with Saturday being the worst day. Whereas a few weeks ago the temp was consistently below the average by about 15 degrees, now we are about 15 degrees above normal.
I will write about the Vail trip shortly and perhaps have some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
The talk about the Olympics prevailed over the weekend with friends since Daley and a small delegation were in Switzerland making a presentation. There are mixed feelings about the spending for a three week event and how much it will cost the taxpayers. The state made a pledge of $250 million, but they are $9 billion in debt now, with no relief in sight, so I don't think that I would count on that.
The Olympics would probably do a lot for the city's infrastructure, but who really pays. It is a big ego thing for Daley, I think, and he will remain as mayor until the whole thing is over. He will find a way for approval, and then we all will rent our places out and leave town when it actually happens.
I would like the El to extend to the heart of the U of C campus as part of the infrastructure improvements as this is the only campus in the city that does not have direct access to the El. The Metra has a stop near campus, but that is a different system and requires an additional fare. The time to get to Hyde Park from almost any part of the city except the loop is an hour at the minimum. It should be a straight shot without a transfer necessary for most folks.
More on another day - take care.
I will write about the Vail trip shortly and perhaps have some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
The talk about the Olympics prevailed over the weekend with friends since Daley and a small delegation were in Switzerland making a presentation. There are mixed feelings about the spending for a three week event and how much it will cost the taxpayers. The state made a pledge of $250 million, but they are $9 billion in debt now, with no relief in sight, so I don't think that I would count on that.
The Olympics would probably do a lot for the city's infrastructure, but who really pays. It is a big ego thing for Daley, I think, and he will remain as mayor until the whole thing is over. He will find a way for approval, and then we all will rent our places out and leave town when it actually happens.
I would like the El to extend to the heart of the U of C campus as part of the infrastructure improvements as this is the only campus in the city that does not have direct access to the El. The Metra has a stop near campus, but that is a different system and requires an additional fare. The time to get to Hyde Park from almost any part of the city except the loop is an hour at the minimum. It should be a straight shot without a transfer necessary for most folks.
More on another day - take care.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Serendipity
Hey there,
I went to Stella's Restaurant last night and had a very enjoyable experience and I highly recommend the place for a good time. Stella's is on Broadway a few blocks south of Belmont and I have been eating there for eight years. You notice that I recommend it for a good time - not that the food is bad, it is certainly good, fresh food, but the atmosphere is just like a diner in your home town.
I usually eat breakfast there, at anytime of day, because that is my favorite meal. I can have some juice with it and get my carbs and protein and fat. It is not gourmet, but the staff is unbelievable friendly and accomodating,
Last night Gus, the owner, came over and chatted until my food came, and I found out that the Stella's has been there since 1962, started by his parents, who were Greek immigrants. It has had other names, I know, but it has been Stella's for most of the time that I have been in Chicago.
One of the first questions I asked was how does he get and keep such great wait staff and bus people. He said that he hires on personality and trains to his standards. That is his job - quality control - and the cash register when he is there. He figures that if he gets the people with the right frame of mind and good nature that he can train them in the skills he needs, after all it isn't rocket science.
I know there at least a couple people who have been there as long as I have been eating there, and everyone is friendly, like your best friend, and makes sure that you are satisfied. There is also the outside seating - late spring, summer, and fall - which makes eating also a people watching event.
Gus explained how he got his standards from his dad and Greek traditions, with freshly prepared food. He calls out to many customers walking by and in the place, but although I told him my name, I am sure that he won't remember it and will call me Bud, Guy, etc., whatever he is calling everyone else. He is loud and makes the atmosphere very light. When someone drops a dish or glass you hear the opah! from the homeland (and perhaps from Zorba the Greek).
I heard about how the place was surrounded by smoke and fire when the Dominicks burned down several years ago but miraculously did not burn itself. This was the explanation of why he was operating a couple years ago when a storm hit the neighborhood and no one else had power. He got his own transformer after the fire.
I see his wife and son and nephew working, and there are probably other relatives employed regularly or from time to time. They all provide great service.
I talked about going back to Greece sometime and he offered his wife as a travel consultant and many cousins and nephews in Greece to take care of me. He said that I would get great service as they would all be concerned that I give a good report to Gus.
I asked him about the tatoo on his right arm of the beautiful lady and he said that was his 20th anniversery present to his wife. She was so impressed that he is now generally off the hook now when it comes to presents.
Well, I didn't intend to write about Gus and Stella's today, but it was such a refreshing experience that I had to share it with you. Back to my other topics before long.
Take care.
I went to Stella's Restaurant last night and had a very enjoyable experience and I highly recommend the place for a good time. Stella's is on Broadway a few blocks south of Belmont and I have been eating there for eight years. You notice that I recommend it for a good time - not that the food is bad, it is certainly good, fresh food, but the atmosphere is just like a diner in your home town.
I usually eat breakfast there, at anytime of day, because that is my favorite meal. I can have some juice with it and get my carbs and protein and fat. It is not gourmet, but the staff is unbelievable friendly and accomodating,
Last night Gus, the owner, came over and chatted until my food came, and I found out that the Stella's has been there since 1962, started by his parents, who were Greek immigrants. It has had other names, I know, but it has been Stella's for most of the time that I have been in Chicago.
One of the first questions I asked was how does he get and keep such great wait staff and bus people. He said that he hires on personality and trains to his standards. That is his job - quality control - and the cash register when he is there. He figures that if he gets the people with the right frame of mind and good nature that he can train them in the skills he needs, after all it isn't rocket science.
I know there at least a couple people who have been there as long as I have been eating there, and everyone is friendly, like your best friend, and makes sure that you are satisfied. There is also the outside seating - late spring, summer, and fall - which makes eating also a people watching event.
Gus explained how he got his standards from his dad and Greek traditions, with freshly prepared food. He calls out to many customers walking by and in the place, but although I told him my name, I am sure that he won't remember it and will call me Bud, Guy, etc., whatever he is calling everyone else. He is loud and makes the atmosphere very light. When someone drops a dish or glass you hear the opah! from the homeland (and perhaps from Zorba the Greek).
I heard about how the place was surrounded by smoke and fire when the Dominicks burned down several years ago but miraculously did not burn itself. This was the explanation of why he was operating a couple years ago when a storm hit the neighborhood and no one else had power. He got his own transformer after the fire.
I see his wife and son and nephew working, and there are probably other relatives employed regularly or from time to time. They all provide great service.
I talked about going back to Greece sometime and he offered his wife as a travel consultant and many cousins and nephews in Greece to take care of me. He said that I would get great service as they would all be concerned that I give a good report to Gus.
I asked him about the tatoo on his right arm of the beautiful lady and he said that was his 20th anniversery present to his wife. She was so impressed that he is now generally off the hook now when it comes to presents.
Well, I didn't intend to write about Gus and Stella's today, but it was such a refreshing experience that I had to share it with you. Back to my other topics before long.
Take care.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Another good day
Hey world - we woke up it's a good day!
Still trying to recover from my hiking activities in Colorado - working out a little and my tennis lesson helped last night.
The sweet smell of newly mown grass greeted me on my drive down Lake Shore Drive this morning. It appears at that all of the boats are back, safely anchored to their buoys or in their slips, where most will stay all summer except for the fire works on the 3rd of July. Still going very light on listening/watching media, except for NPR of course.
The hottest topic now is health care and we should all be supportive of change. The current system is not working for all Americans, as almost 50% of the population is underinsured or not covered at all. How would you like to be facing a serious illness without coverage! I will offer more thoughts in the near future.
As always, take care of yourself, those you love, and those who need help.
Still trying to recover from my hiking activities in Colorado - working out a little and my tennis lesson helped last night.
The sweet smell of newly mown grass greeted me on my drive down Lake Shore Drive this morning. It appears at that all of the boats are back, safely anchored to their buoys or in their slips, where most will stay all summer except for the fire works on the 3rd of July. Still going very light on listening/watching media, except for NPR of course.
The hottest topic now is health care and we should all be supportive of change. The current system is not working for all Americans, as almost 50% of the population is underinsured or not covered at all. How would you like to be facing a serious illness without coverage! I will offer more thoughts in the near future.
As always, take care of yourself, those you love, and those who need help.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Back in town
Just got back from six days in Vail and the surrounding area - it was wonderful. My kids were there also and we rafted the Colorado River and some of us climbed Mt. Elbert, the tallest mountain in Colorado and the second tallest in the continental US. What a task!
Will write more later this week, but one comment is that I just could not bear to turn the TV or radio on since I got back - it was peaceful and nature was so beautiful that it is hard to drop right back into the city.
Take care.
Will write more later this week, but one comment is that I just could not bear to turn the TV or radio on since I got back - it was peaceful and nature was so beautiful that it is hard to drop right back into the city.
Take care.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Fun
Good morning,
The weather haws been a little depressing for June but it could be worse - a rainy day today and two days before I leave for Vail, where it will probably be at least sunnier.
The biggest item to report is a wonderful play at the Lookingglass Theater. Went Sat night to see the Arabian Nights and it was great. I highly recommend it. It was adapted from The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night by Mary Zimmerman, who also directed the play. It is fun to see - the first act is hilarious and the second act is very well done. I came out feeling good and enriched.
The actors are almost all equity - it is a diverse cast - and is great for all ages. The reviews have said that this play is good enough to go to Broadway, and I would second that thought heartily.
Take care and I hope that you have a good week.
The weather haws been a little depressing for June but it could be worse - a rainy day today and two days before I leave for Vail, where it will probably be at least sunnier.
The biggest item to report is a wonderful play at the Lookingglass Theater. Went Sat night to see the Arabian Nights and it was great. I highly recommend it. It was adapted from The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night by Mary Zimmerman, who also directed the play. It is fun to see - the first act is hilarious and the second act is very well done. I came out feeling good and enriched.
The actors are almost all equity - it is a diverse cast - and is great for all ages. The reviews have said that this play is good enough to go to Broadway, and I would second that thought heartily.
Take care and I hope that you have a good week.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Another beautiful day with the Lake very calm and the sun shining ever so brightly off of the water - a sunglasses day for sure. Took the El and a bus in to work today and, since Friday is usually even more of a dress casual day than lthe rest of the week, I wore jeans and sandals. Stepping off the bus near 60th and Kenwood, I experienced the pleasant sensation of the cool dew on the grass.
Expecting some visitors from MO this evening and unfortunately the forecast calls for rain tomorrow and Sunday. A bummer. Along with all this cooler than normal temps we have been having.
Reading about all of the good press Obama is getting from his speeches in the Middle East and Paris. I think that he can help set up a situation that is conducive to agreement at somee point. It is good to have him in the White House at this time. We all have to pull together and do our parts to reach workable solutions for our pressing dilemmas.
More later, and please take care.
Expecting some visitors from MO this evening and unfortunately the forecast calls for rain tomorrow and Sunday. A bummer. Along with all this cooler than normal temps we have been having.
Reading about all of the good press Obama is getting from his speeches in the Middle East and Paris. I think that he can help set up a situation that is conducive to agreement at somee point. It is good to have him in the White House at this time. We all have to pull together and do our parts to reach workable solutions for our pressing dilemmas.
More later, and please take care.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Forth
Good morning!
A spectacular day in Chicago - a bright sun sparkling off of the Lake and the Trump Tower - the air is clear and brisk.
March 4 is the day of the year to start new projects so what is June 4? Perhaps a day to explore new relationships and friendships that are beckoning. A day to take a "chance" on making a new friend. What is there to lose? A little time over coffee, over the water fountain, on the bus or El.
What could be lost? Years of good experiences, confidences, support, and feedback.
People make the world go round and people enhance our own lifes. It is important to not only cultivate existing friendships, but also explore new ones that may be just as rewarding.
Think about it, and take care.
A spectacular day in Chicago - a bright sun sparkling off of the Lake and the Trump Tower - the air is clear and brisk.
March 4 is the day of the year to start new projects so what is June 4? Perhaps a day to explore new relationships and friendships that are beckoning. A day to take a "chance" on making a new friend. What is there to lose? A little time over coffee, over the water fountain, on the bus or El.
What could be lost? Years of good experiences, confidences, support, and feedback.
People make the world go round and people enhance our own lifes. It is important to not only cultivate existing friendships, but also explore new ones that may be just as rewarding.
Think about it, and take care.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June 3
Another nice drive down the Drive today - just a little haze that the sun is trying to shine through. Traffic is relatively light at 7:20 am and no accidents. As I cross over the Chicago River it is calming to see the trees and greenery along its banks as I look down to the Trump Building. (We now have four buildings taller than anything in NY: Sears, Trump, Aon, & Hancock!)
My quote for this week comes from that famous shoe banger Nikita Khrushchev: Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even when there is no river.
You know the old saying that the politician's first priority is to get elected, and then his or her next priority is to get re-elected. While democracy is the best form of government, it does not relieve us of holding our elected officials accountable as much as possible. The carryover of many of the populous groups such as Move On is probably good as they are vehicles to keep important issues in the forefront and to keep pressure on our elected officials.
On a national level we have more critical issues pending than we have had since the Depression so we need honest efforts from the Congress to resolve them, not game playing. I do think that we have the man best suited for this task at this time in President Obama.
More later, and take care.
My quote for this week comes from that famous shoe banger Nikita Khrushchev: Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even when there is no river.
You know the old saying that the politician's first priority is to get elected, and then his or her next priority is to get re-elected. While democracy is the best form of government, it does not relieve us of holding our elected officials accountable as much as possible. The carryover of many of the populous groups such as Move On is probably good as they are vehicles to keep important issues in the forefront and to keep pressure on our elected officials.
On a national level we have more critical issues pending than we have had since the Depression so we need honest efforts from the Congress to resolve them, not game playing. I do think that we have the man best suited for this task at this time in President Obama.
More later, and take care.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Lake
My drive home last night was a little quicker than usual as I didn't leave Hyde Park until almost 6:00 pm. The traffic was much lighter than it usually is around 5:00 pm. The lake was green and somewhat tumultuous. Reflecting the weather of the day and that to come last night. As I turned the bend just north of Promontory Point on Lake Shore Drive the downtown looked like a scene out of the twilight zone. I could see all of the buildings, but they were in a haze. This location gives a wonderful view of the whole downtown - I need to get a picture there - you can barely see the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier.
Coming in this morning the fog dominated the downtown coming from Lakeview. I could see the bottom of the John Hancock Building and its towers, but not the top two thirds of the structure. The lake was just as I saw it the evening before, green and solid and firm waves, not the ones that crash over the running path.
What a great city, it's own personality - many rewards and challenges for those who choose to live here!
Take care
Coming in this morning the fog dominated the downtown coming from Lakeview. I could see the bottom of the John Hancock Building and its towers, but not the top two thirds of the structure. The lake was just as I saw it the evening before, green and solid and firm waves, not the ones that crash over the running path.
What a great city, it's own personality - many rewards and challenges for those who choose to live here!
Take care
Monday, June 1, 2009
A resolution achieved!
I looked back at a resolution I made in January 2008, which was to lose ten pounds last year. While it was one that I have made in many years unsuccessfully, last year I did it.
My weight is usually within a small range over time, and I went from being about 206-208 lbs to a range of 191-193 lbs. I met the goal about a year ago, in June 2008, and have been able to maintain it. Now my next goal is to lower the range about four pounds.
It is funny what limiting portion size and regular exercise can do! I haven't really gone on a "diet", but instead just cut down on input.
Take care
My weight is usually within a small range over time, and I went from being about 206-208 lbs to a range of 191-193 lbs. I met the goal about a year ago, in June 2008, and have been able to maintain it. Now my next goal is to lower the range about four pounds.
It is funny what limiting portion size and regular exercise can do! I haven't really gone on a "diet", but instead just cut down on input.
Take care
Good Morning
It's been a long time since I have written and I've decided to pick the practice up again. I have a long account of a trip with my son in draft form that I have been working on that I will try to finish in the next couple of weeks.
As a little food for thought, I put a quote in the signature block of my business email address, change it about every week. I have a number of resources and try to pick ones that have a special meaning. They are from follks you have heard of and from those you have not. I think sharing them each week transmits a little bit of wisdom in a short format.
The quote that I used last week is "We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment." It is from Jim Rohn.
If we are goal oriented at all, we are concerned with success or the lack thereof in our lives. We can be lucky sometimes and fall into a good situation or good results, but, in the main, garnering success means that we have to work at the challenge or goal at hand. It can be difficult and time consuming to achieve, and we may have to forego other more pleasurable activities for awhile. But, if we pass on the labor involved in achieving a goal, we are likely to suffer also. For me, my personal esteem or self-satisfaction takes a blow. In some cases a person may lose the opportunity to advance in a job or in a relationship. So I try to assess not only what the cost of an effort is, but what the cost of not doing it may be. Often the later cost is much higher.
As a little food for thought, I put a quote in the signature block of my business email address, change it about every week. I have a number of resources and try to pick ones that have a special meaning. They are from follks you have heard of and from those you have not. I think sharing them each week transmits a little bit of wisdom in a short format.
The quote that I used last week is "We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment." It is from Jim Rohn.
If we are goal oriented at all, we are concerned with success or the lack thereof in our lives. We can be lucky sometimes and fall into a good situation or good results, but, in the main, garnering success means that we have to work at the challenge or goal at hand. It can be difficult and time consuming to achieve, and we may have to forego other more pleasurable activities for awhile. But, if we pass on the labor involved in achieving a goal, we are likely to suffer also. For me, my personal esteem or self-satisfaction takes a blow. In some cases a person may lose the opportunity to advance in a job or in a relationship. So I try to assess not only what the cost of an effort is, but what the cost of not doing it may be. Often the later cost is much higher.
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