Ticked Off

I knew of this long ago, but had not thought about it in a while, and now it has me riled up again.  It came into my consciousness again due to an e-mail I received from my veterinarian.

The letter sent by the veterinarian was concerning Lyme Disease.  The letter was touting a relatively new vaccine for DOGS that can prevent Lyme Disease.  I would love to get this vaccine for my dog, but I have to check first if it is advisable for my elderly dog

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to various mammals (including dogs and we humans) through the bite of infected deer ticks. It is the most common tick-borne disease in the US and Canada.  .Symptoms may take as much as a month following a tick bite.  Symptoms range from initially flu-like symptoms… fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, and muscle or joint aches.  If left untreated, the pathogen can spread throughout the body leading to severe joint pain and swelling, facial palsy, neurological issues (like pseudo-meningitis), and heart palpitations and chronic fatigue.  These symptoms may persist for very long, long periods of time.   The condition can often (not always) be successfully treated with antibiotics IF it is identified early, but if it is not identified early enough, antibiotics are less effective.  And far worse is that a percentage of people (with or without antibiotic treatment) may have a persistent form of the infection that is quite debilitating, including chronic fatigue, chronic joint pain, and mental “fog”.   This chronic, persistent form that ultimately does not respond to treatment is medically called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).  And everything I have read about this condition, is that it destroys a person’s quality of life.  

SO….why am I riled up, you may ask?  I am angry because currently, there is NO human vaccine for Lyme Disease.  Folks might say…. “Oh well, it must be easier to make for dogs for some reason.”  but that is INCORRECT.  This letter from the veterinarian had me remember the idea that there WAS once an FDA approved HUMAN Lyme vaccine…… but it was removed from the market about 25 YEARS AGO (technically 2002) due to controversy from the newly developing “anti-vaxx” crowd.  

The anti-vaxxers are gullible, foolish folks who do not understand science, and it appalls me that we no longer have this vaccine.  Of course, in the modern-day things have grown progressively WORSE, with the Kennedy MAHA movement and all their new, even more prolific lying.  I never thought I would see a day where a viable, valuable vaccine was discontinued due to misguided, public fear…. Let alone what we have now where political “leaders” spread b*llsh*t about science they themselves know nothing about that has direct, negative effects on a huge number of us.   

With global warming, the taxonomic range for Lyme Disease bearing ticks is EXPANDING into more northernly areas than it had ever previously been seen.  Back in 2002 I was very  alarmed at the loss of the vaccine for friends and relative who lived in that tick zone, but I lived outside of the Lyme Disease threat zone.  Now, I am WITHIN the Lyme Disease tick zone….. due to the tick expansion from global warming.  

PipeTobacco

In Memory

Even though Memorial Day is meant for recognition of military service, in my family we have remembered both those of our relatives who have passed and served in the military…. but also loved ones and friends who have passed broadly.  

With that idea of a broader remembrance, the following helps me to especially focus on on those who have passed that were especially significant in my heart and mind today:

Agatha (Aggie)

Arthur

Buelah

Charles

Chester

Danny

David 

Dennis

Donald

Earl (Bobby)

Edna

Edward

Elva

Gilbert

Grace

Harold

Kasper

Kay

Louis

Lynwood

Myrtle

Orville

Rachael

Ralph

Raymond

Richard

Robert

Tamara

William

Thoughts on Smoking a Pipe

I spent most of the day at home, working in my office here on the computer, grading the first sets of papers and quizzes and other things.  I also sent out e-mails to ( the very small cadre of ) students who have missed submitting two or more assignments ALREADY this semester, to let them know of my concern.... and to encourage them to SHAPE UP!  I actually did not say "shape up"...  I talked instead about encouraging them to take some time this weekend and evaluate the causes for them to MISS submitting two or more assignments ALREADY this semester.... and also encouraged them to work this weekend to determine a better schedule for their work efforts so that they do not miss any further submission opportunities.  I provide to all students, before the class starts, with a document that outlines EVERY due date across the semester, and their LMS provides them listings of due dates as well.  My e-mail was mostly to let them know I am seeing they are struggling to meet goals and if they do not make some changes, they will be very unlikely to be able to obtain the grade they want and need for their program.  Their lack of completing and submitting assignments also suggests that they may very likely be underprepared for their first lecture exam.... which is fast approaching.  I tell them that they REALLY need to act now.

But, that particular kind of grading work, and the gentle guidance and gentle reprimanding was something that... until the "sad fast" started.... was a time where I would inevitably work with a beautiful, friendly pipe clenched between my choppers as I forged through these rather mundane tasks.  The pipe was always a welcome friend and companion. 

Pipe smoking is a practice with a, beautiful and long history, and has always been associated with a variety of cultural traditions and a methodical approach to both work and leisure. For us pipe smokers, the avocation revolves around both the craftsmanship of the pipes and the gentle beauty of ingesting of the pipe tobaccos.  In the modern day, this activity (infrequent as it now is in society) is viewed through an optics of tradition, whereas back in much better, earlier times.... it was more of just a common method of simple pleasure in all its facets. One aspect that is commonly shared in almost all pipe smokers are that they can be patient.  Of course, not that we always ARE patient, but we do have that ability.   Part of this perception may stem (semi-pun intended) from the truthful statement that smoking a pipe is at its very BEST when it is accomplished with a slow and steady pacing.  This slower pace often leads to promoting a contemplative "thinking" type of environment.... hence why (at least in the good-old-days) the endeavor has been firmly and frequently associated with us "professorial" types.  And, I can attest at least from MY own reading over the decades, a pipe has OFTEN served as a symbol of the thinker or the scholar in a whole helluva lot of the fiction I have read.  

The sensory aspects of pipe smoking also play substantial roles in its appeal for me. Tobacco blends  each possess distinct profiles of flavor, texture, strength, and dare I say, meditativeness.  From the many blends I have, I recognize several that I prefer when wanting to enhance tranquility, whereas I know of others that are well suited towards action and activity. The complexity of aromas in each blend, and the visual element of the sanguinely moving smoke further impact and shape sensory perceptions.  But, actually, I would say ALL senses are enhanced by pipe smoking.  Tactile senses of the shape and temperatures of the bowl are varied and pleasing to discern. Olfactory aromas and gustatory flavors too are varied and rich.  The gentle, hazy drifting of the smoke is visually akin to a kinetic art piece to the eyes, and even nuanced, auditory components can be discerned in the experience. 

Such beauty, such grace.  Pipe smoking is both a whole sensory experience and simultaneously a substantially internal experience of joy.  The dichotomy of how it is both a wholly external AND wholly internal experience is a part of its magic to me.  There is so much more I could write, of course…. but I should probably end here for today.

I do miss them.

PipeTobacco

I Wish for Profound, But....

I wish I had something "profound" or at least "interesting" to say today.  But, alas, I do not.  My mind is probably in a bit of a "free-wheeling" mode where I am NOT thinking about much of anything...... no particular plans, no particular things to try to work through.  I have plenty of those things I COULD do.... but, I am just going to drift through the day, and complete my 9 hours of teaching, and perhaps think about the giant "taco" feast I will have tonight.  All my ducks are currently in their proper rows so I do not even have to troubleshoot things at the moment.  

I did go to the shoppe yesterday.  None of the guys were there, unfortunately.  I know that Jerry said he often came on Wednesday's as well as the normal "Old Guy" Retiree's Cigar Group.... but he told me LAST WEDNESDAY when I was chatting with him, that he would not be able to be there on the Wednesday of yesterday.... due to an appointment his wife had made for him.  

So, I sat up on the second floor, indulged in a 7X60 house cigar, and finished up "Hidden Valley Road".  I cannot adequately describe how very interesting and intriguing this book was.  Eventually, now, I have to find a new "great for me" book to read.  

PipeTobacco

Plantains

 

I have some proclivities about food that my family often comments on as being "odd".  I am not sure "odd" is an appropriate term, but perhaps you can judge.  Some of these things I have said before:

• I dislike fried foods.  I especially dislike... even more... being around the COOKING of fried foods.  
• I dislike "seared" meats.  I especially dislike... even more.... being around the process of searing meats.
• I dislike shrimp in any form.
• I dislike plantains in any form (to me their odd mix of flavors and textures... of being akin to a very starchy banana is  unappealing).
• I dislike cooked bananas (banana bread is an exception).
• I much prefer to eat cooked foods at room temperature or slightly warm..... never "hot off the grill".  If served "hot" I typically wait until the food approaches room temperature before eating.
• I do not like to drink hot beverages.... but instead let them cool to room temperature (coffee, tea, mulled ciders, etc).  
• In terms of meats, I most prefer turkey or chicken, then fish, and last would be beef.  
• I have not eaten much pork for most of my life..... I do not really like bacon, I am not fond of ham...... but in the last 2-3 years I have found I have now developed a growing fondness for pork roast, "pulled pork" and pork chops.  
• Compared to average consumption rates for folks, I tend to not eat a lot of meat.... currently, probably 2 or 3 meals a week have a meat component.  
• I relish all forms of beans.... and probably have some form of beans nearly every day.  Probably my FAVORITE beans would be the kidney bean, then the garbanzo bean, and then the pinto bean.
• I relish all forms of lentils.
• I really like Lima Beans.
• I cannot think of a vegetable I do not like (yes, I DO like okra).
• I tend to not eat many oranges..... not because of the flavor, which I like a lot.... but because oranges feel very acidic in my mouth.... but grapefruit does NOT feel acidic to me.... and I even more enjoy their flavor (grapefruit is by FAR, my favorite citrus fruit) and eat them quite frequently (at least 4 times a week).  
• I really enjoy ALL melons..... but especially enjoy cantaloupe (we also call them musk melons).

PipeTobacco

Wonderful

I just got back late yesterday afternoon from the Conference I and a big cadre of my students were at this weekend.  When I arrived home, my wife and I hopped on over to the pool, had a quick swim together and then I scurried home to get dressed up in my band attire to go and play at the last concert of our season.  The tradition is that after the last concert of the season, the band members go out eat and/or have a few drinks afterwards.  I felt a bit too bushed and begged off this time, even though I would have enjoyed a beer or two.  I knew I needed more the time to try to get enough sleep so I could get up at 5:00 to do my run, so that I could get that in before I had to start lecturing at 8:00am this morning (until 5:30pm, other than my two 15 minutes breaks (like this one)).  

The conference went really well!  Six project were presented.... one rat, two nematode, and three fruit fly research strands presented their findings.  Twelve of my student researchers were able to go to the conference to be actual co-presenters of their findings.  They really enjoyed the academically fun experience, and a few were also eager to go visit several of the schools who had tables talking about their various graduate and medical school programs as well.  All their presentations went really well, and they (and I) received a considerable number of complements about our projects and our presentations.  Two different faculty from two different schools also approached me to inquire about possibly seeing if we could form a collaboration of some kind as well.  So, that too was very nice.  

My culinary highlight was being able to eat some absolutely delightful Ethiopian food at a restaurant near the conference site.  Ethiopian food is SO GOOD.  I had not had Injera Bread in a LONG TIME.

I am thinking this week I am going to likely restart my reply to comments post.... and try again to do this once a week.  I think it is good for me to do so, as it helps clarify things in my mind to things that are discussed and asked.  I also have a few other ideas about trying to have at least one post a week focus on my thoughts..... positives.... and also worries..... about a potential retirement.  

PipeTobacco

Kind of Funny Story (continued)

(A continuation of yesterday's story where I was wearing a fake mustache to try to buy a bottle of whiskey.  If you did not read yesterday's Part 1, you may want to read it first to get some of the context.)

* * * *

I was nervous as hell, truth be told.... but I went up to the counter, and there were a few guys chatting.... the store owner and a couple of "cronies" just talking about crap, smoking cigarettes, and with a fair bit of cussing thrown about from all three of them..... all with very loud, animated voices.  The store owner was a balding man, probably in his 50s, with grizzled features, rough looking beard and mustache and very pronounced eyebrows. 

Once at the counter, the talking stopped, and the store owner and his cronies glanced at me.  I then noticed how the shop own then squinted a me bit, his eyebrows furrowing.

"What-a you want?" he stated, stated, still looking at me with squinted eyes looking right at me.  

Trying to be "non-chalant" I replied... trying to keep my voice "deeper" sounding, "Gimme a pint of whiskey."

The fellow looked at me some more, this time elevating one of his eyebrows while still looking at me rather quizzically and squinting.  He also would occasionally glance downward, seemingly looking at my jacket.

"Well.... what kind you want?"

That caught me off guard, for I hadn't really thought much about having to PICK a particular kind of whiskey.  Hell, I really didn't KNOW many kinds of whiskey.  I tried to quickly think of what was a common type of whiskey.  I thought about what I had seen in my parent's liquor "cabinet".... it wasn't really a cabinet, but was a small cupboard in the kitchen above the refrigerator.  For as many years as I could remember, it had the same four bottles, that never seemed to be brought out, and never seemed to change, each of them being 1/2 or perhaps two-thirds full.  They were always rather dusty as well, having sat there for years and years.  I couldn't really remember any names on any of them.  Hell, I wasn't really sure if any of them were whiskey or not as well.  I figured one might have been because it's fluid was a brownish color.

Without knowing any of those bottles, I then thought of movies I had seen, and suddenly I remembered in some movie I had seen, I remembered them talking about and drinking "Jim Beam" so, I blurted out to the fellow,

"Uh....  gimme Jim Beam.... .... ..... please."  (so much for my attempted world-weary visage)

He paused, kept looking at me, and then again, his eyes moved downward again to my jacket.

"White or Black?" he quipped.

In my mind, I was thinking,  ["What on Earth did that mean?"] but then I also realized there must be two different kinds of Jim Beam, even though I had no damn idea about either kind or how to choose. 

"Uh.... .... ..... ..... Black." I stated, randomly. 

He kept staring at me, and I noticed his mouth twitched just a bit.  But, he got off his stool behind the counter, turned to his left, went past the large number of rows of cartons of cigarettes behind him, and a few paces further, reached up and pulled a bottle off  a middle shelf, and brought back the pint sized bottle of Jim Beam, Black Label.

He punched at and fiddled with the cash register. It jingled and jangled mechanically.

"Six bucks."

("Woah.") That was a bit pricier than I was imagining it would be.  But, I paid it.  The fellow stuck the bottle into a narrow, brown bag and handed it to me.  

And I got out of there in a hurry.

I do, however, remember as I was exiting out the door, that I heard the three guys start laughing about something, but I did not know what. 

* * * *

Now, back out to the car,  having successfully escaped...... I was filled with a NEW worry.   How would I get my "prize" home?!?  I was feeling a lot of nervousness.... what if the police stopped me and SAW the bottle of whiskey in the vehicle??!?  For a moment, I thought about throwing the bottle away into the trash, but I did not want to give up my "trophy", my "proof" of my mission.  So, I quickly decided to go to the trunk.   I opened the trunk..... thought about it a few moments, and lifted up the trunk's carpeting and then lifted up the particle board cover that sat above the spare tire, and tucked the little whiskey bottle, still in its paper sac.... deep into far back of the spare tire wheel well, behind the spare tire..... then covered it back up with the board and carpeting and slammed the trunk lid.

I got into the car, preparing for my "getaway".... and I looked into the rear view mirror..... then I glanced downward.

I had literally been shedding.  Probably a little less than about a 1/8 th of my "robust" mustache had loosened up from the glue and had left a fair number of diffuse, dark, loose (puppy) hairs across the front of my jacket, and some were even clinging to the bowl of the pipe jutting out of the jacket pocket.  I could feel my face flush in embarrassment.  I had been shedding parts of my "robust" "mustache" all the while talking to the shop owner. 

I started the car.... and I drove.... very slowly...  and very carefully.... back home.   Once I got inside, I quickly went and hid the bottle way at back of the bottom desk drawer in my old bedroom.  

* * * *

In hindsight, I can very much see the humor in my story.   

But, at the time... even though I was embarrassed about the fake mustache shedding incident.... I still felt "cooler" for accomplishing my "escapade".  

I also know now, of course, that the liquor store guy would have likely not given a damn what age I was and would probably have sold me the bottle regardless of how old I "looked".... I suspect that seedy store really did not care who they sold things to as long as their money was green.  But, I also believe that my "stealthy mission" probably gave the owner and his two crony friends a lot to laugh about that day as well.  

I still have that bottle of Jim Beam, unopened, in a box of momentos somewhere in a closet.  I do not know, but I was thinking of perhaps opening it and sharing it during my retirement party when I eventually retire.  

PipeTobacco