Environmental Protection Innovations

Something as simple as a place to put your fishing line can save the lives of animals in the habitat the fisher used. I found this is South Carolina and was impressed that someone had the fortitude to design, fund and place this in the state park. Nice work.

This other find, is in Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor. This company looks at so many aspects of doing business that improves the community it serves. Not only does this flushing device save water, but it also lowers their water bill. Often doing what is right, is also smart in more ways than protecting the environment. Another good job by Zingerman's!

Chestnuts Roasting on a Car Engine!

Oh yes, that is my car engine. I heard this awful bumping noise that scared the life out of me while I was driving on Saturday. I worried about it all day Sunday and didn't drive anywhere. I checked to make sure my bike tires were properly inflated. I drove to the dealership. I explained to service that I heard this weird bumping, popping noise. 

We opened the trunk, and voila! Walnuts galore! Fortunately this turned out to be one of the easiest repairs ever. We pulled about 80 nuts from my engine block and surrounding areas.

 There is going to be one mighty pissed squirrel in my neighborhood!

Times Are Tough

We have a 15.3% unemployment rate in Michigan right now. Because of that, we are seeing more creative ways to make a living of any kind. I found this at the bottom of driveways during my daily walk. The sign is asking for used books and is placed in a ziplock baggie with two stones used as weights. 

It is a sign of how hard things are getting here. At the same time it is uplifting, as this is an example of a person looking for alternative ways to earn some kind of income. I like this a lot, as it encourages recycling while helping someone at the same time. This is the first step for any entrepreneur. I wish him luck!

Vandalism Stinks!

Boredom is a very bad thing. Extra time on your hands, begets mischief. What a shame for everyone that this person decided to deface a map at one of my favorite parks. 

Shame.

This made my heart melt!

I found this notice posted on the community bulletin board at a local coffee shop. A nine year old entrepreneur working to market his dog walking business. How can you not want to support this young man? 

Very industrious! Love it!

Fun at the market!

What a great way to market your blueberries! When I saw this, I knew I had to snap the shot. A creative, eye catching display to increase your sales. Who says, art isn't important?

Seasonal Bike Parking

The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority has placed these bike racks at various stations around town. This one is in front of Cafe Verde and highly bike trafficked part of town. 

We do lose one car parking space, but provide many, many bike spots. I like that my town promotes biking and makes it easy to park your bike. Nice job AADDA!

Oh no, you didn't!

This poor fellow shown in the picture is the owner of Ypsilanti Gold and Diamond Exchange. Why is he a poor fellow? Well, he hired someone to produce a commercial for him that has been running on cable TV for a while now. The problem is they aren't pronouncing the name of his business correctly. Ypsilanti is pronounced Ip-si-lanti, NOT Yip-si-lanti. And Ypsilanti is not his name, it is the name of the city his business is located in. 

Frankly, I'm surprised that he hasn't pulled the add or demand that the voice over be redone to pronounce the city name correctly. It can't bode well on his business in a city that takes enormous pride in it's heritage. What are they thinking?

Having Fun!

I am finishing a trip to Denver for a conference that I attend yearly. Fortunately, I did not encounter any of these signs or ones like it.

It was been a great trip visiting grade school friends, learning lots of new  information and visiting a select few sites.

To Whiten or not to Whiten?

I've been watching season one of the Remington Steele series of the 80's. This picture doesn't really show this, but this was before teeth whitening was the fad. 

It is refreshing to see what peoples teeth actually looked like before the masses started bleaching their teeth. I find this procedure jarring from the standpoint that it is so often overdone and is obviously a cosmetic enhancement. I've seen people whose teeth almost look translucent because they didn't know when to say when.

I also had a friend that did this when it was first fashionable who protested that it was her tan that made her teeth look whiter than usual. Yea, right. If you're going to do this, at least own up to it when you are called out. If you are not ashamed to do it, then why not fess up to it?

My Own Bobble Head!

Meet tink. My new tiny Jack Russell dog. Isn't she cute? She loves to ride in the back window of my car. This, of course, creates quite the reaction at intersections. Heads all looking our way, fingers pointing to others so they won't miss her, smiles on people's faces, waves from folks. She is the best adornment for a car that I have ever had!

Oh, really?

If you can't read this, it says...

"CARIBOU COFFEE CARES

In an effort to reduce waste and take care of our environment, Caribou now offers the option to take a coffee sleeve or leave it if you prefer"

Hmm. That sounds good. Yea, I like that. Well, wait a minute. Don't they only serve there beverages in either plastic or paper cups? Even if I want to drink my beverage in their store? So, doesn't that make them a hypocrite? Come to think of it, they also use plastic cutlery. But wait, they will give you a plate! Uh, so they CAN and have the ability to wash items. So what is up with the glassware? 

It irks me to no end when a company CLAIMS to care about the environment, when in reality they don't actually practice what they preach. Hypocrisy at it's worst. Shame on you Caribou Coffee!

Funny!

Loved this photo! 

Hi, ho! Hi, ho!

It's off to build a fort we go! 

Yes, this is one of the things I did this past weekend! I built the roof of this fort with several kids aged 3 to 9. I was the contract supervisior and engineer. The kids, well they helped sort the materials and mostly I built it, but what fun we had building it and then playing in it! It was a perfect project for a perfect day!

Bizarro hits the mark again!

This totally cute photo came from one of my favorite blogs by the cartoonist Bizarro. (I imagine this is what all laboratory mice wish they owned.) Dan Piraro writes about his comic, sometimes expanding on the meaning, sometimes explaining the meaning or sometimes complaining about various idiotic things in his daily life. 

In any case, I thoroughly enjoy his blog for many reasons. Mostly because I agree with his philosophy, he finds the best pictures and I find him VERY funny!

Vacationing in Dollywood?

It's the first morning of my vacation on Lake Huron and I'm in search of a latte. Not a coffee shop to be found in strip mall land, which does not surprise me, so I make my way to the downtown. Alas, I find a cute place called Raven Cafe. It has a lovely small town charm feel to it. A quirky layout that feels like it has been put together over the years with a pub feel to it. Nice. I was right at home. 

That is until I walk out the front door and am bombarded by county music blaring from the speakers on the light poles (see lower left). Yes, we were all treated to Shania Twain signing her heart out at loud decibels. Oh, dear. What are they thinking?

I know there are places that play music at a decibel that teens can hear and not adults, as a means to keep the teens away. But playing music in downtown as a way to keep me there backfires. I had to leave and leave as soon as possible. It did not encourage me to keep walkin'/jammin'/groovin'/or any other thingin' on down the road. I got back in my car and headed for the beach!

I want one!

I saw this in Denver recently. If anyone knows where I can get one, please let me know. I'd very much like to add it to my bumper sticker collection.

Huh?

If I was the purchaser of this house I don't think that I would want to advertise that I paid cash for my new home. Think about it. 

How many people pay cash for a home? Not many. But for those that do, doesn't it imply that you probably have lots of disposable money? Enough that this might be a really good house to rob? 

Isn't it an advertisement to neh-er-do-wells that maybe the odds are in their favor to find good loot here? 

I don't see why this is something that needs to be disclosed. Sold seems good enough to me.

A Salute to a Soldier

My Mom and I visit a restaurant named the Common Grill in Chelsea for brunch regularly. It is a nice drive and the Fish Tacos are fabulous!

We drive by this rock on our way in, but we have never seen it so beautifully painted. It was so well done, that from a distance it was clear that is was a tribute to a soldier who was home with his family.

When we arrived at the restaurant, there was a young man dressed in fatigues with his mom and dad at a table nearby. We asked if he was Matt, and indeed he was. He told us he was stationed in Hawaii and was home for three days before he leaves for Afghanistan. 

They were a lovely family and it was a pleasure to meet them. I admire those who are brave enough to make the sacrifice to join the military. It is something I know I would not excel at. 

I wish Matt well and that he make it back to his family and those that love and care about him soon. What a brave young man indeed. Thank you for your service, Matt.

July 4th Aftermath

This year my neighborhood was noisier than in the past on the 4th of July this year. When I went out for a walk at 11 PM with my new dog, my street was filled with a fog like haze. I quickly realized it was due to the amount of fireworks being set off in the proximity of my door. 

The next morning, I confirmed just how many people had participated in lighting off fireworks. I found several piles like the ones shown here. I have never seen such displays of fun left to cool off until the morning before. One of the participants noted that the big dark canister in the upper right corner of the top photo went off for about 15 minutes. 

Fortunately, my new Jack Russell is not afraid of the noise. My Australian Sheppard hated the noise and walking her on New Years Eve and July 4th were always a problem. I hope it is quite wherever she is.

It's Lovely! I'll Take It!

This is a photo of a room from a house that is for sale. There is a blog that I follow named, "It's Lovely, I'll Take It"! 

This blog lists photos from real estate listings from all over. It is a fun site that begs the question, 'did that actually sell'? 

This room could use some staging. I think it would freak out an awful lot of people. Even if the house were of my dreams, I don't think I could ever forget what this room looked like. Especially if it were the master bedroom.... It leaves an indelible mark on my brain. Ouch!

Creative Advertising

I love it when you see something that is extremely well done. Cleaver beyond the norm. That is what I thought when I saw this. When one thing has an unintended second use that works on this level, I can't help but compliment it. The fact that it involves smoking is all the better....

Good luck to those who still smoke. One day you are going to quit. Why not make it today? And yes, I DO know how hard it is as an ex-smoker myself. You'll feel better, smell better and live longer. I promise. Okay I can promise the first two, the third is a good bet.

Top 10 Things to Let You Know the Economy is Bad

10. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
9. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
8. I went to buy a toaster oven and they gave me a bank.
7. Hotwheels and Matchbox car companies are now trading higher than GM in the stock market.
6. McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
5. People in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and are learning their children's names.

4. The most highly-paid job is now jury duty.

3. Motel Six won't leave the lights on.
2. The Mafia is laying off judges.
And my most favorite indicator of all.
1. If the bank returns your check marked as "insufficient funds," you have to call them and ask if they meant you or them.

The last of my menagerie is gone

Yet again, I had the good fortune to end the suffering of someone I loved. My beloved, Mr. Knuckles passed away earlier today. After spending 14 1/2 years with me, his kidneys gave out, which is all to common with kitties. It became apparent that I needed to humanely end the pain when he could no longer walk without falling. I was hoping that his disease would move quickly in the end so that he wouldn't have to undergo the pain of an iv. Unfortunately it became clear that without my help his pain may continue for an unknown amount of time. I couldn't allow that to happen to the animal that had been with me the longest and helped me survive the loss of three dogs. 

If there is an animal heaven he is with his old pals, Kaelee, Cooper and Bear. I miss them all horribly. Pets do wonderful things for us, but alas, their lives are too short. I will miss by buddy. So long good friend. Thanks for sharing your life with me. I am a better human because of it. 

Run little lamb, run!

This is a picture from a recent visit to Sasha Farms a sanctuary for farm animals in Manchester, Michigan. We were able to wander around with the animals, which was a lot of fun. 

This link, takes you to a reaction game involving sheep. It's kind of fun, give it a try!