Donut Mania

Is it possible that someone could grow up in North America never having tried a donut? Do you know anyone who hasn't eaten a donut?

I don't, but at the other extreme a man named John Haight ate 29 donuts in just over six minutes back in 1981 to claim the Guinness World Record for donut eating. It makes you wonder if he could have eaten the worlds largest donut. It was an American-style jelly donut made in Utica, New York on January 21, 1993 that weighed 1.7 tons and was 16 feet in diameter - if not the donut, maybe he could have finished the hole or the jelly? Here is a whimsical page with a dozen interesting facts about donuts.

Donuts are ingrained in North American popular culture with TV characters like Homer Simpson satirizing your typical donut lover. Police are often ridiculed for hanging out at donut shops a lot, but it's probably not a fair rap since they may be the only restaurants open on late night shifts, and of course in a parking lot most people will spot the cruiser. There's a Tim Horton's donut shop across the street from a hospital in our city that is swarmed by health care workers on evening and night shifts. You might predict that many romances between cops and nurses began over the odd jelly sprinkled donut. Legend has it that dunking donuts first caught on when actress Mae Murray accidentally dropped a donut into her coffee while dining at Lindy's Deli on Broadway in New York City.



How relevant are donuts to the economics of society? It's claimed that in the United States there are over 10 billion donuts made every year - somewhat amazing for a sugary product that has little or no nutritional value. Some economists claim that you can judge the health of the economy by looking at the size of the hole in a donut. The hole is smaller when times are good because more dough is used. Could the shape have some universal appeal as a symbol - a circle - an empty hole - complete - but incomplete all at the same time? It certainly is a numerical symbol as shown by the Donut Abacus, although the donuts are often plastic in that case. In terms of economics, I'd like to see the former Billionaires at Krispy Kreme weigh in here.

Santa Makeover

The present version of Santa hasn't been around all that long now, and he's really more of a commercial department store invention than a true icon. Santa seems to be less popular now than in years gone by - appearing in fewer commercials and TV shows etc. Let's face it he's becoming a dud, and is in sore need of a makeover!

First off, a new opening line would be in order since "HO HO HO" might be taken the wrong way in some circles. In these days of health awareness the extra weight should go - no more cookies and milk after a chimney run, and he needs a good exercise program. Perhaps he should start with a spa package in Alaska, then get the elves to build an exercise room next to the Reindeer stables? A spa visit that includes a beard trim, pedicure, manicure and hair coloring would be in order for a younger, more hip look. His suit is looking pretty gaudy too, and there are some eager and ready New York fashion designers hoping to craft Santa a new, updated costume. Heck, they could even add an invisibility cloak, so awakened little tots don't spot him in the house. Throw in a new hat, belt, and boots, and he'll be ready to fly. After the makeover, there'd be new corporate sponsorships on the horizon. If so, he'd need to get hooked up with a new P.R. firm, and be prepared to put a few logos on the new suit.

After all of this, he'll look pretty snazzy when he drops that lump of coal into Donald Trump's stocking.

Get your Speed out!

We just returned from Vegas. It was actually a relaxing vacation this time. Unlike prior past trips, I actually slept well. The key is to pace yourself. No all night gambling sessions, and not over doing the dining and drinking. We saw the Cirque du Soleil Beatles show "Love" at the Mirage and it's spectacular. The Strip always seemed to be packed with tourists, but it's easy to find alternate walking routes through the shops and casinos. The most exciting activity for me on this trip was a visit to Exotics Racing School at the Las Vegas Speedway where I drove five laps in a Ferrari 430 Scuderia accompanied by a professional driver who guides you through the track. This is a top notch facility that's run by courteous and safety conscious staff ensuring a fantastic experience. You can run the cars past 100 mph on the straightways, and the cornering is a blast. This is something I plan on doing again, as there are few opportunities for such an experience in my neck of the woods - short of buying a Ferrari myself. My wife and I had cooled to the idea of returning to Vegas again, but the City still has some pleasant surprises, with many more hotel and casino venues built since our last trip in 2003. My wife says the shopping in Vegas has improved a lot too, and the Visa statement will back her up on that one! Not too many Elvis sightings anymore, and you have to dig around to find a good Rat Pack show, but Vegas still shines for entertainment.
Tags Ferrari, Driving, Vegas, Cirque du Soleil

Road Raging

Are you a Road Rager?
Some disturbing aspects of driving that many of us overlook would be lethal or disabling accidents, pollution, and rampant burning of fossil fuels.  However, something that anyone who drives is likely to encounter regularly would be rude, selfish, and occasional psychotic behavior from other drivers. Unfortunately we may be as likely to dish out the rudeness while driving as we are to receive it. Obvious explanations for this rash behavior are often cited - such as the impersonal reality of commuting anonymously along side other strangers in their vehicles, and instinctive responses to perceived physical threats ( the *#$!!# idiot who just cut you off) etc. However, these explanations or excuses do not address the core problem with selfish, angry driving, and that is a basic lack of respect for your fellow humans on the road. Driving courteously, without getting angry, and respecting the rules of the road could be one of the greatest personal, and spiritual challenges that an individual could set for themselves. Instead of arriving at our driving destinations exhausted, frustrated, and angry we could finish our road trips refreshed in the knowledge that we did not react to other drivers' boorish behavior, and we may have actually put a smile on someone's face by letting them into our lane. It's likely that drivers could add years to their lives, and enjoy better health by staying calm and courteous in traffic. The road ragers are on a self destructive path that unfortunately may injure others as well. We can't control others, but we can be responsible for our own behavior, and since driving is often the most dangerous activity on our daily schedule why don't we start there? The idea of using a SORRY sign to appease a potential road rager doesn't appeal to me, but it may have some merit as well.

Here is an excellent discussion on dealing with stress and pressure in the vehicle.



Tags:
Road Rage, Driving

Tomorrow Lives

Tomorrow: Do something you've never done before.

Tomorrow: Make friends with someone.

Tomorrow: Come to terms with an enemy.

Tomorrow: Start a new life path.

Tomorrow: Kiss someone you love.

Tomorrow: Exercise your body.

Tomorrow: Don't worry about the past or the future.

Tomorrow: Invent something.

Tomorrow: Be yourself.

Tomorrow: Is whatever you want it to be.

Have a great day!


Tags:
Tomorrow, Inspiration, Spiritual, Philosophy, Awareness, Harmony, Peace

The Spider Effect

Do you believe that trivial events can sometimes have far reaching consequences? If so, you may subscribe to the butterfly effect. While this could occur on a global scale, it probably happens many times in our own lives.

This hit home for me recently while having a bath. It would have been a non-event, but I stupidly chose to use my smart phone while bathing. This created the necessary conditions for a bad outcome, but it required a catalyst. The culprit in this case was a tiny spider hanging from a tiny thread directly over the tub. I waved it away a few times, but then it suddenly appeared inches from my face. In mock panic I swung at it with my left hand that held the phone. On the follow through, the phone got submerged. My mind blanked for a second before it hit me. I yanked the phone out of the water, but the damage was done. I did everything you're not supposed to do when trying to save a phone from water damage. You should keep it turned off and buried in rice for a day to try and dry it out, but really the damage is done (here's some advice for resuscitating a water damaged phone). If you're fortunate enough to get it working again, internal corrosion will likely take its toll in a few months and the phone will be toast anyway. My phone miraculously recovered for a short window of time that allowed me to backup its data, but soon thereafter it went dark.

So, where's the Butterfly (Spider) effect in all of this? Well, who would expect a harmless, tiny spider floating on a thread above a bath tub to wreak so much havoc in one's life? This episode has convinced me to get Psychiatric counselling for cell phone addiction.  The panic I experienced shows that my life has sunk to an unnatural dependence on having a smart phone.

Tags:
Butterfly Effect, Spider, Wet Cell Phone, Bathing, Phone Addicts

Clothing For a Digital World

There's a quiet revolution happening in the world of Clothing Technology, and when these innovations become mainstream there'll be another cultural shift that's again rooted in digital invention. This in conjunction with new fabrics and manufacturing techniques will allow for highly personalized and functional clothing for various occupations, sports, and other day to day activities.

Fabrics are being developed that are more indestructible, impenetrable, temperature, uv, and radiation resistant, and digital capable. Smart Shirts have already been created that can monitor body temperate, heart and repiratory rates, or immediately identify the location of a bullet wound - soldiers, patients, and athletes would be the obvious beneficiaries of such technology. Invisibility or cloaking suits have already been invented with varying degrees of success as illustrated by the work of Berkeley Scientists.

A shirt with embedded voice activation, GPS, mapping and communications technologies could provide wearers with queried or directed information about their environment similar to present day smart phone apps.

Fashion ideas will likely reflect this digital shift in clothing function, and perhaps many of us will one day wear a Tron Legacy type outfit that reflects function and fashion, and looks good on a light cycle...

Tags:
Clothing Technology Smart Shirt Fabrics Culture Tron Legacy

Tuscan Villa

Image: Heather Keenan
Good people, good wine, and good food. Beautiful language and landscapes. Why haven't I gone to Tuscany yet? Sometimes we sacrifice our dreams in the name of being pragmatic.
Tags:Italy Tuscany dreams travel

Binary Talk

11110001 01001111 10101000 01010101 11010000 11110000 11101000 11111010 10101011 11110001 01101110 11010101 00010101 10101000 01111010 10101110 10010100 10101010 10110011 10111110 11110101 01010010 10101010 00010101 01011111 01110111 10110100 01010101 01111001 01011101 01010111 10010010 10101010 11101010 10101010 10101110 10101011 10000101 01000111 10111101 11101101 11010100 00101010 10111011 10101010 10101010 11100101 00001010 10010010 11111001 01010101 01001000 01111101 01000001 01010110
Tags:
Binary, Bits

Bikeology

Natural Antidepressant = Ride a Bike!
I bought a brand new, cheap mountain bike three years ago, after years of not riding. It was exhilarating and liberating, like releasing a long forgotten passion buried in the past of fading childhood memories. At first, I didn't respect the bike as a machine. I rode it without regard for maintenance, or respecting its mechanical wonders. Of course this attitude finally caught up with me. After a long beautiful fall ride through the river valley parks with my wife - the chain snapped at the low point of a steep hill. After pushing the bike to the hill top it occurred to me that one should be prepared for mechanical break down. I bought some basic tools - started regular pre-ride inspections, and made some basic adjustments to the derailleurs, brakes and other bike parts. The chain was repaired at a local do it yourself bike establishment. A nonprofit community organization in Edmonton dedicated to low cost commuter cycling. A few people who are trying to promote and support the bicycle as a healthy and ecologically sound mode of everyday urban travel. Rubbing shoulders with these folks who depend on their bikes to get around in all seasons was humbling for a recreational rider like me. For a nominal fee you can use their tools and work stations to maintain and repair your bike. Often there are volunteers and fellow riders present to educate and assist you with most repairs. Community in action! It's not about competition or expensive equipment and bikes. It's about healthy transportation and interacting with like minded individuals. Don't be complacent and forget about safety though. This bike safety page discusses a variety of potential traffic collision situations and how you can avoid them. I prefer sticking to bike paths and trails for the most part.

It's amazing how different a city looks from a bike, and of course you can access areas that are out of bounds for the four wheeled cages. You are immersed in the sun, wind, and sights and sounds, along with the rhythm of your bike. Love it!

Tags:
cycling, bicycles, transportation, recreation, health, depression, vitality, commuting

Promise Fountain

A sense of Calm. Serenity. Renewal. Negative(Positive) Ions. A return to the Source. The Circle of Life. Baptism. Clarity. Flowing, fresh water in all of its forms. A Promise of Renewal. Why do Fountains evoke these thoughts and feelings?

There are many Famous Fountains in the world including the choreographed, technical marvel of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas (a rare oasis of relative peace in Sin City). Find your Inner Fountain.

Tags:
Fountain, Promise, Source, Origin, Spring, Birth