Author: JA

I don’t like the word “Tolerance”

/ JA / 2 Comments

Parents tell me “I teach my kids tolerance.”   And they say it with such pride.  But I don’t like it when they say that.  In my mind, Tolerance is not such a great word and not such a great thing to be teaching our kids.  I often hear the word “Tolerance” mostly used when it comes to gays or kids who are different.  So I looked up the word in the dictionary just to be clear about what it means and if it matches what’s in my mind. 

Definition of TOLERANCE per Merriam-Webster

1: capacity to endure pain or hardship : endurance, fortitude, stamina

2a : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own

2b : the act of allowing something : toleration

3: the allowable deviation from a standard; especially : the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified dimension in machining a piece

4a (1) : the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure <developed a tolerance to painkillers>; also : the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen (2) : relative capacity of an organism to grow or thrive when subjected to an unfavorable environmental factor b : the maximum amount of a pesticide residue that may lawfully remain on or in food

I guess I always feel that when someone says I teach tolerance, I think you are teaching your kid to put up with someone of something (2b).  Why can’t we teach our kids to love everyone?  Isn’t it the Christian way to do so?  Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. [Matthew 7:120] Love thy neighbor as you love thyself [Matthew 19:16] Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:43)

To me, when we teach love to our kids, when we teach them to treat others like they want to be treated, then that shows our love for God as well.  Because if we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we grow to recognize that everyone is part of His creation.

“Technology is Like Twinkies…”

/ JA / Leave a comment

I listened to an interview on my local NPR station with Terry Gross interviewing Mr. Richtel, a technology reporter with the New York Times.  As someone who works in the technology field and a self professed technology junkie, I often feel like my mind is on information overload.  So I use even more electronic gadgets to organize my mind and my workload.  I was intrigued by this interview because this reporter was talking about the digital overload and its impact on our brains. 

It’s a great interview about his research into how the brain processes information streams.  I most loved the part of the interview where he says “some technology is like Twinkies…”  Here is what Mr. Richtel said during his interview:

“So just as food nourishes us and we need it for life, so too in the 21st century, in the modern age, we need technology. You cannot survive without the communications tools. The productivity tools are essential. And yet, food has pros and cons to it. We know that some food is Twinkies and some is Brussels sprouts. And we know that if we overeat, it causes problems.

Similarly, after, say, 20 years of glorifying all technology as if all computers were good and all use of it was good, I think science is beginning to embrace the idea that some technology is Twinkies, and some technology is Brussels sprouts.

And if we consume too much technology, just like if we consume too much food, it can have ill effects. And that is the moment in time we find ourselves in with this series and with the way we are digesting, if you will, technology all over the place, everywhere today.” 

To read the full transcripts of the article, visit – http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=129384107

I am looking forward to his future research to be delivered in December delving further into how different parts of the brain are impacted.

Life as we know it must be coming to an end soon…

/ JA / Leave a comment

Now I am starting to believe all those people who think end of life is just around the corner in 2012.  Why you ask that I am believing that end of life is just around the corner?  Well, how else do you explain that a staunch conservative like David Olsen and an ultra liberal David Bois have come together to work on an issue that has split families and the nation?  Watch the two videos below and listen to what these guys have to say.   I am thinking the end of time IS coming because I never thought two individuals like these two would EVER agree on anything let alone work hard together to make a change but I am soooo glad they did. 

20 strikes and You’re Out!

/ JA / Leave a comment

It’s official.  I got rid of at&t’s U-verse because it truly did suck!  After more than 3 months of waiting and giving them a chance, countless technicians and hours on hold, it’s over.  I got out of my contract and started with Direct TV.  I have been with them for less than a week and signed up through Costco.  My favorite place to shop. 

I will keep you posted in the coming weeks how Direct TV does.

It’s all about the dough!!!

/ JA / Leave a comment

I recently discovered Stella Lucy Gluten Free Market which has two locations – San Clemente and Claremont.  Well, when I say “I”, I really mean one of my two personal shoppers Edna or Sandi discovered it.  You see, I don’t like to go shopping.  That’s not true.  I love to shop but I don’t like to browse for endless hours.  I like to go directly to what I need and buy it.  Where is the sense of accomplishment in just browsing?!?!?!

In this case, it was my sister Edna who discovered it and bought me baking goods but also bought a FANTASTIC sandwich bread (sliced white bread) made by Udi that was just GREAT!  It has the texture and elasticity of bread.  You can actually see the nooks and crannies on the face of the slice.  I have been enjoying delicious sandwiches once again and toasting it with butter and home-made apricot jam.  Yum!

Visit their website for more information – www.stellalucy.com

Polticis 101

/ JA / Leave a comment

Politics

I can’t believe how gullible people are.  Why don’t people get involved, find the facts and then decide?  It seems to me that politicians get away with things because the people don’t do their part.  So don’t be a sheep and follow your parent, pastor or pundit’s B.S.  Get the facts, get informed, get involved!

Travel – San Francisco

/ JA / 1 Comment

We were traveling June 11-June 21 and spent some time in Trinidad, CA and San Francisco, CA.  Although I have been to these two cities many, many times, it was my first time going to the San Franciso Farmer’s market.  It’s held Saturdays at the Ferry Building and runs from 9-2.  If you are a foodie, then this would be a real treat for you.  I found Artisan Cheeses, Breads and Mushrooms just to name a few of the great finds.  I also found a great Gluten Free Bakery from Oakland called Mariposa.  Stocked up on the breads to take home. 

We walked to the market from Union Square.  There were many booths serving food like Koji BBQ, Roasted Pork and more.  I told my family to get these delicious looking donuts but they said they would wait for later.  Well, they ran out later.  I felt sorry for them that they missed out.  We had breakfast at Primavera.  While the lines were long, they move pretty fast.  Well worth the wait! 

I will post later about some of the other restaurant finds. 

Next time you’re in San Francisco, you have to check it out.

Gluten Free Finds – Pizza and Beer

/ JA / Leave a comment

Many of you may know that due to health issues, I have been on a gluten free diet since October 2009.  This has helped me tremendously.  It’s been hard going without foods I used to love.  So I am always on the lookout for alternatives.  And who doesn’t love pizza and beer!  I am finding that more and more people are benefiting from eating a gluten free diet so restaurants are serving more dishes that are gluten free and supermakets are carrying more gluten free produsts.  I will share with you my latest finds.

I found beer that that tastes very much like my favorite beer – Amstel Light.  This gluten free beer is called RedBridge (http://www.redbridgebeer.com/) and is sold at Henry’s.  It is also on the menu at BJ’s Pizza.    Don’t be discouraged if the 20 year old waiter hasn’t heard of it.  I sent him to the bar and he did come back with it. 

BJs also has a gluten free Pizza that is very good.  http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/  BJs let’s you call a half hour before to put your name on the waiting list.  Otherwise, you may find yourself waiting a very long time for a table.