Hot Type: 150 Years of the Best ... - Google Books

Hot Type: 150 Years of the Best ... - Google Books

That's the cool Teddy Roosevelt photo, a block away from my house, but in 1912, on page 59.

Sabbaticals

Leviticus Chapter 25 talks about taking a sabbatical every seven years for spiritual renewal. For me this process is best accomplished with vacations, some working vacations, of various lengths.

Have you taken a sabbatical lately? How have you recharged your emotional batteries?

Fountain of youth

Walking through downtown Champaign's West Side Park made me feel nostalgic. In the 1980s, our family spent much time at the playground, and our dog Harold especially chasing water in the fountain that is situated in the park's center.

There is a new bandstand in the park this summer. Actually it is an old bandstand totally rebuilt. There is a famous local photo of Teddy Roosevelt speaking from that bandstand as the park was filled with spectators. Whenever I leave town, I always miss West Side Park.

http://books.google.com/books?id=9kt1kCd-d7UC&pg=PA58&lpg=PA58&dq=Champaign+Roosevelt+1912&source=bl&ots=IcdSQiDMwH&sig=T8ELFHGZs4JxPTLGewjR3L96yzc&hl=en&ei=Fo4ySvzJE47MMpLdkJcK&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5#PPA59,M1

What favorite place do you have in your home town?

Dirty Dancing

I enjoyed the modern dance concert I attended this evening. It was very well choreographed and the little girls were absolutely adorable. But why do they have to do dancing that looks so risque wearing very provocative costumes.

Am I just old fashioned, or is this offensive to other people?

Beyond Student Loans

I hope you will read my latest article on Young Money, www.youngmoney.com, Beyond Student Loans. I welcome your comments

Look who's talking

Who is the chattiest person you know? Is it your dentist while you are in the dentist's chair? It's great that he takes an interest in his patients, but does he really expect you to tell him about your summer plans while he has his hands in your mouth? I love my dentist, but what is up with this mode of conversation?

Do all dentists do this?

Our farmer's market

Having lived in town for a very long time, I have watched the Urbana Farmer's Market grow to a fabulous array of local produce, baked goods, and crafts. There is now live music and booths about community groups and causes. And, if you want to run into many of people you know, the Saturday market is the place to be.

What is your farmer's market like?

Inside out

Middle school students are a special breed. They find humor in gross things that no one else sees as funny. And they can be mean and rude at times.

Last week, I spent a day in the 7th grade science classes. It was generally an enjoyable experience.

During the last period of the day, a rather crass girl said to me "Your shirt is inside out."

Being wise and experienced with this age group and knowing their "tricks", I didn't even flinch when I replied "I like to wear it that way."

After she left I looked down and, sure enough, my shirt was on inside out. I had spent the entire day with preteens with the shirt tags and seams showing.

What embarrassing thing have you done lately?

Outrageous online shopping

My friend just bought a car on Ebay. It's a beautiful convertible with few miles that cost $4500. He bought a $68 air ticket to Florida, then drove the car back here. It looks like he got a pretty good deal.

I once bought a boat at a garage sale that I used for several years before I sold it.

What have you bought online beyond books or medication or an air ticket?

Knee jerk reaction

Approximately 4 weeks ago, my knee was hit hard as I cut a piece of firewood. Riding my bicycle seemed to exacerbate the pain, so I exercised discipline to stay off my bike. Applying Ben Gay also seemed to make things much worse also. I was certain I had done some serious damage and might require medical attention. And I am typically one who stays away from doctors whenever possible!

Last week, there sat a small amount of wood that needed cutting. Since my knee already hurt so bad and there wasn't much wood to cut, I attempted the task anyway. Shame on me,I thought. I'll regret this.

Much to my shock, my knee was instantly healed. Now, as an occupational therapist, I have studied physiology, anatomy and kinesiology, but I cannot make any sense out of this speedy recovery after cutting wood. I need your input on this, fellow bloggers.

And, by the way, who was Ben Gay?

Pollen counts

Achoo! I love working in the yard, gardening, weeding, mowing, but the spring allergies can become uncomfortable.

What over-the-counter products have you found that help with spring allergies?

Ode to summer vacation: An end and a beginning

The chalk and pencils are barely one inch long
School supplies are depleted, they’re just about gone.

The textbooks are collected, those missing, the students did find.
The yearbooks have been distributed and are already signed

We still said the Pledge of Allegiance today,
Even though the American flag is already put away.

The lockers are cleaned out and the bulletin boards are bare
Ending the school year has been handled with care.

Grades are in, some students did poorly others did well.
All that remains at school is that pungent student smell.

The teachers are smiling, they’re not feeling down
They’ve transformed the word party into a verb, from a noun.

All that glitters

Check out my latest article on Young Money about gold:

http://www.youngmoney.com/investing/investing_basics/invest-in-gold

or click on www.youngmoney.com

Politically correct crayons

I spent the day in the art room of an elementary school. The third graders were working on self portraits. Unlike most products, Crayola Crayons look exactly the same as they did when I attended school in the 1950s.

But wait! They now also have a box of eight Multicultural Crayons. Curious, I opened a box. I found eight crayons of varying shades of brown. How interesting.

What products have you used that have a modern day spin on them?

Repelling skeeters

I love being outdoors in the summer. But, like most people, I don't appreciate the mosquitoes.

What product can you recommend that does the best job preventing mosquito bites?