Today's entry is from my Cornhusker State EXTRA Lite Blog

A Time of Peace + A Time of Jocularity + Hygienic Hobbies + Nefarious Corporate Scheming

My Quiet Time Journey Continues

Many of you know that I spend time, usually first thing after I get up in the morning, reading scripture & several devotions, reflecting on them, praying, sometimes singing a hymn or two.* In 2017, I finished "A Year in the New Testament," published by CPH, given to me by my brother Mark. This is a great resource & I highly recommend it, especially because it integrates a psalm, OT reading, NT reading, meditation, & prayer each day.
* I'm nor sure how to interpret his behavior when I start on a hymn & Sammy, my faithful companion, gets up & moves to the other side of the living room.

On 1/1/18, I began working my way through "Concordia:  Lutheran Confessions," also published by CPH, also given to me by my brother Mark. [It's OK. He has his own personal copies.] This book integrates Lutheran Confessions, such as Luther's Small & Large Catechisms, the Augsburg Confession, & more. Yes, it is very Lutheran in nature, but it's a good review of doctrine, grounded in Holy Scripture. It's a little early to tell, but so far I am finding it very worthwhile. Many of us had to take doctrine courses as under-grads & grads. I didn't appreciate them at the time, but now I am finding our Confessions to be very insightful. 

Comics Consultant

When I served at Lutheran High Northeast, I often posted comics in the staff workroom. My thinking was that comics create a quick, MHDM *, which MUST help alleviate some stress even if it's for a brief duration, right?. For the record, I subscribe to 2 daily newspapers:  the Omaha World Herald & the Norfolk Daily News. Both have comics, & if I don't have time to thoroughly read anything else, I ALWAYS check the comics. My favorites include Tundra, Orange, Pickles, Pearls Before Swine. [Also for the record, I still miss the Far Side and Calvin & Hobbes.]
* Mental Healthy Distraction Moment

Now that I'm at Orphan Grain Train, I am continuing my role as very "unofficial" comics consultant. Usually on Fridays I hand out one or two pages of clipped comics. I keep a "comics bank" on my desk. Not everyone appreciates them equally, but I like doing this.

Hobbies

What are my hobbies? Besides license plates, you ask? I "collect" hotel soap & shampoo. By "collect," I mean appropriating any extra soap & shampoo from hotel rooms. My collection is always kinetic, because I use up these products in my own daily, personal, hygienic agenda. A quick count of my soap storage receptacle shows 47 bars of various shapes & sizes. Thanks to some favorite family members, I have products from some exotic, overseas' hotels. My advice re:  Motel 6 soap bars? Don't bother. CAVEAT #1:  I keep them as a matter of principle.

I've read about several individuals who have started non-profits that collect used soap & shampoo. While I never save used soap, I do take home shampoo & conditioner products that I have started. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to start leaving behind these "used" shampoo products, since these companies use the leftover products to process into hygienic products & donate them to 3rd world areas where there is a critical need for better hygiene products. CAVEAT #2:  I will continue "collecting" unused soap & shampoo for my own personal use. I haven't had to buy any soap, shampoo, or conditioner for at least 8 years. *
* He's not kidding, said his beloved trophy wife.

News Feature of the Day

From Omaha World Herald (1/10):  "Apple investors urge action to curb kids' gadget addiction. Two major Apple investors have urged the iPhone maker to help curb smartphone addiction among children, highlighting growing concern about the effects of gadgets & social media on youngsters . . . "
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Dept. of Imaginary Conversations

Apple Tycoon #1:  I don't understand what these investors are after!
Apple Tycoon #2:  Me neither. How are we supposed to keep delivering obscene profits on their investments if we can't create more EDA * ?
#1:  This is a dilemma. They'll expect to keep reaping financial windfalls if we find ways to curb these negative effects of our products on children.
#2:  Which we absolutely deny, don't we?
#1:  We absolutely, irrevocably do.
#2:  I've got it! Let's double or triple our fees, which should be possible since net neutrality was revoked.
#1:  I don't understand net neutrality.
#2:  Me neither, but I trust the experts.
#1:  You mean Democrats?
#2:  Absolutely.
#1:  You are a genius.
#2:  You flatter me.

* Electronic Device Addicts
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