Thursday, June 12, 2008

Discounted Brains

Another submission from Tom in Las Vegas. Thanks!


The relatives gathered in the waiting room, where their family member lay gravely ill.Finally, the doctor came in looking tired and somber."I'm afraid I'm the bearer of bad news," he said as he surveyed the worried faces."The only hope left for your loved one at this time is a brain transplant.It's an experimental procedure, very risky but it is the only hope.Insurance will cover the procedure, but you will have to pay for the brain yourselves.The family members sat silent as they absorbed the news.

After a great length of time, someone asked, "Well, how much does a brain cost?"The doctor quickly responded, "$5,000 for a male brain, and $200 for a female brain."The moment turned awkward.Men in the room tried not to smile, avoiding eye contact with the women, but some actually smirked.

A man unable to control his curiosity, blurted out the question everyone wanted to ask,"Why is the male brain so much more?"The doctor smiled at the childish innocence and explained to the entire group,"It's just standard pricing procedure.We have to mark down the price of the female brains, because they've actually been used."

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Patapsco Natural Art

  • I was reading my friend Jim's blog ( see http://notbymyself.blogspot.com/) and he had photographs of artistically placed rocks in the Patapsco River. Check his blog to see an additional surprise. Sarah and I had been hiking in the state park in April and we also found several of these creations in smaller streams throughout the park. I'd like the artist to know we appreciate his/her/their work.
  • I have been reading another friend's blog regularly at http://barryw.blogspot.com/. Barry has had a recurrence of melanoma and is battling some daunting health challenges. He is currently in a rehab facility in Florida. Despite these worries, Barry has posted some wonderful stories of his childhood here in Baltimore. You will be touched by his memories and by his courage. If you check out his blog, leave a comment of encouragement or a memory of your own to make him smile.
Upstream from the stone art

Sarah holds the GPS over one of the creations

Last Day of School

I have to admit that after years of working a traditional school schedule, I am programmed to expect a break at this time of the year. So I will be thinking of the kids at home after a half day starting their summer vacation, maybe enjoying a swim through the generosity of their friend, Rosa, and I will be wishing I was with them.
Sarah and neighbor , Nick, at the Honor Roll reception

Sarah won music and English awards at school


Sick Leave Excuses

Tom in Las Vegas (who would now chuckle at us for complaining about temperatures in the 90's) shared this article from Career Builders in case any of you need a day off.

“Employers are placing a greater emphasis on work/life balance, offering more opportunities for employees to recharge and return to the office more productive,” Haefner says.

So the next time you call in sick — whether you have the flu or a desire to stay in your pajamas until noon — you can decide if you want to tell the truth or a little white lie. If you choose the latter, here are some of the most unusual excuses bosses revealed.

1. At her sister’s wedding, an employee chipped her tooth on a mint julep, bent over to spit it out, hit her head on a keg and was knocked unconscious.

2. While at a circus, a tiger urinated on the employee’s ear, causing an ear infection.

3. An employee’s dog wasn’t feeling well, so the employee tasted the dog’s food and then got sick.

4. “Someone put LSD in my salad.”

5. An employee’s roommate locked all his clothes in a shed for spite.

6. “Stuck on an island – canoe floated away.”

7. An employee was upset because his favorite "American Idol" contestant was voted off.

8. “I didn’t think I had to come in if I had time in my vacation bank. I thought I could take it whenever I wanted.”

9. An employee said he wasn’t feeling well and wanted to rest up for the company’s holiday party that night.

10. A groundhog bit the employee’s car tire, causing it to go flat.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Sad News

Remember all of the blue bows on Frederick Road store fronts reminding us to pray for baby Jeremy Morse? Sadly, little Jeremy lost his fight for life yesterday. Dr. Ben Carson performed neurosurgery to attempt to stop bleeding in his brain, but the damage was too severe. Please keep Amy and Scott and their family in your prayers. You can read more about Jeremy and write a note of support to the family at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeremymorse. His story has touched more than 75,000 people around the world, most of whom only knew Jeremy from the Internet.