These Things Happen.....Again.

Maybe you noticed the blog has a new color scheme? It was an accident. OK, it was more my ineptitude. I mistakenly changed the color then couldn't get the old one back. The blog template can be easy or difficult depending on your design. I'll make changes if I ever learn how to save what I have. 

Yesterday, Boston. I have been struggling with my thoughts. I can't find the words to adequately express my feelings. Anger, sadness and frustration come to mind but its all the words between I can't find. It may be because things like this are not supposed to happen. Or maybe what words there are were all used up on 9-11?

Every time an atrocity like a mass shooting or a bombing happens I ask why, and how they can be stopped? I cry for the innocent victims and no matter what I think, no matter how I feel, no matter what the people in charge tell me, I know it will happen again. 

And as Forrest Gump said, "That's all I have to say about that."

Taking an educated guess...alcohol had a part in this?

Police have cited a 42-year-old Pennsylvania woman for disorderly conduct after she called 911 requesting a divorce and police assistance to make her husband leave.

She called just after 1 a.m. Saturday asking that officers be sent to her home. Police say they explained to the woman, whom they are not identifying, that a divorce is a civil matter and that they could not make her husband leave the residence because no crime had been committed.

Instead, police have cited the woman for disorderly conduct and misusing the Erie County 911 system.

It's pronounced P.U. or PEE YOU.

Americans' opinion of the federal government has fallen to a record low even as they continue to view local and state governments favorably, according to Pew Research Center survey released on Monday. Just 28 percent of Americans rate the government in Washington favorably, the lowest percentage ever in a Pew survey and down 5 percentage points from a year ago.

Don't be a fool. No siree. Here's how to live to be 103. Always let your conscience be your guide. Savor your youth and beauty, because wicked queens, mean stepsisters, and evil witches will try to steal them from you every time. That reminds me, don't eat apples unless you know where they came from...Jiminy Cricket.

Mr. Cricket has several tips to longevity. While I think he's made several great points, like watching out for wicked queens and mean step-sisters, he doesn't mention the likes of red wine. I found a list that may be a tad more adult. Several people of triple digit age were interviewed for this article. 

Eat Grains, Veggies, and Fish. The largest concentration of healthy 100-year-olds is in Okinawa, Japan. The people there eat a diet high in grains, vegetables and fish, and low in eggs, meat, and dairy. Screw the diet, move to Japan.

Avoid Soda-Even Diet. Medical professionals warn against soda and suggest you drink water or juice. You can also drink red wine, beer, brandy and bourbon. For longer life have no more than two or three alcoholic drinks a week. Or, don't live as long, have more fun, and drink lots more.

Indulge, A Little. Have a treat here and there and combine it with exercise. Have someone stash your goodies on a very high shelf in the kitchen. When you want a few cookies you'll need to go in another room for the step stool or ladder. Climbing up and down is a good work out. Just be careful you don't fall and break a hip. That would be awful.

Get Up And Get Going Everyday. Do something, anything. Sitting around all day in your pj's, sweats, or underwear is depressing. If you don't drive you can walk. Walking is very good for the circulatory system. Bake cookies and take them to your neighbors in that house down the street that has lots of traffic in and out at all hours of the night.

Do Puzzles. Keep you brain active with crossword puzzles and games like Sudoku. Watch Wheel of Fortune and yell letters at Vanna. Studies also show that playing a musical instrument will help preserve mental processing. It doesn't need to be the piano or flute. Playing the spoons, plastic piccolo, or saw is just as good. 

There are other tips for long life. Some, just like the ones above, are easier said then done. Easy is get outside for vitamin D while stay married and connected may be hard. An old joke: Why do men die before their wives? So they can get away from them. A long marriage may not be in your cards, but good relationships with friends and family shouldn't cost much, just a little time and effort.

A survey of centenarians found that 62% pray, meditate or engage in a spiritual activity every day. Doctors believe that taking restful time for yourself will help you live longer. It doesn't need to be formal like on your knees hands clasped talking to God. For me it's as simple as quiet time with Casper, Dakota, or Steve on my lap.

Lots of articles say one key to long life is doing what you love. Playing baseball or sports is one example, so is acting. I remember hearing George Burns and Groucho Marx, both in their 90's at the time, talking about how blessed they were to have worked in something they love for all their years. It's nice, but not many of us can do that. 

Keep busy and retirement may be a dichotomy, but think about it. Doing what you love and keep busy are both keys to a long and happy life. You can do most anything when money isn't a consequence and time is not a barrier. 

Avoid negativity so stay away from negative people. Think positive and optimistic about what you have rather than what you don't. Optimism breeds health while negativity and depression often leads to premature decline.

Give back to your community. When older people interact with or mentor younger generations it helps them feel valued and gives more meaning to their lives says a gerontologist.

And my favorite tip for long life and health is, floss. According to an elder-care specialist, "Your mouth is one of the dirtiest places in your body. Periodontal disease [can cause] bacteria from your mouth to penetrate your blood stream and can get into your heart, causing heart disease and even mini-strokes which can cause dementia." So the next time you and the wife or partner sit down to watch TV after dinner say, "Please pass the floss."

And when all is said and done this advice may not mean a thing, but like the little old Jewish lady said, "Nu....(pronounced NEW)....what could it hurt?"