THE MAYOR OF EINSTEINS

PART FOUR

The Mayor of Einsteins

It's Good to be the Mayor

A Little Nirvana at Crosstown and Shady Oak Road

So that’s the story of Einsteins and its mayor. It is a special place, a gathering place. When I started the Blog, I said that I was looking for little Nirvanas, those special places and the feelings they bring to the surface of consciousness. Yes, you can even find an everyday Nirvana at a bagel shop.

Charles Bukowski’s poem, Nirvana, in my Christmas Observation (copies can be sent via email on request if you didn't get it or lost it) almost captures the feeling of Einsteins. Following is a small excerpt from the poem, but I have changed a few words and the Bukowski poem becomes about Einsteins and me.

“And I sat at the table with the others, and I ordered, the bagel arrived.
And it was particularly good.
And the coffee.

The server was unlike the women I had known.
She was unaffected, and there was a natural humor, which came from her.
And the baker said crazy things.
And the prep person in back laughed a good clean pleasant laugh.

And I watched the snow through the window.
And I wanted to stay there forever.
The curious feeling swam through me that everything was beautiful there.
And it would always stay beautiful there.

And then it was time to leave
And I thought: "I'll just stay here, I'll just stay here."

May we always be looking for the little Nirvanas that surround us every day, and it may surprise you where they are.

THE END

THE MAYOR OF EINSTEINS (continued)

Part Three

The Mayor Of Einsteins!

It's Good to be the Mayor!

A couple of years ago I named myself Mayor of Einsteins. There was no election. I simply assumed the role in a schmearless coup. I have a lot of fun with it. I have a usual seat presiding over my council of friends. I actually think some people would miss me if I were gone. Some people would call me a ”fixture”.

Nobody has ever challenged me to an election. Of course no one actually cares. There is a lady, often referred to as the “Church Lady”, that I believe would like to be the mayor. She only comes in on Sunday after church. She leaves church a little early in order to secure a large table for her political cronies. She gets very frustrated and impatient when there is not a table immediately available that will seat her party. If she spots an empty table, she makes a beeline for the prize. I am afraid if there were a race to capture a table she would body check the interlopers. She then wipes off the table and places napkins and plastic ware at each place and then waits patiently until her friends arrive.

I ask you dear people, is this the kind of busy body you would want as your mayor? She is a woman with cronies, not patrons and would only be in the office one day a week. I think not! Your mayor has a place for all the people, as long as they don’t take HIS TABLE.

A PRESS RELEASE FROM YOUR MAYOR

Samuel C. Arnold

Should any person want to challenge my mayoral position, I asked you to peruse where your mayor stands on the important Einstonian issues.

1. Your mayor does not necessarily support illegal immigration, but certainly supports the workers at Einsteins. Where would our community be without our excellent Mexican bakers, counter people and cashiers in the foodservice industry? We would then have to have American workers who don’t speak English very well either.

2. Your mayor believes that every Einstein patron should have a bathroom that is fully stocked with soap, paper towels, toilet paper and a lock on the door.

3. Your mayor endorses a policy of lavese por favor los manos antes de volver al trabajo de commer su bagel. (Please wash your hands before returning to work or eating your bagel.)

4. Your mayor, for public safety reasons, advocates that little women with big SUVs, backing out of our tight parking spaces with a cell phone in her hand be banned from bageling.

5. Your mayor’s style of governing is participative. When a question comes up that need to be answered and the answer is not close at hand, I delegate the duty of Googling to one of my council members. This has become a burden to some council members because they do not have computers. It is hard to Google without a computer. Some members don’t think it is fair to do all of the Googling work because somebody doesn’t have a computer. There will be a council fight on this matter I’m afraid.

6. We will maintain an open border policy to our neighbors Caribou Coffee and their customers. However, we are watching the number of their customers who buy coffee and goodies at Caribou and then occupy our tables.

Thank You for letting me share my platform with you!

A Bagel In Every Basket!

Samuel C. Arnold

Mayor

TO BE CONTINUED

THE MAYOR OF EINSTEINS! DOS!

PART DOS

The Mayor of Einsteins

It’s Good to be the Mayor!

My Carolina!

One morning about five years ago, as I got in line for my morning coffee and bagel, I noticed a small pretty young Mexican woman efficiently taking orders and cutting and smearing those tasty Einstein’s bagels. I would learn later that this is the way she approaches any task she undertakes. She wore a black Einstein’s tee shirt and bagel ball cap with her black hair strung through the back adjustment band like a horse tail through the back of its blanket. Beneath the low riding baseball cap there was a warm smile and happy, but tired dark eyes.

I passed through the line almost daily, exchanging the usual pleasantries of customer and server. As Carolina and I got to know each other little by little through my morning coffee and bagel routine, I finally asked her name and she said, “Carolina”. I thought it was a beautiful name. It fit her perfectly. I would soon learn that her full name is a bit more complicated than the simple beauty of the name, Carolina. Mexican naming patterns are still a mystery to me.

As I sat across a table with her for the first time, I really noticed her genuine natural beauty at close range. Her skin radiates a smooth flawless complexion, the color of creamed coffee or soft sweet butterscotch. Her features are angular with high cheekbones and a straight nose that reflect the beauty and best of her Mexican heritage. Her teeth are the whitest of white and as straight as any braces could produce. Her smile is warm and perfect. She has a wonderful sense of humor that actually manifests itself at its best when she is talking and laughing with her Mexican girlfriends. She wears little makeup. She does not need makeup to accent the beauty of her classic features.

Carolina is married to Raul. Raul’s features and coloring seem to be a little more Spanish in the spectrum of Mexican native coloring. He is dark fashion model handsome, about six feet tall and thin but not skinny. He has the athletic look of an aging soccer player, which he is. His hairstyle is usually a moving target. Currently it is fairly long and has some flecks of gray reflecting his forty-one years of age. He wears a small earring on his left ear lob for whatever reason young males do that. As a younger man he did some things in his life that were not good. Without Carolina coming into his life, he may have wound up on the dark side of society. His love of Carolina and Carolina’s love for him, along with her strong character and strong beliefs in what she wanted from her life pulled Raul to a path of responsibility.

My relationship with Carolina began to grow when she invited me to celebrate the purchase of a home and her son’s eleventh birthday party. I was flattered that she would include me in this celebration. In fact she really didn't even know my name. When her manager commented that Sam was coming, to her party, she asked, “Who is Sam?

I could have easily made some lame excuse and bowed out, but I did not and gratefully accepted. It was a wonderful party. She told me the party started at 2:00 PM. As is my habit, I arrived promptly at two. This was my first lesson in Mexican culture. A few of her American friends arrived within an hour. The Mexican invitees didn’t start to arrive until after four. This I learned is actually a part of their party culture. There is American time and a Mexican time I stayed the whole day and had a wonderful time. The food would be the first of many meals I have shared with the Reyna family. Carolina is a fantastic cook of the foods and recipes her mother taught her in the south of Mexico. Perhaps even more important she loves to cook for family and friends.

I started giving her a little daily hugs, as I left the Einsteins to begin the rest of my day. I loved the warmth of that small sign of affection. I like hugs. It became part of our near daily routine, much to the amusement of her fellow workers. Carolina was no longer just one of those nameless and nearly invisible people who occupy the service industry. She was now my Carolina. The love I feel for her is a father’s love for a daughter. I feel an inner desire to help and protect her to the extent to which she will allow. In Minnesota she is void of relatives. Someone should look after her interests, and she should have somebody to talk to when needed. That someone is me, and I know she has made me a better person. She, Raul and their children are a purpose in my life.

Carolina and Raul have allowed me to be a grandfather to the kids, Luis, (14) Ricky (8) and Maddie (3). I am a grandfather in every since of the word; trips to McDonalds, Einsteins, the dentist, the doctor, school programs, baseball games, movies, Christmas and birthdays, or just hanging out. I love them so much.

If it had not been for Einsteins, I would have never discovered this joy in my life. It is always amazing how fate or God’s plan or whatever brings two strangers from far different circumstances together as friends for life.

TO BE CONTINUED

THE MAYOR OF EINSTEINS!

Today I am beginning a four part essay on the place I hang out nearly everyday in Minnesota, Einsteins Bagel Shop. It is a great spot to observe and visit daily with special friends. I am presenting it in four parts because of short attention spans.

Part One

The Mayor of Einsteins

It’s good to be the mayor.

At the intersection of the Crosstown Highway and Shady Oak Road stands Einsteins Bagel Shop. It looks pretty much like an ordinary fast food bagel shop both outside and in; polished gray floors, a combination of booths and tables, service counter and coffee station, but it is the warmth of the people, both customers and workers, that make it a special place - a gathering place.

I had always envied my parents. They had such a place. I don’t remember the name of the restaurant, but my brothers and I called it the Cholesterol Café, because the food was strictly greasy Midwestern breakfast fare. The folks gathered with their friends and just enjoyed each other’s company. Much of the male conversation was year around discussion of the Marion Giants. I don’t know what the women talked about, but I imagine it was grandkids and how difficult it is to live with a retired male.

Einstein is a type of place that I had hoped to find someday, a place to read the paper, have some coffee and meet my friends. A place where virtually no subject is off limits to good friends; politics, sports, old times, good times, bad times, kids, grandkids, wives, mothers, dads, weather, maladies, medications or whatever. If question comes up that we don’t know the answer we assign someone to look it up and report back. Example: Origin of the phrase “eating crow” was assigned just recently. Really important stuff. At Einsteins you can learn really important stuff.

I have met so many people that have become really good friends. Husbands and wives, newborns to preschoolers and their mothers, and the regular working stiffs that have a coffee and conversation before they head off to work. Einsteins has become a place to meet for job interviews and business meetings. Salesmen hide out there with their computers and cell phones. Their computers hook up to the WiFi and business is done in cyber space. Einsteins doesn’t have its own WiFi, we steal it from the Caribou Coffee place next door.

The influence of Einstein’s people stretches to all parts of the country and the world. While making a stop in Roswell, New Mexico on my trip across the country, I saw a young woman in the breakfast room that had an Ecolab logo on her shirt. I told her I knew Ecolab because I lived in Minneapolis and was in the foodservice industry. I casually asked if she by chance knew one of my friends from Einsteins who worked for Ecolab. She not only knew him and his wife, but she had worked with him. The world of Einsteins is everywhere. You must be careful, there may been an Einstonion lurking and observing at any time anywhere.

It is truly a place where everyone knows your name. “SAM!”

To Be Continued

I'M TIRED ALREADY!

Observation of the Day!

January 27, 2008

As a long time Republican, I have always supported the Republican Party because they more fit my beliefs. I am pretty much a right leaning middle-of- the-roader. I hate both extremes of the political spectrum.

I have always been a McCain guy because he is a straight talking dude who can reach across the aisle. The partisan bickering is out of hand and nothing is getting done. The Congress would rather witch-hunt the opposite party and get face time on television about things nobody cares about than address the real issues facing the country.

I am looking very hard at Obama. I think we need a fresh face with fresh ideas. I believe he will surround himself with good people from both parties. No matter who is elected, it will be the Congress who will get nothing new done. Can anybody say “self-serving gutless wonders”? If it comes down to Obama vs McCain, it will be a hard decision for me.

I personally think that the candidate who doesn't go negative and maintains a higher road will garner votes. The American people are tired of half-truths and out right lies in negative ads. I really admire the TV stations that are now starting to analyze these ads, researching and reporting the FACTS; truth, half-truths and lies.

I am contemplating an anti-incumbent vote, but that is a little scary because I may have to vote for a far leftist in Minnesota.

Peggy Noonan hit it pretty much on the head about the current state of the Republican Party in an editorial in the Wall Street Journal.

"On the pundit civil wars, Rush Limbaugh declared on the radio this week, "I'm here to tell you, if either of these two guys [Mr. McCain or Mike Huckabee] get the nomination, it's going to destroy the Republican Party. It's going to change it forever, be the end of it!"

This is absurd. George W. Bush destroyed the Republican Party, by which I mean he sundered it, broke its constituent pieces apart and set them against each other. He did this on spending, the size of government, war, the ability to prosecute war, immigration and other issues.

Were there other causes? Yes, of course. But there was an immediate and essential cause.

And this needs saying, because if you don't know what broke the elephant you can't put it together again. The party cannot re-find itself if it can't trace back the moment at which it became lost. It cannot heal an illness whose origin is kept obscure."

It is a long political season and just like Bill, I'm tired too!.

Have a nice day!

Sam

View From Nirvana

With the temperature below zero in many parts of the country I thought I would post another view from Nirvana. The Coronado Bridge, The Coronado Golf Course and Glorietta Bay.

Click picture to enlarge!

I spend a lot of time at the golf course and am running for one of the councilman spots of the bar and grill. The competition is tough because there are a lot of competitors hanging around the bar.

Have a nice day!

Sam

SONG OF THE WEEK!

ROY ORBISON: A BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT! WHITE NIGHT!

I hope you all have external speakers or better yet earpieces to hear these little features. It adds so much to the quality.

My Song of the Week features one of my favorite songs, by one of my favorite artists with a band of great musicians from my favorite concert, Roy Orbison and Friends A Black and White Night. I imagine many of you have seen this on the PBS fund drives in which the interruptions drive you crazy. The show was taped at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles in 1987 with a live audience of Roy’s friends and fans.

The backing band was the TCB Band, which accompanied Elvis Presley from 1969 until his death in 1977: Friends in the band included Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther, Steven Soles and James Burton. The back up singers featured k.d. lang, Jennifer Warnes, and Bonnie Raitt. Could it get any better than that?

Pretty Woman features one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time, especially the Springsteen-Burton guitar solo.

Roy Orbison died at age of fifty-two of a heart attack. He was loved by his fellow musicians and fans alike. He was a musician’s musician.

Listen and enjoy and have a nice day!

Sam

HOW TO KILL SELF-ESTEEM!

Observation of the Day!

January 24, 2008

Anyone who knows me knows I love golf. Why? I don't know. I guess the beauty is in the camaraderie on the golf course and being out in the fresh air. It certainly is not because I am a good golfer.

In today’s world it is hard to understand that our high schools still have golf teams. School administrators are always worried about self-esteem issues. There is no game in the world that can dash your self-esteem into the ground like golf. It is a game filled with self-flagellation. After a bad shot, words like, “You stupid idiot or “What was that, you jerk?”, and other self depreciating exclamations can be heard from long distances.

Some of the beauty of the game lies in the frustrations of continuing failure occasionally interrupted by those brief flashes of success. It’s that little success that keep you coming back.

At seventy-four Arnie Palmer still plays golf nearly everyday. His game is no longer competitive at the professional tour level, but everyday he tries to find a little quirk that will get him closer to that high level he once enjoyed. Golfers at all levels know this feeling. I have never found those quirks, but I keep looking. There is always a nagging feeling that you could have done better, no matter what your level of play. Perfection is always the goal and perfection is always unattainable by human standards -- even the professionals. Par golf isn’t even perfection. Perfection would be eighteen holes-in-one -- unattainable infinity.

Several years ago my friend, Loren Morey, moved to Seattle to become president of a Japanese seafood company. Loren’s life was “business” almost every waking moment. His wife, as well of some of his friends, had always urged him to take up something besides business as a hobby. He always vowed to fly his plane more, but seldom did. He had reluctantly and not seriously played golf at various business meetings because everybody else did. He finally took up the sport with his usual focused zeal. He joined a top Seattle country club, bought a set of Calloway golf clubs, took lessons and practiced faithfully.

One day he was on the driving range at his club searching for the formula for golfing success. A man set up behind him and began to hit some balls. My friend didn’t pay much attention to him except for the noises of golfing frustration emitting behind him. During a brief pause in his own practice, he turned and saw that the man was Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, hacking away. Bill Gates is known for complete focus and dedication to his business.

Gates was recently married, and I’m sure his wife, just like Loren’s, constantly urged him to find a form of relaxation and leisure separate from the stresses of the business world. This is a man, who once wrote a column on biotechnology, “Biotechnology is not my line of work, but I enjoy following the progress as a hobby.” BIOTECHNOLGY AS A HOBBY??? Bill, you really do need a hobby!

So there was Bill Gates, moaning and groaning through the frustrations that forever are part of the game. Golf is humbling to all who attempt to play it -- even the richest man in the world. Golf is a great equalizer. Perhaps more people should take up the game.

A short article in the Minneapolis StarTribune on September 14, 1996, told of Bill Gates winning low net honors in a scramble in the Wayne-Dalton/Richard Karn Celebrity Golf Classic in Seattle. The prize was a couple of Wayne Dalton garage doors. Bill’s new house has a 36 car garage. He’ll need to win again next year and many more years to come.

Keep your head down and have a nice day!

Sam

A Little Humor for Today1

The great Flydini will amaze you.

Sammy Carl

THIS JUST IN!

THIS JUST IN!

January 22, 2008

A man accidentally shot himself in the groin as he was robbing a convenience store Tuesday, police said.

A clerk told police a man carrying a semiautomatic handgun entered the Village Pantry demanding cash and a pack of cigarettes. The clerk put the cash in a bag and as she turned to get the cigarettes, she heard the gun discharge.

Police say surveillance video shows the man shooting himself as he placed the gun in the waistband of his pants. The clerk wasn't injured.

A short time later, police found 25-year-old Derrick Kosch at a home with a gunshot wound to his right testicle and lower left leg.

OUCH!

*****

From an article in National Geographic titled The Emptied Prairie about North Dakota.

North Dakota ghost towns speak of an irreversible decline" painted a desolate picture of much of the state, at one point declaring that its vast rural stretches are plagued by "abandoned churches, schools shutting down, towns becoming ruins."

The Governor objected, as you might imagine.

In fairness North Dakota has a lot of pretty rich sugar beet, wheat and potato farmers, as well Indians who are offended by the UND Fighting Sioux logo, and my friends who got the hell out of there.

*****

In an effort to help Sen. Larry Craig, the American Civil Liberties Union is arguing that people who have sex in public bathrooms have an expectation of privacy.”

The ACLU filed a brief Tuesday supporting Craig. It cited a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling 38 years ago that found that people who have sex in closed stalls in public restrooms "have a reasonable expectation of privacy."

I wonder if the ACLU would fight for the rights of the “Mile High Club.

*****

Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely monitoring a worker’s productivity, physical wellbeing and competence.

The system would allow managers to monitor employees’ performance by measuring their heart rate, body temperature, movement, facial expression and blood pressure. Unions said they fear that employees could be dismissed on the basis of a computer’s assessment of their physiological state.

Now that’s scary. Don’t pick you nose at work.

*****

Scott D. Clark, 26, stood before a Ramsey County judge Tuesday morning and said he was "extremely sorry" for killing a duck that made its home in an ornamental pond at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown St. Paul.

Clark, who was a federal auditor in Denver, grabbed the duck in the hotel lobby and ripped off its head. He pleaded guilty to one count of felony animal cruelty. Prosecutor Kaarin Long and defense attorney Michael Colich had negotiated for a stay-of-imposition sentence, two years probation, a 45-day cap on jail time, a $500 fine and restitution.

Do you think there was drinking involved????

*****

Out of the Mouths of Babes Department

From my New Mexico nephews again.

Joe spent the afternoon with his great-grandparents Mimi and Grump. He reported to us that Grump was sick. Jeff asked him, "What did Grump have?" and Joe replied, "Grump had soup."

Several years ago when Holden was first learning to read he would read aloud everything in sight. While driving past the sign at Farmer's Market grocery store he read, "Your Family's Grocer" and, in true brotherly rivalry, Noah retorted, "Oh, yeah, well, YOUR family's GROSSER!!"

Have a nice day!

Sammy Carl

CHANGING THE WORLD?

Observation of the Day!

January 21, 2008

While sitting in my tile and porcelain palace contemplating and pondering. (Yes, I not only observe, I contemplate, ponder and occasionally procrastinate.) My mind wandered to the question of what might be the invention or technology that changed the way we do things the most. Automobiles, airplanes, radios, telephones, TV, computers, the internet, DVDs, CDs, cell phones, new technology golf clubs and golf balls and other modern technologies all passed through the portals of my mind.

So many choices. New technologies of all kinds certainly have done much to change the world, but it is hard to keep up with the new stuff. When you buy technology, it is almost obsolete when you walk out of the store. I have a whole basement full of golf clubs to prove that premise. I decided this would require more contemplation. And then right in front of me was my answer. It is something that is extremely useful then, now and forever. The technology will always be the same. No obsolescence here.

My nomination is TOILET PAPER!!!!! Keep on squeezing Charmin, Mr. Whipple.

Toilet paper is a lot like life. The shorter it gets the faster it goes.

Have a nice day!

Sammy Carl

TAXING OUR PATIENCE!

Observation of the Day!

January 19, 2008

Let’s see now. Bush proposes that taxes refund checks be sped up to get people to spend it quickly to strengthen the economy. Wasn't it just about a month ago that the IRS said refund checks would be delayed because of the lateness in Congress passing the alternative minimum tax bill? So I am not sure how the IRS will speed up what they already told us would be delayed. Somebody is just plain lying or at least misleading. Imagine that?

Remember folks, this is overpayment of YOUR money, and the government used it interest free. Here’s an idea, maybe if the money was left in the pockets of the taxpayer, they may have already spent it and the economy would already be in better shape.

By the way for those who may owe, be sure you get your 1040s and checks in by April 15, or the IRS will charge you interest for everyday your payment is late. And don't forget your first 2008 estimated tax payment while your are at it. With any luck you might get it back 2009.

Have a nice day!

Sam

BLOG, BLOGGER, BLOGEE IN THE BLOGOSPHERE!

Observation of the Day!

January 18,2008

Since I have become a blogger and you have become my blogees (?), I feel we should learn who we are. Therefore, today we will examine the source of the term blog and the objectives of my blog. First of all let me say I don't particularly like the term, but we are now stuck with it. The term blog is a derivative or shortening of the term weblog. Blog, blogger blogging, blogee, blogosphere are all terms of the trade.

A blog is most generally a formalized personal journal where a blogger is not afraid to put his or her thoughts out to the public. There are more than 100,000 blogs of one kind or another. What a lot of hot air out floating out there in the blogosphere. A blog actually can be about most anything; news and comment, art, sports comment or most anything where there might be a common interest with the blogee. The new term blog is in reality like a column in a newspaper, but the vehicle of distribution is the internet rather than a newspaper or magazine. The blog format can be free flowing with text, pictures and/or audio all in one. The ability for the blogee to instantly comment makes it an interactive vehicle.

Why did I start a blog? For a number of years writing was more or less an avocation, but I actually made a little money doing it. I wrote a column for a trade magazine for two years. I wrote a book on selling and marketing, which I self published as a vehicle for my little seminar and consulting business after I retired. I customized the book for a different market segment, and this was published by the trade magazine I wrote for. I wrote a family history in conjunction with my genealogical research. I also so wrote little essays and journals for my own enjoyment and the enjoyment of a few close friends. I will share some of these as we go along.

I have been inspired to write again and looked into blogs. The blog allows me to consolidate and catalog all my writing in one place. Starting a blog was much easier than I ever thought it would be. Blogspot, a part of Google, makes it very easy. I am still learning how to make it more interesting, using videos, audio, and pictures. This will take the old blogger some time.

I hope you enjoy what I write because writing gives me great satisfaction Feel free to comment or suggest at anytime. I will also consider any contribution you might forward to me or I will probably will just steal it and use it as my own observation. Looking For Nirvana will continue to evolve.

Currently we incorporate, Observation of the Day! (Essays and general observations) , This Just In (Comments on little things I notice in the news), and Song of the Week!. The writing is original and not forwarded internet stuff. My next project is to learn how to use photos to supplement an essay or stand on their own.

Thanks for reading, and if you like it please recommend it to your friends.

http://lookingfornirvana.blogspot.com

Have a nice day!

The Old Blogger,

Sam

Song of the Week!

Eva Cassidy did not get much recognition for the beautiful pure clarity and simplicity of her voice until after she died at the age of thirty-three of cancer.

Although she is from the Washington D.C. area, her first real recognition came in the England after her death. She appeared often in a D.C.club Blues Alley to a legion of faithful fans. The last song she sang publicly was in that club. Her choice? WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD. She made her way painfully to the stage and sang her farewell to the fans that knew her best.

I have chosen for you, however, OVER THE RAINBOW, the song that brought her the recognition she deserved.

To learn more about Eva go to YouTube and search Eva Cassidy. There is a three part ABC Nightline program that further expands what I have told you above, as well as a selection of her songs.

Songbird, Imagine and Live at Blues Alley are her albums.

A beautiful voice was silenced too soon.

Enjoy and have a nice day.

Sam

Married AGAIN!

Dear Friends,

This is an old piece I wrote when my brother, Jim and sister-in-Ruth, got married again.

Jim And Ruth Got Married!

Albert and Dorothy Becher announce the marriage of their daughter, Ruth Marie to James Lynn Arnold, son of Ward and Maxyne Arnold to be held on April 20, 1996

This is the second marriage for both. Their first marriages didn’t work out. Did I mention they are marrying each other -- AGAIN?

No one really knows what happens to a marriage that unravels. It just creeps up and bites a once happy couple. I don’t pretend to know what happened to Jim and Ruth’s marriage, but I suspect that it may have brought more than one marriage counselor whimpering to their knees.

When I look at the pictures from their first wedding, two captions immediately come to mind. Buddy Holly and Peggy Sue Get Married and Do These Two People Have Any Business Getting Married?

The answer to the second caption is a solid -- YES. Twenty-nine years later, Ruth is a radiant, beautiful and not too blushing bride. Jim is living proof that God can still turn a “geek” into a handsome and charming grandpa.

The fathers of the bride and groom are standing on God’s front porch watching the world go by. Al’s pants are riding low -- his pant legs draped over his shoes because he’s not wearing suspenders. Ward’s pants are riding high because he is. Ward wears suspenders not to make a fashion statement, but to hold his pants up -- way up.

Ward is not wearing his ratty old brown bathrobe he often wore over his clothes. When God came to help him get ready for the move to heaven, he leaned over and in a warm and gentle voice said, “I don’t think you’ll need that anymore. Why don’t you just leave it here?” And he did.

Al turns to Ward, “I hear the kids are getting married today. Sure seems to me that we already did this, didn’t we?”

“Gosh, Al, I sure think so; but, Geez, I can’t remember much anymore.”

“Well let’s go get the “girls” and go down and help them celebrate. After all, you only get married once.”

Albert and Dorothy and Ward and Maxyne were there that day and having a great time. We could feel their laughter and loving presence.

How will Krissy and Jeff explain their parents to their children? When the story is told to grandchildren to come, Holden, Krissy oldest son, will probably just smile an all knowing smile -- still won’t understand it, but at least he was there.

So my sister-in-law, who became my ex-sister-in-law, who became my brother’s live-in companion, became my sister-in-law again. Don’t they realize the complexity they bring to their lives and ours? They will need a menu of alternative questions and answers to relatively simple questions.

The first sign of this complexity came when a clerk at the Bureaucracy of Marriage Licenses asked, “I see you two have the same last name.” Are you blood relatives?”

“Well, Uh, No -- It’s a long story.”

Innocent questions such as, “How long have you two been married”? and “What is the date of your anniversary?” will necessitate additional questions before the original questions can be answered. “Do you mean total years? Do you mean the first time or the second time or both added together? Should we include the time we lived together?” Should we include the time we lived apart, but talked on the phone a lot?

Well, you see what I mean.

Have a nice day!

Sam
________________________________________________________________

THIS JUST IN!

Janury 15, 2008

When I worked for Technomic Consultants I once gave a presentation of a study we had done for IBP(Iowa Beef Processors). We were honored to present to Bob Peterson CEO of IBP. I don’t know if he was from Texas, but he sure sounded like it. I was presenting something that I had not written. It was pure consultant speak. In other worlds it was a lot of high class BS and buzzwords.

After I finished presenting the BS and buzzwords, Bob looked up and in his Texas drawl said, “Whud the hail did you just say?”. He was right of course.

Now some thirty years later, I am sad to report consultant BS and buzzwords have not disappeared in the consulting world. What brought this story to mind was a portion of my brother’s weekly editorial.

KOLD News 13 General Manager Brother Jim Arnold

Each year has its buzzwords. I actually saw a quote that is buzz word enthusiasts dream. In part - "One of the benefits of vertical integration is to deploy assets strategically to maximize profitability and reduce risk." Now there is some out of the box thinking.

Whud the hail did he just say?

********

Out of the mouths of babes!

My grand nephew, Joe Waide, (Is that a strong American west name or what? ) is six years old and a kindergartener. His teacher asked him who his new baby brother looked liked.

Without hesitation Joe responded, “ The next door neighbor.”

What he didn’t say is that the next-door neighbor had just had a baby as well, and of course all babies pretty much look alike. My niece was quick to clear that up.

******

My own political poll shows Obama gaining support from my Republican friends. The most glaring example is a couple from Iowa. She in particular has been a leading Republican in Iowa for years. I believe she was actual a delegate at one time. They are supporting Obama. This shocked me and also told me something is a foot.

I saw my first Obama bumper sticker the other day in Minnesota. It was like spotting the first robin of spring.

I see these signs as perhaps signs of the future. I will be observing developments, as we progress. You will not have to watch CNN, MSNBC or the FOX News Channel any more. You will read it here first because my finger is on the pulse of ordinary America.

*****

Kevin Federline showed up for the custody hearing with Brittany Spears in a new suit and a Mohawk. At least he was wearing undapants, we think. Cool! And to think Kevin Federline is the good guy in this case.


Note in San Diego Union Tribune:

“Actor Gary Collins “checked in” at the Glendale, California jail to serve a four day sentence for a DUI.” Checked in??? Did they asked for a credit card? Is the food service all eat in??? Is there maid service???

From your ever watchful observer.

Have a nice day,

Sam

Birds and Bees in Indiana!

My Dad, Ward Arnold, was born January 14, 1912. Today would be his ninety-sixth birthday. He died in 1994 at the age of eighty-two. We never forget the important dates of our family and some of the memories we have retained forever. Some day I will go into more of the detail of his story, but for now I will just tell a small humorous anecdote.

He was always a man of a few well chosen words when it came to discussing uncomfortable subjects. My “birds and bees” lecture came from a little talk with my father just before I entered high school. He called me out to the front porch on a very pleasant summer evening to sit with him and watch the traffic go by. After a suitable period of silence and time to find the appropriate words, he said, “You probably know most of the things about sex, but if you should ever get involved, be careful and always wear a rubber. Do you have any questions?”

No, I answered. And we sat there in uncomfortable silence and watched the traffic go by.

Have a nice day!

Sam

THIS JUST IN!

THIS JUST IN!

January 12, 2008

1.Headline in San Diego Union Tribune.

MLB Will Investigate Drug Use!
Union Not Consulted In Creation of New Drug Unit

Well Duh! What BS! Bud and Don still don’t get it.

2. There are several theories about what killed the dinosaurs. There is the giant asteroid theory and of course the global warming folks blame it on, what else, global warming.

Now there is a theory that they were wiped out by mosquito bites. The theory believes that bites of mosquitoes, tics and other biting insects carrying disease over time took them into extinction.

There was immediate reaction of the global warming advocates, attacking the theory. It seems that anyone offering an explanation counter to the global warming religion is viciously attacked and labeled as idiots. It is their way or the highway, no room for disagreements.

I do not doubt that there is global warming occurring as we speak. Glaciers creeping down from Canada formed Minnesota’s lakes. When the glaciers melted due to increasing temperatures i.e. warming, the lakes were formed and global warming was in progress. There is evidence that in at least four different periods the Earth was actually ice free. Imagine that?

Man thinks the universe begins and ends with the residents of Earth. What arrogance!

I believe in the mosquito bite theory. I live in Minnesota, and I have seen how big a mosquito can get.

3. There is a group formed in where else. San Francisco, called Compact. The goal for this group of 8,000 is to not buy anything new. Somehow they link it to the greening of America. HUH? What these Bolsheviks don’t understand that without consumerism our economy fails, jobs are lost and we no longer feel good about ourselves.

4. Did some so-called friend or relative give you a Chia Pet for Christmas? Perhaps he or she was thinking about your health, and is a person who really cares for your well being.

The truth is, Chia seeds are actually good for you -- we’re talking really good for you! In fact, they just may be one of the healthiest things around. Here’s why:

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chock-Full of Nutrition
Nutty-tasting whole-grain Chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, and they have among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food -- even more than fresh blueberries. And they do good stuff for the body, like keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control.

Now aren’t you sorry for saying to yourself, “What were they thinking?”

And you thought they didn’t love you.

5. At a recent Hillary campaign speech a gray haired forlorn Bill Clinton stood more or less in the background biting his nails and looking over the crowd. He was probably just checking for chicks. Its lonely out there Bill. Bill, your legacy is still intact.

6. New Orleans “victims” of Katrina filed lawsuits for mega trillions of bucks. This is a classic example of the victim hood culture. While other places have rebuilt themselves from natural disasters and moved on, New Orleans is still crying and waiting for a handout. There is no doubt the Feds and the state and their politicians performed like any ill run bureaucracy, but let’s get to work. The first and practically the only thing they fixed was the Superdome. That was sure a high priority.

The fact is New Orleans has a long history of floods and hurricanes: 1862, 1927 (248 killed, 700,000 displaced), 1965 (76 killed), Camille a category 5 hurricane. I bet the citizens and government didn’t stand around stealing money and shouting their victim hood.

Think of the billions already wasted. Except for Brad Pitt, all celebrities have gone home. The ordinary citizens like you and me were bilked by unaccountability for relief funds. When Al and Jesse show up, you know the race industry has arrived. By the way, Al and Jesse have gone home too.

I will never contribute to a relief fund, until some body is watching the money. I am sorry to say; I really don’t care what happens to New Orleans. The fact is, although a unique historic city, it is murder plagued corruption filled dump. There I said it!

Have a nice day!

Samuel C. Arnold

Good Vibrations Almost Home

Observation of the Day!

January 10,2008

We left Tucson fairly early for us. After a quickie breakfast, we went north on Interstate 10 and then headed west on Interstate 8. It was the final leg. Actually, the whole trip was a fairly easy journey. The first factor was the weather was perfect except for the early morning fog in Minnesota and northern Iowa. The ability to break the trip up really makes it better. It may take a couple more days, but it is worth it. We get to visit with our niece and her four boys in Roswell and my brother and his family in Tucson.

Many people cannot believe we drive rather than fly. The primary reason is that I am going to be here until the middle of April and I am cheap. Renting a car for that long would be pretty expensive. However, with the price of gas and lodging up it may not be that less expensive.

Along this desert highway there were many beautiful and statuesque Sonora cacti standing like green centurions on the hills and the desert floor, guarding the highway on both sides.

Yuma is about halfway to San Diego; I always get a chuckle as we pass through. Along the highway they’re a numerous RV and motor home parks. There are literally thousands of these prairie schooners parked up close and personal to each other. The biggest park is in the real sandy desert. There is not a tree insight and there are literally more than a thousand vehicles in this park alone. I can’t imagine that anyone would subject themselves to these living conditions, just to brag to their friends that “Yes we always winter in Arizona.” I think I’d rather freeze my ass off.

We scooted across the Imperial Valley and then began our ascent over another mountain. These mountains were a little different than the ones we passed through in New Mexico. These mountains were of boulders and stone. The rocks resembled tombstones in an over-crowded cemetery. We hit 5,000 feet and then began our descent into San Diego.

Our first stop even before we got to the condo, was for an IN-N-OUT burger. In Southern California nothing says welcome “home” better than an IN-N-OUT.

We cross the high sweeping arch of the Coronado Bridge, as I have done so many times. I never get tired of that panoramic picture post card view: the blue Pacific, Point Loma, the Hotel Del Coronado, and my beloved Coronado Golf Course.

At the top of my Blog is a statement that defines Nirvana.

“Nirvana is a special state of perfect happiness and calming peace; free of pain, worry, the external world and our internal self?

Coronado has been my almost perfect Nirvana ever since I first crossed San Diego Bay on the Coronado Ferry on the night of January 6, 1960. That night was a little foggy, and they still anchored the Navy ships in the harbor. There was the sound of foghorns coming across the dark water. I was in uniform and in command of the Coronado Ferry. I will never forget that night. I can’t explain the feeling I have when I am here, but the definition of Nirvana comes pretty close. It is my favorite place on earth.

Anyone who has known me for any time knows my feelings toward this place. I bore people with my love for this island, which isn’t really an island at all. People asked me quite often why I don’t just move here. I will answer that question with a question. Are you married?

Is this a great country, or what?

And the Beach Boys played on!

Have a nice day!

Sam

Good Vibrations!

Land of Enchantment

Observation of the Day

January 9, 2008

Half the day was spent driving across the rest New Mexico, heading southwest towards Arizona. New Mexico is large in area, but small in population. Its slogan Land of Enchantment. Today I paid attention and discovered that it really is a land whose landscape is enchanting and as varied as the people who inhabit it.

We started the day in the plains of Roswell and as we headed out of town past the UFO museums we saw in the distance snow-capped mountains. It was not a mountain range, but a peak. We then climbed into gently rolling foothills. The early morning Sun cast shadows across the landscape. The hills were mostly bare except for a few short trees. We slowly began a climb up a mountain to and through Ruidoso up the mountain with snow and tall pines. I was a real mountain with an elevation of 7,000 feet.

On the way we passed towns like Tinnie and Hondo, Indian reservation towns. This is also Billy the Kid country. It is the real rugged Wild West country.

We then came down the mountain into the White Sands Missile Proving Grounds. The sand was indeed white, the range huge and the speed limit was seventy-five.

We climbed another hill coming out of the White Sands valley. As we crested there before us was once again the long straight road and flat lands. In the distance were isolated mountains peaks that resembled large anthills.

The contrast in color throughout the day was amazing. The brown of the plains, the white of the sand, the purple cast to the hills, the green of the tall pines, and the white snow beneath them, all in contrast and yet in natural harmony with the World.

It is amazing what you can see when you look.

Have a nice day.

Sam

A comment from my neice

An added note.

To those doubters, the Comments section works.

Sam

This came in after I mailed Cows and Cowboys, but I have to add it. Not only does Roswell have aliens they still have real cowboys.

"Holden and I were just coming home and saw an interesting sight that goes along with today's observation. In the drive-thru of the bank up the street we saw 2 people, not in cars, but on horses. We've never seen this before, and, as Holden pointed out, will probably never see again. Not even in cowboy country."

Your niece,
Kris (mother of baby Sam) Waide

Cows and Cowboys

Going West

Observation of the Day!

January 7, 2008

Interstate 35 goes directly south. Now we turn to the west and cowboy/cattle country.

We had dinner last night at Cracker Barrel. It has one of the highest customer counts in the foodservice industry. Frankly, I think the food is overrated, but it serves its customer base extremely well.

Quiet observation is my business. And yes, I do make gross generalizations and stereotype everything. Cracker Barrel customers are the poster children for obesity and AARP in America. However, this was not my prime observation that evening.

There was a young man, probably in his late twenties/early thirties, sitting with his wife, a stringy haired overly blonde woman. It is about eight o’clock on Sunday evening. He resembles sort of a young Garrison Keillor. In his ear was a BLUETOOTH? Phone. Why on earth does he need a Bluetooth? I doubt if he would be getting an important call at anytime, let alone on a Sunday in a Cracker Barrel. He is not as cool and important as he thinks. First of all if he were cool, he would not be in a Cracker Barrel.

But I digress!

In the lands of Oklahoma and West Texas, there are real cowboys: Ten gallon hats, Levies, big belt buckles, western shirts, boots, pickup trucks, country music, and BBQ. They could still drive the cattle north.

We headed west on Interstate 40. Oklahoma and West Texas are windy, brown and vast vistas of flatland prairies. We passed a sign that announced this is where the Chisholm Trail crossed. Old road meets new road. It was not hard to imagine the cattle drives of the late 1800s, heading north to the markets and railheads. One of the best books and movies about this land of the 1800s was Lonesome Dove. I tried to visualize the scenes of a hundred years ago, with cows and cowboys heading north.

We passed through Amarillo and jogged southwest to go to Roswell NM to see my niece and her one month old fourth boy. His name is Sammy, by the way.

The last of West Texas is real cattle country. Hwy 60 goes straight away next to a railroad track that goes straight away. The land is even flatter and the horizon is more endless. The only landmarks are the giant silos filled with grain and feed. We pass through towns named Hereford (Home of the mustangs and the fillies) and Bovina. On the other side of the rail tracks are huge feedlots. I wonder if I am passing by a future steak dinner?

We cross into New Mexico. The trip to Roswell is across some really vast desolate land with no cell phone signal. There are parts of New Mexico that are really beautiful with mountains and trees. Yet, there is still a certain beauty in this flat prairie land. It is always in the eyes of the beholder. We are often to quick to denigrate unfamiliar places.

We arrive in Roswell safe and sound. Yes, folks there is a UFO industry in Roswell.

Have a nice Day.

Sam

Beach Boys - I can hear music 1969

OBSERVATION OF THE DAY!

January 6, 2008

On January 6, 1960, I headed west, starting the rest of my life. I was a brand new twenty-two year old Navy Ensign with a suitcase of my belongings, and I was headed to California, Coronado to be specific.

On January 6, 2008, forty-seven years later, I backed out of my driveway and headed west. Such a long time ago: such a short time ago.

The temperature when we started was above freezing, and with all the snow on the ground there was a fog, As we headed south on Interstate 35, it seemed like it was not unlike Coronado on a gray foggy morning. As we got to the outer limits of the Twin Cities area, I followed a procedure that had become a tradition for me as we head to California. My IPOD was dialed into the Beach Boys. There is no other group that says California, surfing and the music of an age.

Brian Wilson was a musical genius. Now he is a poster boy for your brain on drugs. He virtually has to be guided on stage for his occasional concert. It is a sad testimony to genius, but it doesn’t take away what he accomplished in the writing, arranging and playing the music our time. Everybody was a Californian, even if you lived in Marion, Indiana.

We were still in foggy conditions when we passed by the Storm Lake exit. That was the place the Big Bopper, Ritchie and Buddy had been playing before they took that fateful flight to Fargo on the day the music died.

By the afternoon we were out of the foggy weather and into the bright clear sunshine. The gently rolling prairie of Missouri and Kansas almost reminds me of the ocean we are headed for. And the Beach Boys played on.

We stopped for the night in Oklahoma City. It was seventy degrees when we arrived. Are we there yet?

Have a nice day!

Sam

Beach Boys - California Dreaming

Hey gang guess where we are going? See you in the spring. In the meantime I'll keep looking for Nirvana. I think where we are going may be it.

Sam

Note From Jim

Dear Friends,

My brother Jim is Vice President and General Manager of KOLD TV in Tucson AZ. He does a weekly editorial on the air. I am sending along once of his previously aired Something To Think About.

I thought this was kind of interesting and timely given election season is upon us. The only thing the new computer election technology does is confuse the old folks in Florida and cost a lot of money. Could old technology actually be new technology?

A Waste Of Technology!

Jim Arnold

KOLD News 13 General Manager Jim Arnold

I understand county elections results will come to us slower this year because of computer hacker potential. The county is afraid that a hacker might invade the system and change results. So, the outlying areas will now drive the computer results to the election center instead of electronically sending them.

That causes me to wonder what would happen if someone picks the locks on the lock box during the drive in from Ajo?

Government at all levels is spending millions on technology to track voting, only to be paranoid about hackers and to fight over hanging chads.

Here's Something To Think About": Do we need election technology? Elections are one day a year at most. How about each precinct counting paper ballots, checked by party representatives, and then turned in to a central location? This system worked for decades. Even Centuries. And the costs are minimal. What a concept.

SONG OF THE WEEK!

This is something new I am trying for Looking For Nirvana. It incorporates the lyrics as well as the video. All tastes for music vary, so if this is not your cup of tea just don't listen, damnit!

This seems like an appropriate song for a new year. I love Fleetwood Mac. This was the finale in Los Angeles that featured the USC Marching Band brass section. It must have been a great concert. Follow along with the lyrics. It is better if you have earphones and/or speakers. The quality of sound is so much better.

Have a nice day and enjoy!

Sammy Carl

Don't Stop!

Fleetwood Mac

If you wake up and don't want to smile,
If it takes just a little while,
Open your eyes and look at the day,
You'll see things in a different way.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don't stop, itll soon be here,
It'll be, better than before,
Yesterdays gone, yesterdays gone.

Why not think about times to come,
And not about the things that youve done,
If your life was bad to you,
Just think what tomorrow will do.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don't stop, itll soon be here,
It'll be, better than before,
Yesterdays gone, yesterdays gone.

All I want is to see you smile,
If it takes just a little while,
I know you don't believe that it's true,
I never meant any harm to you.

Dont stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Dont stop, it'll soon be here,
Itll be, better than before,
Yesterdays gone, yesterdays gone.

Don't you look back,
Don't you look back.

Have a nice day!

Sam

Fleetwood Mac USC Trojan Marching - Don't Stop

THIS JUST IN!

Observation of the Day!

This just in!

January 2, 2008

1. Even though Australia is a parliamentary system, I like the way they do elections. In October of 2007 they decided to call an election. They voted on a Saturday in November, elected a political party and its president and then moved on. As citizen of the United States, I have never understood why it takes us basically two years of campaigning, and then vote on the first Tuesday in November, a day when most people are working. What is wrong with Saturday voting in the United States? Do politicians know something we don't?

Of course someone's ox will be gored if this common sense voting practice were ever enacted in the U.S. This offended person would be my brother the television station manager in Tucson. His revenues would be down substantially. He would then have to go to his out of touch, head in the sand management and explain why the didn't sell as many ads. It's always somethin'

By the way, does anybody really care what Iowans think?

2, In a Florida restaurant when a man bit down on something hard in his oyster dish, he found a rare iridescent purple pearl. A gemologist estimated that it could be worth several thousand dollars. My question is; "I wonder if he will also sue the restaurant for the damaging of a tooth and mental distress caused by the excitement of finding a pearl?"

3. In Fargo like conditions 689 people plunged into the very frigid Lake Minnetonka. The air temperature was less than ten degrees. This set a new record for the number of people jumping into a frozen lake. Wowee! and Whoopee! That’s something to be proud of. I put these Minnesotans right up there with people painting their bodies in team colors for a November football game. Was there alcohol involved or just plain stupidity? How do they think this stuff up? Can anyone say Major Shrinkage!

Have a nice day!

Sam