All The Best

Tracking

Happy Birthday to the bar code.

What was a novel stab at efficient logistics is now as common as white bread.

50 years today, June 26th, a bar code was sent on its way. It made its debut in Ohio, following that first package.

I remember this taste

I don’t know if it was the exotic setting or the plangency to a Swedish film, but these wild strawberries in a restaurant in Italy were fresher and sweeter than anything I had ever tasted.

Redolent of the forest from which they were picked, they had a taste unlike an ordinary strawberry or any fruit I ever ate. Then or since.

Rich, fragrant, tiny, and perky, wild strawberries were a once in my lifetime experience.

They remain a strong, much favored sensory memory.

Clean clothes?

If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?

Except for having to organize either

a regular washing cycle
or,
many identical outfits

it’s not a bad idea, having a “signature look.”

I propose a two-tier approach based on season.

In the spring and summer, we’ll have a 6-month stint in pale clothes. Perhaps white jeans with a pastel shirt. I am partial to a light yellow blouse or perhaps just a simple red t-shirt.

Starting in the autumn, I chose a pair of black slacks paired with perhaps that red t-shirt.

Thus, I am keeping close to the proposition. It’s one outfit with just a swap of the pants.

The red shirt would be my look, singular and consistent.

Higher

What fears have you overcome and how?

There is a recommendation for fighting fear by leaning into it. Afraid of dogs, acquire a pit bull.

Fears tend to diminish who we are or who we can be.

My fear of heights had me cautiously approaching the railings of balconies.

Come to think of it, the rich fellow (Richard Gere) in Pretty Woman gets the penthouse suite “cause it’s the best.” He stays off that balcony til much later when it becomes necessary for winning the titular girl (Julia Roberts).

We do what we must.

Another day for the planet

In April, we celebrate Earth Day. On June 5th, it’s a more cumbersomely named event. World Environment Day is a grandly clad observation of what is best for the Earth.

Although it’s a somber and serious project, feel free to rejoice and celebrate.

Too much of a good thing

It’s a fine line between great and more than you need. I have been illustrating the upside of BurgerFi – and the food is all tasty – but it is also uniformly caloriFIc.

Onions might count as vegetables, and I want to give ’em credit in that column, but the thick, delicious crust and gentle deepfrying belies its cred.

Chicken wings are not a diet food. I have yet to get my burger wrapped in a lettuce roll. The Beyond is the closest non-meat burger you’d want, but it too comes at a calorie cost.

In short, go and enjoy. It’s an indulgence.

Do you practice religion?

No, I don’t. I practice the precepts of the religious traditions that have evolved in the West.

Kindness. As best I can.

Respect. Understanding. Empathy.

I will walk a mile in your shoes. And quote the many wisdoms you may believe. I am not a believer. I do have faith in our better nature.

Something to believe in. And worth practicing.