CuriousByNature

I hope he has good medical insurance.

Who is the mystery man?

Maybe send him a telegram?

The chocolate cakes with the creamy filling, or something else with a creamy filling?

I think the difference between living happily and living joyfully comes down to whether or not we strive to be grateful in the circumstances we find ourselves in. The important distinction is being thankful IN a given situation, not necessarily FOR a particular situation. We all face many things in our lives that we would not wish on our worst enemies, and while we may not be thankful for those things, we can still try to remember things to be grateful for despite our present circumstances. When the world seems to be swallowing me up for whatever reason, I have found that recounting various blessings I have experienced over the years to be an anchor that stops me from drifting further into despair. It's easy to compare ourselves to those who seem to have everything we would want for ourselves, but it's more difficult to think of those people who have things much worse than what we have ever suffered. I believe perspective is really important. And as cliche as it may sound, loving others is also key. Not simply loving someone because they have deserved or somehow earned our love, or loving them because we want something from them. But instead, loving others simply because you want the very best for the other person - no strings attached - even if they could never hope to deserve it. Love as a proactive extension of yourself in creating good, not as a reactive response to something good you have benefitted from.

I had a great-aunt who would say, "I'm feeling a bit queer," if she wasn't feeling 100%. We used to laugh under our breaths because we all thought she was probably a lesbian anyway, regardless of how she was feeling.

I hear he may be in Belgrade trying to reunite the former Yugoslav republics...

I would be seeking the best Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup and Pineapple Cake... but that's just me.

I'm really sorry this happened to you - both the earlier molestation and the later rape.

Now that I've hit 50 I'm planning to get the shingrix vaccine. 2 doses about 3 months apart. I know some people can experience pain for months or even years from shingles, so I'd like to avoid that if possible - or reduce the effects at least.

I could be wrong, but I don't believe a person can spread shingles. I haven't had it, but my former neighbour did. I used to do his grocery shopping, and my doctor told me that I couldn't catch anything from him because I had already had chicken pox. Perhaps I am mistaken, but my understanding is that someone with shingles can transmit the infection as chicken pox to those who have never had it before, but that you only develop shingles when the old chicken pox virus is reactivated as shingles later on - normally when a person's immune system is stressed. That neighbour ultimately had shingles two times before getting the vaccination.

I'm not sure that storm clouds are brewing, but Canada is not the utopia some people may think it is. There are many good things, but especially if you are wealthy, white, have strong family connections, and live in a decently-sized city with available services. I have lived here all my life, in various places both urban and rural, but I cannot see myself staying here once I get older. While the medical care will never bankrupt you, you get what you pay for in terms of wait times, access to treatments, and general anxiety about finding a family doctor. And the reserved nature of many Canadians means that it isn't very easy to get to know people, and for anyone who is single and living alone, this can translate to a feeling of isolation - even in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. If I stay in Canada, and if I assume I'll live into my elderly years, I expect to either check myself in to a care facility while I still have the capacity to do so - or risk being found dead in my apartment/house only after the smell starts bothering the neighbours. I haven't lived anywhere else, but I could definitely see myself living in some parts of Europe where taxes may be higher but services are much better, or in Asia, where there is still a healthy respect for and acceptance of the elderly as valued members of society. Of course there are many, many places where it is far worse to live than Canada, but I think Canada makes a fool of itself whenever it tries to come across as being superior to others - particularly in relation to our neighbour to the south. We have many of the same problems but ours don't become the focus of global media attention like they do in the States.

In the spooky spirit of the season...

There can be a variety of reasons - chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, infection, autoimmune issues, etc.

This was at the Guggenheim, right? I've read they sometimes incorporate interpretive live performance in some special exhibits.

I have really enjoyed the transatlantic and Hawaii cruises I've done because I find the days at sea to be enjoyable and relaxing. Sitting on deck with a book, exploring the ship, and getting to know crew members are highlights for me, and equally important as the days in port from my experience.

But can they cook?

Yes, I noticed that was happening. It's nice to have specialty restaurants that you might pay extra for as long as anyone on board can book reservations, and it isn't just open to those in specific suite categories. I have seen that some mainline companies have started to have segregated lounges, clubs and dining spots for their 'premium' guests - I guess so those who need to feel exclusive and separate can still feel special as they slum along the coast for 7 days with the rest of us peasants... hahaha. And I think it's great that perks are available to those who are loyal to a particular line and who manage to acquire mileage or points. Free laundry, free internet, free specialty restaurant dining, etc. But I draw the line when someone is turned away from a restaurant simply because they happen to be in an inside stateroom rather than a signature suite. Especially single travellers who already may have to pay hefty 100% supplements but receive only half the included bonuses.

I have not, but mostly because they maintain the old system of 'classes' on board, with certain pay categories allowed to eat in certain dining rooms, etc. I hate the feeling of missing out because I can't afford a luxury suite...lol

In the 90s I thought the cast and the show were really funny. But rewatching episodes in the 2020s, I find pretty much every character on that show incredibly annoying. I doubt the original would have done as well if it were made today.

And the next generation also includes Marshall and Ross von Erich - hopefully they'll live long and happy lives.

And at the other end of the spectrum, a daytime soap actor (Joseph Mascolo) had parents who were married 80 years and 9 days. He himself 'only' lived to be 87.

What always amazes me is the number of people born on their birthday. Nearly 100% I think. But then again, I also moved to a new city after I read that most car accidents happen within 10 blocks of home.