tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17520432353731783962024-03-05T17:32:23.670-08:00Tim "Timo" OlsonA blog about everything and nothing.Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-14484328983196391822022-05-25T20:27:00.002-07:002022-05-25T20:27:59.472-07:00‘Thoughts and Prayers’<p> Again another tragedy. While most of us shake our heads and cry for those affected we find ourselves at a loss. So we give a version of “I am so sorry for your loss,”. "You are in our thoughts and prayers". To some this is nothing more than a "I'm sorry for your loss" to others who believe in a higher power it is a powerful tool. Either way it is said out of something called empathy. Although most of us cannot even begin to understand what exactly people of a tragedy are feeling we are able to imagine their suffering and fear and to wonder how we would react in their place. It is called being compassionate.</p><p>The mocking of course starts right away. "Your thoughts and prayers are not enough!" This mocking only displays that persons lack of understanding. When people say "Thoughts and Prayers" they are reaching beyond themselves to offer some relief. Often, at the time it is the most someone can do. Especially if the tragedy is not happening in front of someone but is rather being reported from a far off location. </p><p>When we are confronted with suffering, everybody uses familiar phrases and behaviors. They help us get through the hardest of times. When your friend tells you about their divorce. Your co-worker received bad medical news. A death or a national tragedy. It's not the words that you use that are extremely important, it is your acknowledgement and empathy that are. It is a way of showing solidarity with those who suffer.</p><p>For those who think action should be taken instead of words of compassion are denying those who cannot do anything, especially in the wake of a tragedy of expressing their compassion and empathy. Maybe those who want to deny others from expressing themselves should try practicing some compassion, empathy and grace themselves. We need more of it. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-49889051328966021722021-11-02T17:32:00.001-07:002021-11-02T17:32:45.840-07:00FREE ADVICE<div><br /><br /><br />During the last election I had someone confront me about my support for a certain candidate. This exchange happened where all good debates happen, on social media. Now I have never announced who I was going to vote for in public. Never had, never will. I have also never announced my support for a certain political party. They just made a assumption.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes my political opinion may lean one way and I'm sure most can tell which way it leans. But unlike so many I do not support a certain party. Never have, never will. They are both corrupt and I would not allow my name to be associated with either one. This has allowed me to look at all sides and to make decisions separate from what one party may support. </div><div><br /></div><div>Besides, I think it is unwise to get behind one party. Your thinking becomes monolithic and your thoughts are never challenged. You become locked into a prison of ideas. Never to explore other thoughts no matter how educated or open minded you may think you are. You are stuck supporting every idea like a sports fan supporting his favorite team. No matter how bad they play or even cheat you will support, cheer on and buy your team's merchandise. I also think the idolization of political figures like Trump and Ruth Bader Ginsburg is gross at best. They are our employees not superstars. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since I do not identify with a team I have not allowed any team to help form my personality. You will not find a blue wave on my profile or a MAGA hat on my head. No bumper sticker or profile frame I don't define who I am because of some party and their beliefs and I most definitely do not allow people who belong to an opposing viewpoint to define who I am and what I am not because of their beliefs. I am like David S. Pumpkins, I am my own thing. <br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>When you become a fan of one party or "team" you are willing to support whomever they put in front of you. It is also why people were so quickly to jump to the conclusion that since I lean one way that I must support the candidate that leads that party. I can see why most would come to that conclusion. Because that is what they do. I do not. I will not sign my name to someone I do not believe in. I've even voted third party! Wild I know. <br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Another reason why I do not share publicly who I support is I do not believe random advise about who or what to support is extremely helpful. In fact its probably more harmful. Nobody should vote a certain way just because a friend or relative tells them they should. I know there are families who will print out the names of all the proper politicians and pass them around. No, I want people to choose who they vote for by forming a educated opinion. Not to just get the win and defeat the other "side". Plus choosing sides also means you are creating a divide. If you have chosen a side YOU are contributing to the division. You have set up a winner and looser situation. I want us all to win. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now this is where the problem comes in because I guess I'm weird for not just yelling "GO TEAM". I may just be a clown in the eyes of most but I'm smart enough to know that there are reasons why someone else might see the world differently than I do. Life experience, social status, economic status and many more reasons can come into play as to why someone may vote differently. (Although I believe usually it's the blindness of belonging to a team) Because of this I also don't see someone who may vote differently as evil like so many do. Remember when we used to love diversity of thought? I do and I am always willing to discuss what I know and also learn what others know. But sadly no one seems to want to be apart of that. No real discussion of ideas. Hear mine not yours. Just go for the win. "GO TEAM"</div><div><br /></div><div>So if I won't dish out political advice I most certainly will not give out medical advice. I believe doing so is not only dangerous but very irresponsible unless of course you are a medical professional. Even if you are I don't think you should be randomly advising people on social media. But again so many people are willing to do just that. "Stop being selfish, get the jab!" I wonder how many people who yell about getting the vaccine would have claimed a year ago that your medical decisions should be up to the individual and their doctor. I wonder how many have moved so far they are okay with the mandates that prevent everyday citizens from participating in society. But today it is so common place to belittle someone about not getting "the shot" that I cannot read the comments on my favorite travel website without seeing someone being attacked over the vaccine. A place I used to go for light hearted conversations about destinations. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvYDyCG1xm79yV3ZRXbMYX0JlFxsvpp7K9usrvXrodRqNNXEShtwLXqcqpOudj_7Tx0uvIW0l6yyAWpoHthiThSzTpOthSNqJ33IyZGWywLNN5eYIGYvuCRVeRcTRpRoR9kZwjlUpx1b1/s734/FB_IMG_1631932063176.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvYDyCG1xm79yV3ZRXbMYX0JlFxsvpp7K9usrvXrodRqNNXEShtwLXqcqpOudj_7Tx0uvIW0l6yyAWpoHthiThSzTpOthSNqJ33IyZGWywLNN5eYIGYvuCRVeRcTRpRoR9kZwjlUpx1b1/w196-h200/FB_IMG_1631932063176.jpg" title="Have to love "science"" width="196" /></a></div>A great example of the dangers is when people jumped on the anti Hydroxychloroquine bandwagon because of their political beliefs. Not science. Well, they claim it's science but they get their science from political figures and not from the CDC website or researchers at the Henry Ford Health System who found the drug to be somewhat effective. So now the keyboard experts on social media keep handing out medical advice. I will bet that most cannot name a country where Hydroxychloroquine was available over the counter. I'll bet they didn't know it was a over the counter drug in many countries! They just saw their favorite politicians blocking it's use. Political figures stopped doctors from using a trusted readily available drug because of politics. A drug that although may not have been a cure seemed to help at least some patients. But hey, "SCIENCE." </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdCf79AhsKaU7vmTnzEyR5D9Aq3UY3qZovszqZV4oF-iCpl1nycFraGF3kN9-v-A_YxZ0vbLMg4HBSaHi-qEuboO6FEySVhLJxFkfVi4WGSpMChJiggHa1z78qpoJ1xqHvAR6eyoD3P-a/s660/FB_IMG_1628880306794.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdCf79AhsKaU7vmTnzEyR5D9Aq3UY3qZovszqZV4oF-iCpl1nycFraGF3kN9-v-A_YxZ0vbLMg4HBSaHi-qEuboO6FEySVhLJxFkfVi4WGSpMChJiggHa1z78qpoJ1xqHvAR6eyoD3P-a/w146-h200/FB_IMG_1628880306794.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>Now we have people upset at the fact the there are those who are hesitant on getting the vaccine. I wonder why. Our politicians and media are the ones to blame. Both parties have claimed they would not trust a vaccine developed under the control of the other party. This includes the current president and vice president. (who are now trying to get people to take the very same vaccine) Go watch video clips from last year and see all the concern about a rushed vaccine. In researching for this blog post I watched the hosts of KTLA in Los Angeles talk about their concerns over a vaccine. (June 2020) We have the CDC lie to us from the beginning about mask use. Why, because they felt they needed to in order to get us to do what was needed. They didn't trust us. Now you have the CDC changing the definition of vaccine. What the?! Then add the fact that according Pew Research only 20% of the population trusts the government to "do the right thing". No wonder people are afraid to get "the jab". They misinform us, lie to us, and if you even suggest you want to wait and do research, well. just ask Niciki Minaj.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of being hesitant against the vaccine, it is very high in the African american community. The fact is less African Americans have received the vaccine than whites, Asians and Hispanics. (as of Oct 2021) Why? Look up the Tuskegee experiments. We have also been telling them the whole system is racist for years and it was amplified 10 fold in the months leading up to the release of the vaccine. Now we ask them to trust the injection we want to put in them? I laugh when people make fun at others for being hesitant. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6px0BIu1ABr-0xJPOnigrVfsSnXbAlyZAFLs6FGOR_CU8YNIDcWzg0AGTwkOJAa6JEW72pEHS3goXOW3NuCVKsuljPon94O1f32d7xmzAHjjo4OqtXr6gtKmikFAe6VY1Jwwg-w96RmX3/s908/FB_IMG_1633882454521.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6px0BIu1ABr-0xJPOnigrVfsSnXbAlyZAFLs6FGOR_CU8YNIDcWzg0AGTwkOJAa6JEW72pEHS3goXOW3NuCVKsuljPon94O1f32d7xmzAHjjo4OqtXr6gtKmikFAe6VY1Jwwg-w96RmX3/w159-h200/FB_IMG_1633882454521.jpg" title="Stupid says what?" width="159" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div>But we have all chosen a side and do not question anything. We just start yelling what "our side" is telling us to yell without thought. Well, most of you do. I sit back and laugh at how ridiculous you all look because you jump on every bandwagon. I know who is going to share the trending hashtag and pretend that they have been a champion for that cause all along and within the week never share about it again. </div><div><br /></div><div>So how about this. Slow down. Learn some facts. Wait for more information to come out. Early reports are usually wrong. Wait until the trial. Don't join the witch hunt. Listen to the "other" side. Watch an alternative news source. Research before you post. Learn the subject well enough to educate others and learn how to defend your position without name calling. But most of all if nothing else, it is NOT your job to tell others how to live their life. Not even during a pandemic. Stop fighting with strangers and check in with the family on the couch next to you. Reach out to people you actually know. Support them and love them. As mother Teresa said, “The way you help heal the world is that you start with your own family.” But more than that, nobody asked for your opinion anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-22478292165071260282020-12-28T08:49:00.002-08:002020-12-30T10:55:03.101-08:00It's Past Time to #ENDLOCKDOWNS<p> So much damage had already been done. Not by this thing called Covid but by our reaction. According to Yelp.com's Local Economic Impact Report more than 97,966 businesses have permanently closed during the pandemic. It's also affected black owned small business at a greater rate. Nearly twice as hard as non black owned businesses according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. </p><p> As business owners try to find creative ways to stay in business, hopefully making enough money to keep employees employed. Believe it or not small business owners care about their employees. They work next to them everyday. They are not just a number in the human resources department they know them personally. They know their families in may cases. They also have expenses that occur every month no matter if you are open or not. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxcfjBnZUk8-7ZUp1f1UoikhROqC2esYdX2zM8KzlJLKYYz44cHFf8iBsJduEUrp8ymrjC7-qO3Z7fkAtOqyle2bn7NKIJPPp-GaYvDi31HfEO8Fh3J3G-C7yAVSydyJOLTlbpWD2gNtP/s226/Closed.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxcfjBnZUk8-7ZUp1f1UoikhROqC2esYdX2zM8KzlJLKYYz44cHFf8iBsJduEUrp8ymrjC7-qO3Z7fkAtOqyle2bn7NKIJPPp-GaYvDi31HfEO8Fh3J3G-C7yAVSydyJOLTlbpWD2gNtP/s0/Closed.jpg"></a></div> "I'm not sure we know what we're doing," San Mateo County Health Officer Scott Morrow recently confessed but since March officials have made decisions that have destroyed small businesses, especially the restaurant industry and there is no end in sight. New York's Gov. Andrew Cuomo's announced that as of December 14 and until further notice, there will be no indoor dining permitted whatsoever. Bill Gates warned that the coronavirus could be a risk until 2022 and added that “sadly” bars and restaurants will have to close over the next "four to six months." and recently Biden said the "darkest days" of the crisis are still to come. So many people yelling follow the science it seems this is one area we refuse to. The latest transmission data shows that only 1.3 percent of new Covid-19 cases come from bars and restaurants. Economic historian Phil Magness took a look at Google's mobility data. He found that the 7 non-lockdown states and the 7 most heavily restricted states + DC show that its the lockdowns, and not the virus, for the economic harm of the last 8 months. Even a Los Angeles County judge said such bans are "not grounded in science, evidence, or logic."<p></p><p> This has been a stressful situation for small business owners. Most do not have the cash flow to just close down for weeks or months. Yes, many received money from the Payroll Protection Program but those payments are coming due soon and many have not received word on forgiveness and banks are still waiting on clarity on the process.</p><p> Then these business owners go online and read comments from people who are angry that these businesses want to open. "People before profits" they yell. "How can you even think of opening when we have a global pandemic going on?" "You can always get another job!" Where are these people going to work if small businesses fail? Small businesses generates 43 percent of the private payroll in the United States. Sixty five percent of all new jobs over the past 17 years were created by small business. </p><p> What about the employees? We seem to be a country that wants to support our lower wage earners but our actions right now seem to be the opposite. Those who have employment who let them work from home seem to be the loudest about staying home. They don't miss a paycheck yet yell at those who want/need to work. Then these people who make less money are willing to go out and expose themselves to cook you food, bring it to your table or door, and stock your shelves for when you finally do venture out of the house.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS32FwnSx2wJVpgi9j9JRKCoGdlLbGu5WNCcOJy1ArhJgk0PCTSaf1Qz8W3pnsU3HAX6ItP3-AotnfeviOpvJ__d1bEUZnHWaJcOH-clqvtbAOM03ImeKi5xDgS1mVyS2qvkGQYsFcsDIn/s275/Small+Business.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS32FwnSx2wJVpgi9j9JRKCoGdlLbGu5WNCcOJy1ArhJgk0PCTSaf1Qz8W3pnsU3HAX6ItP3-AotnfeviOpvJ__d1bEUZnHWaJcOH-clqvtbAOM03ImeKi5xDgS1mVyS2qvkGQYsFcsDIn/s0/Small+Business.jpg"></a></div> It is way past time to #ENDTHELOCKDOWNS. Business owners need to and have the right to try and earn a living. To try and salvage what is left of their business that they poured their heart and soul into. The employees need to be able to go to work to earn money to pay their bills and support their families. We also need to feel some sort of normalcy for our mental health. To see others and to have a purpose. Yes the virus can be scary. Especially to those who haven't been out working everyday like so many have been to keep supply chains going. The good news is, if you really are afraid of catching Covid in a restaurant or any other small business. You don't have to go. As for me, as I have been going out two or more times a week. I will patronize these places and tip well. <br><br><p></p>Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-66027780228462427922020-12-14T17:15:00.001-08:002020-12-15T06:43:44.239-08:00WEAR THE DAMN MASK! I have a question for those who seem to like yelling WEAR THE DAMN MASK! Who are you yelling at? Starting in the middle of July Walmart, Kroger, and Kohl's all started requiring customers to wear face protection. CVS and Walgreens started July 20th and Publix started July 21st. Sam's club, Best Buy and Starbucks all followed close behind. Costco and Apple stores had required them since May. These policies by major retailers then pushed smaller local businesses to follow suit and require face masks. Nearly all businesses and public places required you to wear a mask by August first. In fact at the time Target implemented their policy 80% of their stores already had face covering policies because of local ordinances. Below is a list of all the states that had some form of mask mandate in place by the time the major retailers announced. Of course since then almost all other states do require face masks. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8FwZkuuHxzX_Ulgayi-mmoxyzSArNHTL4OditVrAGM-8r1i6DrxykhHwPWV_ocpxzlORVMfJ8V7WYLop7nn8seludl9mGq_dWH4kl4wHLtTcKZ5SjS9CJbUDzRcn8q7shdarwd2bo4Uo/s312/Facemask.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8FwZkuuHxzX_Ulgayi-mmoxyzSArNHTL4OditVrAGM-8r1i6DrxykhHwPWV_ocpxzlORVMfJ8V7WYLop7nn8seludl9mGq_dWH4kl4wHLtTcKZ5SjS9CJbUDzRcn8q7shdarwd2bo4Uo/s0/Facemask.jpg" /></a></div> New Jersey (April 8), Hawaii & New York (April 17), Maryland (April 18), Connecticut (April 20), Delaware (April 28), Illinois (April 30), Maine (May 1), Rhode Island (May 8), New Mexico (May 15), Massachusetts (May 26), Virginia (May 29), Michigan (June 17), California (June 18), Nevada & North Carolina (June 24), Washington (June 26), Oregon & Pennsylvania (July 1), Kansas & Texas (July 3), West Virginia (July 7), Ohio (July 8), Kentucky (July 9), Louisiana (July 13), Alabama &Arkansas & Colorado (July 16)</div><div><br /></div><div> In a July 17th article posted in The New York Times they found that in several national surveys at the time found around 80 percent of Americans say they wear masks frequently or always when they expect to be within six feet of other people. This was before most places required you to! The number at the time was short of the universal masking public health officials have asked for, but it was higher than the rates of mask use in several other countries, including Canada, Finland and Denmark. Still the mask police were on social media yelling about how selfish Americans are.</div><div><br /></div><div> A article in Men's Health from October 8th states the state with the lowest mask wearing was Wyoming at 65.6. I guess maybe we are yelling at them? Most states have over 80% compliance and many have a compliance rate of 90% or better. Massachusetts is the state with the highest number of people wearing masks, at 94.87% This is followed by Maryland (94.18 percent), Rhode Island (93.5 percent), Connecticut (93.45 percent), and Vermont (93.31 percent). It seems to me we are doing really well at covering our faces. So who are we yelling at?</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mCHg9UNz4_T9rG7nxw9Ojwzx8Rs3I5ZEZjd7RySvIUOmLyS84Xeg3lpmof2TTUtGiys_6M_gtbpkcyHCrYzYc-BY4CkyEYckSk2eCke25s5Fh6m5_HGkaY845BiNiy0WnbFgnsVm_UHR/s261/Facemask+%25232.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mCHg9UNz4_T9rG7nxw9Ojwzx8Rs3I5ZEZjd7RySvIUOmLyS84Xeg3lpmof2TTUtGiys_6M_gtbpkcyHCrYzYc-BY4CkyEYckSk2eCke25s5Fh6m5_HGkaY845BiNiy0WnbFgnsVm_UHR/s0/Facemask+%25232.jpg" /></a></div> The truth is it isn't about making someone wear a mask it's about the person doing the yelling. Sure some feel really helpless and this is a way for them to feel like they are doing something to help in this pandemic. But really, just like practically every post on social media it is to fill us with self importance. To see the likes and comments of agreement. I mean you have well over 80% or more of the population in agreement. Plus we tend to surround ourselves with only like minded people on our social media anyway. So keep on yelling WEAR THE DAMN MASK! so those likes just roll on in. I can feel that endorphin rush already. </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-72868881100958981242020-05-16T07:35:00.000-07:002020-05-16T08:14:16.856-07:00No, We Are Not In This TogetherI have grown to hate the phrase we are in this together. All one needs to do is read Facebook or Twitter for ten seconds and you will find out this is not true.<br>
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Once again the mentality has broken down to one of two sides. Open up or lock it down until we have a cure. Unfortunately locking down until we have a cure was never the goal and states keep pushing back the open date. That alone has frustrated so many. If you even try to discuss opening up you are accused of only wanting to make a dollar and don't care about those dying. I've read posts by people say you can recover from not having a job but you cannot recover from death. My personal favorite is, maybe if you knew someone who had Covid-19 you wouldn't be so quick to reopen. Both are insults. To suggest that someone does not understand the pain of loosing someone? That they haven't entered that into their equation about reopening is just absurd and when you tell someone you can recover from a job loss is totally dismissing their pain. That somehow because they are not dealing with death that their pain is not real. Well, shame on you!<br>
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One person's pain is not lessened just because you can point to someone who has it worse. Yes we do that many times to remind ourselves about the many blessings we do have but when it's done from a outside source it's a total dismissal of the hurt that person is feeling. We make a heart shape with our hands, we cut out paper hearts and hang them in our front windows and then we dismiss the suffering of our fellow man because it's not death?. In this together? We are as long as you think like me I guess.</div>
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There has been over 88,000 deaths in the United States at the time I wrote this. That is terrible. Each one of those people left a family devastated. I get it. We all know that. There is also been 33 million people file for unemployment. Behind each of those numbers is a family suffering. But they don't matter because....death. In the United Kingdom on average 2 deaths a week happen from domestic abuse. The three weeks following lock down? Sixteen. For each of those families they are experiencing suffering but they don't matter because...death. Financial ruin, doesn't matter. Depression? Substance abuse on the rise. Who cares...it's not death. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-UV3HkUn35lRdGNUv4-NyPCywiWAnj7QNE5O0PwMRToz-NAQCW0Sz9g-vFAWF-8QzBOfx5H8embD8YAaTBtph2setTAY2S74MxSVRBkF6diyeFCKMqFKw0XiheBflKJpk72Ngl0WnAaz/s1600/Blog+%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-UV3HkUn35lRdGNUv4-NyPCywiWAnj7QNE5O0PwMRToz-NAQCW0Sz9g-vFAWF-8QzBOfx5H8embD8YAaTBtph2setTAY2S74MxSVRBkF6diyeFCKMqFKw0XiheBflKJpk72Ngl0WnAaz/s1600/Blog+%25236.jpg"></a>A recent Kaiser Family Poll nearly found that half of Americans report the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health. A federal emergency hotline for people in emotional distress had a 1,000 percent increase in April compared with the same time last year. A online therapy company called Talkspace reported a 65 percent jump in clients since mid-February. But we dismiss anyone who wants to get back to normalcy.</div>
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Normalcy is what keeps some people hanging on. The purpose of going to work all day can mean more than a paycheck. It gives many purpose. It may keep another from returning to the bottle he finally gave up two years ago. The convict who was released last year and finally found someone who would hire him but now finds himself out of a job. I could go on. </div>
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But if all that doesn't grab your attention maybe this will. If mental abuse, and spousal abuse is on the rise then so is child abuse. According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, which runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline, at the end of March there was a 22% increase in monthly calls from people younger than 18. That was at the beginning of the lock down! During that time 67% identified their perpetrator as a family member and 79% said they were currently living with that perpetrator. Now, with schools closed I wonder how many of these abuses are going undetected because teachers and administrators are unable to see these children and report these crimes. Instead, these children are at home, not even able to go to the local playground and are stuck with their abusers. </div>
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So next time you sit behind your computer being the mask police and criticize someone who wants a return to normalcy of being cold and uncaring, I think you better look into the mirror. Quit dismissing others pain because it is real and it is being felt by millions. Use your energy to care for those people. If nothing else, stop with your constant bitching about everyone else. Your constant critical posts are not going to make you approachable for when someone does need help. You have already told them their pain doesn't matter because you know....death. </div>
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If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:</div>
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• Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.</div>
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• Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.</div>
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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.</div>
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www.timolson.info</div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-4215264730003809542020-04-05T16:48:00.000-07:002020-04-05T16:48:52.519-07:00Taboo QuestionCan I ask a question that seems to be taboo? What is the plan for getting us back to work? Everyday I am bombarded with social media posts praising teachers and medical workers for their efforts. As it should be. What I do not see is praise for us small business owners and the common worker for our sacrifice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlYaPLj_x2vUG-PWGSr7SrBsE4RBUuqs4oBJMCea7oIHIohn29lSTUzTq82Wu7ViSsCD31gkopLBKo4BMO_kNaBU5vWcNPDRVl7AvUT-JiQds54kSHHR8gTceqJ93IQ3bJfEGH-NxbO52/s1600/Corona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlYaPLj_x2vUG-PWGSr7SrBsE4RBUuqs4oBJMCea7oIHIohn29lSTUzTq82Wu7ViSsCD31gkopLBKo4BMO_kNaBU5vWcNPDRVl7AvUT-JiQds54kSHHR8gTceqJ93IQ3bJfEGH-NxbO52/s1600/Corona.jpg" /></a>But before I go on let me make it perfectly clear that I understand that behind EVERY death because of the coronavirus there is a person, A mother, father, child, uncle or aunt. That there are people morning a death. My wife and I pray everyday for all those effected. We do not take those numbers lightly.<br />
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I also know that behind all the unemployment numbers there is a mother, father, child, uncle or aunt that is scared and worried. These are also serious situations that we cannot over look. Yet if you dare mention it you are accused of not caring about life. But the truth is at some point they had to push the life boats away from the Titanic in order to save those in them. If they let everyone in, all the life boats would sink and nobody would survive. I cannot imagine being in a life boat and looking at the faces of those who stood on the ship watching life boats push off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1X9UCJlEq6BHCAwQqJMB2TmQMlZW-W2sKva6uB-92qv63GTe9tmgcw-BCxpFvSzSp5etVc2rzdqPoeN1eTTlmgNfuVSW-0SMBuW9LECIKWcNnTICjTPn0KTQEIqwiNMgPagGUSHK7c1-/s1600/Closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1X9UCJlEq6BHCAwQqJMB2TmQMlZW-W2sKva6uB-92qv63GTe9tmgcw-BCxpFvSzSp5etVc2rzdqPoeN1eTTlmgNfuVSW-0SMBuW9LECIKWcNnTICjTPn0KTQEIqwiNMgPagGUSHK7c1-/s1600/Closed.jpg" /></a>Americans are great people especially during times of tragedy. We rise up and give of our time and money. Time after time we help those in need. I think that this time is no different. Americans are mostly following the shelter in place rules and are paying a price. Small business's have closed and are doing their best to retain employees. Many business have shifted from normal operations in order to keep their doors open. Restaurants who never offered carry out and delivery now do so. Some are using FaceTime to allow customers to shop from home. Automotive shops are picking up cars and bringing them back then allowing you to pay on the phone. Yes, many business owners have become creative and changed the way they do business almost overnight. These are also the business owners who are trying to keep their employees on payroll. Often dipping into their personal funds or taking on debt just to help take care of their business "family".<br />
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We don't mind the sacrifice. But the truth is we don't know what we are being asked to sacrifice. Are we being asked to give up a few weeks or maybe even a couple of months of sales in order to save lives? I think most are okay with that. Or are we being asked to give everything we ever worked for? Are we being asked to give up our business's? Our livelihood? Are we to give up our homes and belongings? What is the plan and how much are we to give? Are we even being given a choice?<br />
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Yes the virus is real. Yes the number of deaths are real. But so are the unemployment numbers. We need to understand behind those numbers there is more than a financial toll that will need to be counted. The emotional toll will create a laundry list of unintended consequences. We have already had the suicide rate increase 33% in the United States since 1999. The highest since World War Two. Here locally domestic assault calls are on the rise. We can't let the life boats go down. At some point we have to push them away.<br />
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So again I go back to my question. We really need to know... What is the plan for getting us back to work? We need to have some hope.<br />
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-2090979171120284062020-03-13T12:55:00.001-07:002020-03-13T12:58:55.264-07:00Small Businesses Need YouRight now we are having a crisis on our hands with the Coronavirus. Whether or not we are overreacting is something to be studied at a later date but the fact is right now a lot of things are being postponed or cancelled altogether.<br />
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These cancellations may hurt some big businesses. For example I have seen how much some airlines stand to loose over the next couple of months. Most big corporations can take the hit. A lot of them are even insured for such a thing. But who isn't insured for this type of losses? The Uber driver who gets you to the airport. The porter who takes you bags. The local travel agent who booked your trip. The man or woman running a small kiosk at the airport. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatbDL77Tbfs8JZY4sglaUKfJuuN5o1GhtKUh-lpDin2TKcOwZOvAjdNfCiB4b8qxE1ZSezUIHE2TWVwO5o28RQ7X0UdKy_2VSlnXH0KORUTGtdwiK7EllD0e8lvEVlEghmf3oSdJBSVvV/s1600/Small+Business.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatbDL77Tbfs8JZY4sglaUKfJuuN5o1GhtKUh-lpDin2TKcOwZOvAjdNfCiB4b8qxE1ZSezUIHE2TWVwO5o28RQ7X0UdKy_2VSlnXH0KORUTGtdwiK7EllD0e8lvEVlEghmf3oSdJBSVvV/s1600/Small+Business.jpg" /></a>Self employed and small business owners cannot take the financial hit. We do not operate with large reserves and we need a steady stream of income to support our livelihood. When we close down even for a day the rent is still due for that day. The phone, insurance, heating and cooling, loan payments, taxes, and so on are still due. </div>
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For those of us who employ people we need to make payroll and want to be able to keep those who work for us employed. We are the employers who actually care about our employees. They are not just another number in the payroll system.<br />
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Most small business owners are proud people. They work hard long hours and are the ones who give so much back to the communities that support them. They are struggling right now and most won't tell you how worried they are. They worried about loosing their business and are worried about supporting their families.<br />
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So, I ask you, to please help support your local small businesses. They need you more than ever right now. So many of these people have their entire life savings wrapped up in their business. They also have their heart in it as well. For so many of us our business is an extension if who we are. So buy something local. Maybe a gift card to be used at a later date. If they sell online make a purchase. Use a local service. If you know the owner, ask him/her how they are. Tell your friends about them, and let them they know they are no alone. </div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-20537545311352526212020-03-10T12:39:00.000-07:002020-03-10T12:39:21.808-07:00Death of the Service Industry / We Are Lazy<div dir="ltr">
When I first started this blog post I was a worked up about the current talk of raising the minimum wage to $15hr. My business senses kicked in. I could not believe how many people seem to not understand basic economics. One of the dumbest arguments on the internet is if you cannot afford to pay someone $15 a hour your not running your business right. We will call this dumb argument #1.</div>
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Businesses have to compete. They must create a product or service that people actually want and sell it at a price people are willing to pay. A business can create a great product or service that people really want, but if they price it too high due to unrealistic labor costs then the consumer won’t buy it. </div>
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Somehow when we talk about tariffs we seem to understand this effect. News story after news story about how if you add a tariff to a item it will raise the price and make it harder for the consumer to afford but if you increase the labor somehow this won't have any effect on the price of the product or service? Where are these people getting this stuff? Of course that also leads to the second dumbest argument by the people pushing this increase. They always point to the Walmarts and the salary of the CEOs as proof that $15 a hour is possible. </div>
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Most people in the United States are employed by a small business. These small business' cannot afford these types of increases in labor. If you point this out they go to dumb argument #1. </div>
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Wages and benefits are paid based on the selling point of the product. A good part of this is determined by the skill level required of the employee. The higher the skill set required the more an employee is worth. It’s supply and demand, the same with any product. Increasing the minimum wage sets the selling point higher no matter the employees skill level. </div>
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The service industry will be hardest hit. Those business that are basically all labor and do not sell a product already have labor as their number one expense. Not only would service business see their largest expense increase they would also see an increase in matching FICA and Medicaid. Workers compensation is mostly based off of the amount of salary paid. Increase! Unemployment is based off of salary paid. Increase! And many service business insurance rates are based off of salary. Increase! </div>
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Let's face it there are a lot of services that would no longer exist if the price point became too high. People will clean their own home, stain their own deck, mow their own lawn. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjAiKp2INWPIa2E9HiDWQoTOAI1QEfO_9uq3hlIllEMS25BJaAZp2Zkz5iqb6A68n0hUcR-GvsF08l2n4HKXb6pEB9bsNTIlIZ6KMCSNTXyvn8rEtSoAWywS3Gg4rd89xamwN_FAVAv8v/s1600/fight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjAiKp2INWPIa2E9HiDWQoTOAI1QEfO_9uq3hlIllEMS25BJaAZp2Zkz5iqb6A68n0hUcR-GvsF08l2n4HKXb6pEB9bsNTIlIZ6KMCSNTXyvn8rEtSoAWywS3Gg4rd89xamwN_FAVAv8v/s1600/fight.jpg" /></a>But the argument that grinds me is that we believe we should be able to live comfortably and not have to work more than 40 hours in a week. How lazy are we? How self centered do you need to be to believe that you deserve a comfortable life for minimal work. Through out most of time people worked more than 40 hours to provide for their family. Many, like myself still do. Sixty hours a week can he normal for me. Sure I could work less but I would also make less money but I work my butt off to give my family a better life than the one I had. I NEVER thought it was the duty of my employer to make sure all my family's expenses were covered. That was my job and I would find a way to do it.</div>
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A high school student making $15 an hour on only working 20 hours a week is would be in the top 20% of wage earners in the world. When we fight for fifteen dollars a hour we are admitting we are lazy.</div>
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Take Edwardo. He worked in the main dinning room on our last cruise. He had been with the company for twenty one years. He left his family for seven months at a time working long hours just to give his family a better life. Seven months out at sea, two months home. He told us about how he had built a business back home and was employing people and now he would be able to retire from working on the cruise ship and stay home full time. This was a man who was willing to do whatever it took to provide for his family. He sacrificed so much and here we sit and claim... that you should be able to live comfortably and provide for a family on only 40 hours a week. </div>
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Should everyone be able to make $15 a hour? Sure! I want everyone to make a lot of money and be rich. I want to be rich! But you need to learn a skill and work up the ladder. You don't get top dollar for entry level jobs. Nobody guaranteed me a basic level of income when I started my business. In fact worked below minimum wage for a very long time to build my business. </div>
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If we ever raise the minimum wage that high, small business' like mine will most likely close. There goes six jobs times how many others that would do the same thing. Oh well, it really is my own fault, after all I just don't know how to run a business, or at least that's what they will say. </div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-86871940829853235672020-02-25T05:57:00.000-08:002020-02-25T05:57:25.620-08:00When the Motivator isn't Motivated <div dir="ltr">
A few years ago I published my book "Growing Up Nobody". In the book I was quite open about the struggles I faced in my younger years. The fact my dad suffered from mental illness and facing the death of both of my parents by the age of 24. Because of this I have also had the opportunity to give talks and do many podcast interviews. I use this time to let people know that at times you can feel like your at the end of your rope but you can make it. Yes life can be hard but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just look at me! </div>
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But what if the motivator if depressed. Yes I have overcome a lot. Yes I am very blessed to have a great job that provides for my family and allows me to travel. Yes I have a beautiful wife who loves me greatly. I also have three wonderful children who, yes, drive me absolutely crazy but deep down wonderful people and make me proud. But that doesn't mean I cannot suffer from depression.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoHWD_r_yM1PJGZPGrw_52I6n5iQRs7l3SL2UAHvT2JF_sQPC7PbSHBrkdS1my0cn1-KlY-O0G7MGRgShiA3u4pF7Y8eo7S4LGPX0OOZLmUxX-St7ja99doFnn89wbGIFpmPWL9S6P96N/s1600/depressed+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoHWD_r_yM1PJGZPGrw_52I6n5iQRs7l3SL2UAHvT2JF_sQPC7PbSHBrkdS1my0cn1-KlY-O0G7MGRgShiA3u4pF7Y8eo7S4LGPX0OOZLmUxX-St7ja99doFnn89wbGIFpmPWL9S6P96N/s1600/depressed+3.jpg" /></a>I find myself fighting Seasonal Depression most winters. This year has been one of the worst. So as you can imagine it becomes very hard to stand up and tell others that they can over come the opsticles in their life when you yourself are experiencing great sadness, lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. </div>
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Over the years I have developed some things that help me get through. One is vacation planning. During the winter months I spend a lot of time looking for places to visit and plan our next vacation. This helps give me something to be excited about in the future. It gives me a feeling of today may be rough but look what is coming. It helps bring hope. Another is playing guitar. As I wrote about in a previous post, <a href="http://timo2funky.blogspot.com/2019/04/daughters-daddys-and-guitars.html">Daughters Daddies and Guitars</a> I have recently been living out the dream of being able to play guitar. This also bring me joy to know that I have progressed far enough in a skill I have always wanted to learn to do it in front of people. </div>
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I know that fighting depression isn't as easy as playing guitar. I spent a winter as what I call a functioning depressant. I went to work and then came home and slept until it was time to go to bed. It was a rough time. But I do believe that everyone has things they love and a lot of the time we do not get time to do them. Sometimes cost prevents us but more than not we just don't have the time or we feel selfish when we take time for ourselves. I know I do. But not taking care of yourself can take a toll on you not only emotionally but physically. Many professionals say that the lack of certain types of self-care is linked to all sorts of diseases and illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is just the opposite. Taking time for yourself can help reduce feelings like anxiety, exhaustion and stress. When these are reduced you will be able to be more of yourself for the people around you. By you taking care of yourself, you are giving to them. </div>
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It can be hard. So many people rely on you. That's a good thing. It helps give you purpose but you need to say no sometimes and go do that thing you want to do, even if it's just a long hot bubble bath. </div>
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I understand this is not a cure for depression. In fact there are many types of depression and many need treatment from a doctor. You may even be given medication. Which is okay. There is nothing wrong with that. It's just another way of taking care of yourself. So if you find yourself feeling...</div>
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deep feelings of sadness<br />
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dark moods</div>
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feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness</div>
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appetite changes</div>
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have sleep changes</div>
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lack of energy</div>
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inability to concentrate</div>
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difficulty getting through your normal activities</div>
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lack of interest in things you used to enjoy</div>
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or withdrawing from friends</div>
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You just may be suffering from depression. Talk to someone. Anyone. Especially if you have a preoccupation with death or thoughts of self-harm. You are worth it! </div>
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This world can demand a lot from you. It's okay to say no sometimes. It's okay to take care of yourself. It's okay to admit you are suffering from depression and it is more than okay to get help. There are tons of us that fight the above feelings everyday. We stand next to you at the store or are in the car next to you. We struggle to. Even those of us that seem like was always have it all together and live wonderful lives. Sometimes even the guy who is trying motivate you! You are <b>NOT </b>alone. </div>
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Tim "Timo" Olson<br />
www.timolson.info<br />
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Below are some common types. </div>
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<b>Major depression</b> - People with major depression experience symptoms most of the day, every day. Like many mental health conditions, it has little to do with what’s happening around you. You can have a loving family, tons of friends, and a dream job. You can have the kind of life that others envy and still have depression.</div>
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<b>Persistent depression</b> - is depression that lasts for two years or more. It’s also called dysthymia or chronic depression. Persistent depression might not feel as intense as major depression, but it can still strain relationships and make daily tasks difficult.</div>
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<b>Perinatal depression</b> - occurs during pregnancy or within four weeks of childbirth. It’s often called postpartum depression. But that term only applies to depression after giving birth. Perinatal depression can occur while you’re pregnant.</div>
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<b>Seasonal depression</b> - is depression that’s related to certain seasons. For most people, it tends to happen during the winter months.</div>
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<b>Situational depression</b> - clinically known as adjustment disorder with depressed mood, looks like major depression in many respects. It may be brought on by specific events or situations, such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce or child custody issues, being in emotionally or physically abusive relationships, being unemployed or facing serious financial difficulties. </div>
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If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:</div>
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• Call 911 or your local emergency number.</div>
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• Stay with the person until help arrives.</div>
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• Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.</div>
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• Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.</div>
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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.</div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-90718060890030558662020-02-06T06:02:00.000-08:002020-02-16T08:11:53.655-08:00Three Burgers for a Dollar<div dir="ltr">
Business come and go but sometimes they hold special memories and it makes it harder to see their demise. It maybe a coffee shop where you first met someone or the little restaurant with the special little table in the back corner you loved. For my wife and I it's the McDonald's on main avenue here is Fargo</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQhPpnyKCl5aPtqLxeKkDiCIUPyyg-twLtmoo_YX1BbA4YU5kwIBded8pbnEyX6JQJn7krbJ5AhggTFAbF5yiAR-suFMdXrIcd7IAa7-jswWucnT1pM8eafnFV3T0oGdfy7JcDcR-Kv7h/s1600/burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQhPpnyKCl5aPtqLxeKkDiCIUPyyg-twLtmoo_YX1BbA4YU5kwIBded8pbnEyX6JQJn7krbJ5AhggTFAbF5yiAR-suFMdXrIcd7IAa7-jswWucnT1pM8eafnFV3T0oGdfy7JcDcR-Kv7h/s1600/burger.jpg" /></a>One summer that particular McDonald's ran a summer long promotion of three hamburgers for a dollar. This came at a time when we didn't have money. My wife at the time was my girlfriend and we were both working full time and attending college. Needless to say money was scarce. There were so many meals consisting of Mac-n-cheese and hot dogs. Going out was a rare thing. Every once in a while a Little Caesars pizza might find its was back to our home. One night the carrier that held our Cokes broke and they fell, broke open and we stood there looking at Coke all very the driveway. We laugh now but cried that day. </div>
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So when the main avenue McDonald's ran the three hamburgers for a dollar promotion is gave us the chance to go out. We would go get some burgers and share a Coke. (McDonald's has the best Coke) Sometimes we would live it up and buy a large fry to share. Those were good times.</div>
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So often we try so hard to make these special memories and sometimes they just happen. I believe the ones that just happen are better and for us the three burgers for a dollar is a special one. When we look back not only was it fun that we were able to go out but it reminds us of how we struggled back then and how far we have come. It helps make us thankful and that is a good thing. </div>
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Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-60107568841622263222020-01-20T12:05:00.000-08:002020-01-20T12:07:17.391-08:00College<div dir="ltr">
Let me just take some time to brag about my son Brad. My son just graduated from college. He now has a degree in accounting. Now comes all those terrible school loans. Or does it? Not for our son. I can hear everyone now. Must be nice to have mom & dad pay for your education. Sorry. Wrong. He must have had scholarships. Buzz. Wrong again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IitaIivgnKiubJEZl2dxtS-rEG7rIU5GINVGxvQyKcbmgcTT0rXIRUKKrTCg4blmiXV6DAoqgewL07b7PjDYaNW4QqEwrwGxWbCP85M0n_EETVdDe5ptDiVe7MMUBVLpDHOU-wL8q-ob/s1600/diploma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IitaIivgnKiubJEZl2dxtS-rEG7rIU5GINVGxvQyKcbmgcTT0rXIRUKKrTCg4blmiXV6DAoqgewL07b7PjDYaNW4QqEwrwGxWbCP85M0n_EETVdDe5ptDiVe7MMUBVLpDHOU-wL8q-ob/s1600/diploma.jpg" /></a>Brad paid for his own education. He worked hard starting at 16. Saved and paid cash. Never making more than $12 hr. Not even working full time. He even saved and purchased his own car during that time. The only help from mom & dad was guidance, room & board, and $1,000 for books, which if you have ever purchased books for college you know that did not go very far. Yes, it is possible to get a education and not be into crazy debt or demand that people pay higher taxes just so you can get a education. I understand that not everyone has mom and dad around to give you a place to live. My wife and I both had to support ourselves and pay for college and somehow we did it. Maybe the problem isn't with the system, although it could defiantly use some fixing but maybe it's more about us and what we demand from ourselves. College does not have to be free in order to get a education and our son is proof. </div>
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Our son already has a job in his field with good pay and benefits. He is debt free. <u>He</u> is on his way to living a wonderfully good life without the struggles his mom & dad had. We had those school loans so we know the struggle. We are very proud and happy and glad to know that he didn't listen to all the misinformation about how you cannot do it on your own. That the system is against you. The reality is that strong successful people find a way even if there are road blocks. Just like a football player pushing through the line. But today, everyone just wants the road blocks to be removed. Brad pushed through and now all his friends are facing large debt and he is enjoying all the extra money he is making on himself. Good job Brad!</div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-73089948437824738182019-12-31T13:14:00.000-08:002019-12-31T13:18:48.117-08:00Happy New Year<div dir="ltr">
Even though the difference between December 31st and January 1st is no different than Tuesday turning into Wednesday so many of us see it as a chance to reset.</div>
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I must admit I'm not one for making no New Year's resolutions but this year I definitely hope there is a reset. I spend a lot of my time being positive and trying to spread <u><u>j</u></u><u>oy</u>. I <u>us</u>e my podcast interviews and social media to encourage and lift people up.</div>
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But this last year is definitely one where I could use the encouragement and the lifting. I don't need <u>to</u> bore you with all the details has there's quite a bit going on. Let's just say that I am feel like I'm running around with my head cut off taking care of emergencies, trying to put out fires, and trying to keep things together for the last year. </div>
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I'm sure this is a feeling many of you share. So as Tuesday turns to Wednesday let's hope the reset button gets pushed and we can see a change and find some peace and have a Happy New Year.</div>
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Love and ☮️<br />
<u>Timo</u></div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-56302937075390843702019-05-12T09:02:00.000-07:002019-05-12T09:02:04.958-07:00Best Mom I know what your thinking. You know who the best mom in the world is. I''m sure most of you would say your mom. Well, your wrong. I'm married to her. I know because of the sacrifices she makes everyday just to be a mom.<br />
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Everyday, before everyone else gets up she is up. She opens the blinds and curtains and lets in the sun. She has everyone's schedule in her head and is ready to make sure everyone is up and getting ready so that they can get to where they need to be. She gets everyone in order before she even gets ready herself. Her day revolves around the schedule of our children.<br />
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Everyday she goes to work. Her office is in our home but not once has she ever taking advantage of the opportunity to work in her pajamas. She's dressed for success even when no one will see her. She manages our business. Taking calls all day handling customers demands and of course doing more scheduling. In between she finds more time to do accounting and all other aspects of running a business. <br />
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Everyday she has a routine for cleaning the house. I don't know what it is except for that laundry is on Thursday. She keeps our home looking beautiful. It's mostly thankless. The kids leave for school and work and come home and everything is clean. I think they believe a fairy came and dusted while they were gone. You would think they might question why the fairy skips their room.<br />
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Most days she cooks us supper. By now she is getting a little worn out, after all she has been going strong all day. We stuff our faces and she cleans up.<br />
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Evening rolls around and there might be time for a 11 mile bike ride or maybe there is some errands to run. There is also planning tomorrows meal and maybe a business meeting between us to get ready for the next day. She also spends time for things the kids need. Something for school, a ear to listen and a laugh or two.<br />
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Somewhere in the middle of all that she also finds time for me. A snuggle on the couch and conversations about our day. I don't know how she does it. She doesn't nap and she will repeat it again tomorrow. My wife Lori, is truly the best mom out there. She sacrifices herself everyday for us and once a year we sing her some praises. That's not enough. I always loved the story "The Giving Tree". That tree gave and gave and when it thought it had nothing else to give... it still gave more. Lori gives everyday. When her head hits the pillow she feels like she has nothing else to give. But tomorrow she will get up, before everyone else, open the blinds and curtains and give some more.Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-86485566285999543972019-05-02T06:26:00.000-07:002019-05-02T06:28:44.694-07:00Daughters, Daddys and Guitars<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKFRLbjtGK2fH6pO8sDsoGmEGUCzkOAxfxBV5OVyLPLP1nx2AaXy9YO_aXOH4bcgCautHAvufcdlWTauZcoEDYTUXxe9rUTI4e8WmgVTUrdhbSVcLpTTrerPL9FDrywMZ32T7rMA0C7lq/s1600/Guitar+%25231.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1427" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKFRLbjtGK2fH6pO8sDsoGmEGUCzkOAxfxBV5OVyLPLP1nx2AaXy9YO_aXOH4bcgCautHAvufcdlWTauZcoEDYTUXxe9rUTI4e8WmgVTUrdhbSVcLpTTrerPL9FDrywMZ32T7rMA0C7lq/s320/Guitar+%25231.5.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I was a teenager I really really really wanted to learn to play guitar. I saved up my paper route money and bought a Harmony H-802 sunburst reissue. It came with a small plastic amp that ran on batteries. I knew nothing about playing guitar. I had played the tuba in the school band. (Insert your own jokes here) I also had a few months of piano lessons but I wanted to shred on the guitar. I bought a black and white checkerboard guitar strap, a beginner guitar book and was ready to jam. Only it never happened. I learned a few cords and would pick it up from time to time and say "This time I'm going to get with it and really learn to play" I eventually bought my second guitar. A black stratocaster copy made in Korea. I learned a bit more, bought a few distortion pedals and could rock out with my power cords to a few songs but never felt like a guitar player. </div>
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Over the years I bought a few other guitars. My wife even bought me a Gregg Bennett Samich acoustic guitar so I could practice more often without having to drag out the amp, cords and pedals. But I never really hit a level of guitar playing I felt confident in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVhloeogIC4qmJK5e7dBNnMQdr_aRz0-FFT7JMHidicxk-ZnTDXY0W4Ki7lkR4eJa1J8IZX13rYTmH9UI0YhgNx-jzxFRmDah1NPFAZWsdze18x8fOxWD5XfAt1jNS3qwpEZ9EU1LTeus/s1600/FB_IMG_1554674362266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVhloeogIC4qmJK5e7dBNnMQdr_aRz0-FFT7JMHidicxk-ZnTDXY0W4Ki7lkR4eJa1J8IZX13rYTmH9UI0YhgNx-jzxFRmDah1NPFAZWsdze18x8fOxWD5XfAt1jNS3qwpEZ9EU1LTeus/s200/FB_IMG_1554674362266.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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One day I can home to find a note on my daughters marker board addressed to me. She wrote Dad, will teach me to play guitar. I was excited to jump at the chance. Neither of her older brothers had any interest in playing a instrument or even much love for music as I did. I let her use my red Fender Squier Bullet and I used my black strat to show her a few cords. I let her keep the bullet in her room and I would hear her strumming away. What a advantage she had. This little thing called YouTube helped her learn a lot. Soon I was hearing recognizable songs coming from her room. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM2TOC2j0xJCuHlPPsRaYwkACerkoC1feVaZIe1RX4nEiycmFosFieDjG7tZ-TmUc0ei-09qtDtd9gFb2XuU84oum24ED54Z0LoQ7KRyh0SsWYpsR_Gerr_8sXB-hUP4jr7B7jdZW0JTX/s1600/FB_IMG_1554674225496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM2TOC2j0xJCuHlPPsRaYwkACerkoC1feVaZIe1RX4nEiycmFosFieDjG7tZ-TmUc0ei-09qtDtd9gFb2XuU84oum24ED54Z0LoQ7KRyh0SsWYpsR_Gerr_8sXB-hUP4jr7B7jdZW0JTX/s200/FB_IMG_1554674225496.jpg" width="200" /></a>On a trip to Minneapolis we came across a First Act acoustic guitar for $25 in a thrift store. We picked it up, had it restrung and set up the best we could. She used that guitar to learn to play. She sat in her room, disciplined, working, playing. She was getting good.</div>
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Our church was offering a get together for those who were interested in learning the guitar. We thought this would be a great way to spend time together and learn some things. We would attend the class and strum along. Mostly playing cords we already knew but it was fun just hanging out playing guitar. </div>
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Soon she bought her own electric guitar and for Christmas I gave her a gig bag and a pink and black checker board guitar strap. I wanted her to look as cool as I thought I did back when I was her age. </div>
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Recently we were invited to start sitting in with the worship team at our church and I started seeing just how good my daughter has become. In some areas she is better than I am. Now after trying to play guitar for over 30 years and to have a 16 year old show you a cord you do not know can really hit your ego. But that's ok. I taught her her first cords why shouldn't she help show me some. </div>
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The real high point in this came when we were invited to actually play with the worship team during a service. For me it was surreal. A musician I admire for his skill and abilities believed I was good enough to stand in front of people and play. After 30 years I finally felt like I achieved the goal I set out to reach so long ago. I so often spend my time telling others that you can achieve your goals and that they don't always happen on your time frame and here is some proof. </div>
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Thirty plus years ago I started learning to play guitar. Thirty plus years ago God set in motion a skill that I can now use to worship Him. He also set in motion something that my daughter and I can connect over. When other parents are having a hard time with their teenager I'm playing music with mine. </div>
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That first time I stood up there playing in worship was a confirmation in my abilities and my daughters. Her's was confirmed at age 16. Mine, 50. But the fact that we both were up there together, sharing that moment is a memory that we will both have forever and if I never played again, it would have all been worth it. <br />
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www.timolson.info<br />
www.facebook.com/Timo2Funky<br />
www.Twitter.com/Timo2Funky</div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-47966828251571931882019-02-28T08:20:00.000-08:002019-02-28T08:34:12.673-08:00Do Not Do Outrage<div dir="ltr">
In the last few days I found myself reading a post where someone was outraged. I know I'm shocked! Another scam, another lie, however you want to look at it. It is really just another way to be outraged. Since I am a fact driven person I always believe if I just point out the actual facts using data and explain where it comes from the person posting would have to acknowledge that their statement wasn't completely true. I thought long and hard before posting because I am not interested in a fight. A debate would be okay, after all...facts, but I do not want to engage in any argument. My facts were brushed off so I followed with more. That was followed by a change of argument. I posted back that that was not relevant to the original complaint and that once again the facts stand. There was no reply so I let the conversation end there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTp87JwK7hKkXUahwjHAeLe_Pgytwzj7UxK-3D9f7FUy76Iy_SaWTIv30YFHUvIN81AglBTey9yso0h4NDjouHJ-jqfNaua_eDTwDCvCM1ztNC8FuRjZlbGQKH3THbxqzpcaRmOWuXUCji/s1600/Blog+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="409" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTp87JwK7hKkXUahwjHAeLe_Pgytwzj7UxK-3D9f7FUy76Iy_SaWTIv30YFHUvIN81AglBTey9yso0h4NDjouHJ-jqfNaua_eDTwDCvCM1ztNC8FuRjZlbGQKH3THbxqzpcaRmOWuXUCji/s200/Blog+%25233.jpg" width="200" /></a> At lunch I received a notification that someone else posted on the conversation so I checked it out and guess what...all my comments have been deleted! Yes, my facts, provable mathematical facts had been deleted. I cannot venture to guess why my posts were removed as that would be judging. (Real judging is assigning a motive to a action without knowing what that motive is) But what did remain was more outrage. The comments that followed showed even more outrage as all the like thinking people enjoyed taking their usual positions. </div>
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I'm not telling you this so I can brag about my awesome factual points, although it was awesome. What caught my attention was that this person would rather be mad and outraged than even take into account the information I was providing. In fact in looking back, outrage is all I see. Social media posts have turned into nothing but angry posts about the latest outrage. What happened with the Covington School kids is a great example. I woke up and looked at my Facebook only to see everyone so outraged about these kids. (The things people called these kids was unbelievable) I looked at a few videos and within 10 minutes I knew there was more to the story and decided I needed to wait for more information before forming an opinion about it. </div>
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In 1979 "The Logical Song" was picked as Paul McCartney's favorite song and I think that a lot of it still rings true to this day. "When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful" sang Roger Hodgson. "But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible, Logical, oh responsible, practical" He went on to sing about how they made him dependable. All very good things. But then it takes a turn. "I said, watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical, Liberal, oh fanatical, criminal." Then worse yet, "Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to feel your acceptable, respectable, oh presentable, a vegetable!" </div>
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I think we have fallen into the later part of the song only we are the one's who want to make sure that your acceptable, respectable and presentable. We feel we need to right every wrong by posting about how WE believe this is a travesty. The sad part is we have not formed our own opinions. We have become Pavlov's dog jumping on every outrageous injustice. We somehow believe our yelling helps. But it only adds. It helps light fires you don't always see. Instead of being a positive light we throw fuel on the flames and if you don't agree, well then. your just not acceptable.<br />
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We signed our name to a team that makes us feel acceptable but we really are bunch of vegetables. We follow the orders and react without thought of our actions. You can't keep that up. You cannot react and scream about everything we see that is wrong. It would be a full time job and for so many it has turned into one. So many of the people I know on Facebook post more news articles and political memes than they do about their friends or family. Boy I wish I would see a huge burger post again! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX-yDn8M8ItsM_70ZIOmEC2mBT6tOixJlIORIJlrsV4uVG4l0BBlP1r_lUPbMiByHZRrQ4-6hH9PwtkYRdc3D56kOQ-Lzx_HjDMMdvGU7xAkaWuHUzOUHnRoruvyuKZeJvM2O2Ez97ypd/s1600/Blog+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX-yDn8M8ItsM_70ZIOmEC2mBT6tOixJlIORIJlrsV4uVG4l0BBlP1r_lUPbMiByHZRrQ4-6hH9PwtkYRdc3D56kOQ-Lzx_HjDMMdvGU7xAkaWuHUzOUHnRoruvyuKZeJvM2O2Ez97ypd/s200/Blog+%25234.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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"The Logical Song" also has the lyrics, "But at night, when all the worlds asleep, The questions run so deep, For such a simple man. Won't you please tell me what I've learned, I know it sounds absurd, PLEASE TELL ME WHO I AM" I think we have lost who we are. So many of us have become Grandpa Simpson yelling and complaining about everything and we don't even see it. We don't even realize what we have become. We believe yelling wins an argument over debate. We believe only our answer is the answer. We scream about compassion while screaming shows none. We step on others while claiming to love all. All because we love the rush, the acceptance, and the superiority of the outrage. </div>
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Join me, and lets stop the outrage. Leave your team. Discover yourself. Get to know YOU! Break the chains and be a leader. So many are living in the dark, be a shinning light. Teach what you know and learn what you don't. Hold each other up. Listen more than you talk. Do these simple things and maybe just maybe you will notice "the birds in the tree's well they'd be singing so happily, oh, joyfully watching" you. <br />
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www.timolson.info<br />
www.facebook.com/Timo2Funky<br />
www.Twitter.com/Timo2Funky</div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-36940021460910459112019-01-23T10:47:00.000-08:002019-01-23T10:57:41.381-08:00Trump's Effect<div dir="ltr">
Over the past few days social media is again ablaze with outrage. This time it's over how some teen boys reacted to...well you know. This post is not related to this one incident.</div>
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I really don't even know where to start with this as I cannot even understand where we are as a country. In fact I just wrote a bunch of stuff and then backed up and started here again. I think the thing I struggle the most is with judgement. Although I have had many non Christians try to tell me that the Bible says not to judge that just simply is not true. By the way, instead of just repeating what others have said, try to study the Bible before you use it to argue against someone. You wouldn't argue with a architect without understanding something about architecture would you? Good. Hopefully I just saved you from looking like a fool. The Bible does tell us to judge but here is what so many get wrong about judgement. Judging someone's actions are fine and good. Judging someone's heart is wrong. In other words, someone steals bread. Wrong. Someone steals bread to feed his family? His actions are still wrong even if his heart was in the right place, and the worst judgement is when you assign the motive to their actions without knowing what it was. </div>
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Today everyone seems to know the heart of everyone else. Sometimes actions may look like one thing but where their heart is, is another. I find it mind blowing that everyone seems to know, without question, the heart of others. Because they are so sure they then feel justified in calling out, shaming and even destroying said person. In fact we have become so effective at discerning someone's heart that we need not be present. We need not know those involved. We need not know anyone who was present. We need not do any research. We just need to be told by our like thinking friends, news source, websites, and social media what to be outraged about and then we pick up our pitch forks and post!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfutTSBJbCsN52btca9Bcmqn0xQESlju9jurJjxtkApg8hNLuiFGLAFfpvTEPjjtho1FN-12BzARIi7I1bd9EONMC0W30vsd3C0n0fJWgPO0RqoQNUBSHglHyvkfeO1f02X_5lW-LwqILg/s1600/Blog%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="206" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfutTSBJbCsN52btca9Bcmqn0xQESlju9jurJjxtkApg8hNLuiFGLAFfpvTEPjjtho1FN-12BzARIi7I1bd9EONMC0W30vsd3C0n0fJWgPO0RqoQNUBSHglHyvkfeO1f02X_5lW-LwqILg/s200/Blog%25232.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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The worst part about Trump's being elected is how we have reacted to his presidency. I have watched people I used to think were great, fine, smart individuals turn into the most hateful, angry, mean spirited people. Before you say, "Hey Timo! Are you judging?" Yes, I'm judging actions. I have watched these people take down others, some longtime friends. I have listened to and read posts that are so full of hatred for others for simply having another point of view. Everyday full of outrage and bitterness. I myself have been the focal point of these attacks. I was even attacked for suggesting we take a break from politics. How dare me! </div>
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I have watched and I cry for my children as I think is this what we really want to leave them? Is this what we want to model for them? I for one do not. So I do not engage in this childlike behavior. I sit back and take notes. Trump will be out of office someday and his role in my life and yours will be gone. I will forget about Trump, but I will not forget the actions of those I know. I will not forget how I witnessed you treat others. How you judged the heart of others. The names you used. How you behaved. I know you feel justified. I know you feel as your fighting the good fight, but there is no nobility in taking someone down to elevate another. I will be judging, your character, and the true effect of Trump's presidency is that it will take me a lot longer to get over and forget your actions than those of the president.</div>
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Tim Olson</div>
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www.timolson.info</div>
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www.facebook.com/Timo2Funky</div>
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www.twitter.com/Timo2Funky</div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-34007527377049554402019-01-16T08:16:00.000-08:002019-01-17T06:12:55.726-08:00Gillette Is Not the Problem News feeds across social media are filling up with the current outrage. In case you haven't heard Gillette made a commercial where they changed their tag line from "The Best A Man Can Get" to the "Best A Man Can Be". In the ad you see men looking in a mirror while in the background you hear television news reports about the #metoo movement. Then what follows is a series of shots showing men disrespecting women. In one scene two boys wrestle while the dad's exclaim "boys will be boys". Then Gillette proclaims that they believe in the best of men. The ad then shows men standing up against other men after Terry Crews proclaims that men need to hold other men accountable. The final line is "Because the boys watching today, will be the men of tomorrow".<br />
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So why all the outrage? It seems to me that the commercial is telling the truth. Real men need to stand up in situations that call for it. Real men need to teach our children how to be respectful and how to treat each other. But in the commercial Gillette says men need to "say the right thing, to act the right way, and SOME already are". See the outrage comes from the word SOME. That word should be MOST. Most men already treat women with respect. Most men model good behavior for their children and most men do stand up when they see the situations portrayed in the commercial.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8ytQDyKVg5JjRLbWXWMAxWw3qL_poRoJYguJa9xfEsNJlUvanYE-1ox8V4wCsz0ahwVa6vIgStzBQ2bOVboJgKvGK8XEvAYVQNICsTwf3NDDBHObSnGQT3byCqrdycP_elVZ1KOWnsO_/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8ytQDyKVg5JjRLbWXWMAxWw3qL_poRoJYguJa9xfEsNJlUvanYE-1ox8V4wCsz0ahwVa6vIgStzBQ2bOVboJgKvGK8XEvAYVQNICsTwf3NDDBHObSnGQT3byCqrdycP_elVZ1KOWnsO_/s200/Blog.jpg" width="200" /></a> The real outrage is coming from the fact that men are tired of being the punching bag. We all know how men are portrayed on television, incapable of doing the most meaningless tasks. Men have been told for the last few decades that they are not needed. We are not needed to be present in the home to raise good children. We are told women do not need us to be happy. We read articles about our privilege and how we run "rape camps". That we are unhappy that we no longer have unfettered access to women's bodies. I once posted a joke about my wife escaping by cutting her chain off the stove and I was taken to task for my toxic masculinity. It was a joke!<br />
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Out of fear that I will just be written off as mansplaining I hope I can shed some light onto this situation. Yes men are outraged. MOST men are good men. MOST men are as disgusted by the behaviors of the Harvey Weinstein's of this world. MOST men do the right thing most days. The men I know worship their wives and children. They work jobs they hate to provide for them and do it all without much complaint. So I ask Gillette, where is our commercial? Where is our article? Why are we only focused on the negative minority of men and not on the bigger demographic of well behaving, hard working, family loving men?<br />
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If our younger generation is watching then we need to hold up what it is we want them to be. This isn't something only men need to do, this is something as a society we need to do. We need to stress how important the role of a man is in the home. We need to stress the effect that a man has on his boys and his daughters. We need to feature REAL men and showcase what a REAL man looks like in a positive way.<br />
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Society can do a better job of lifting up men but just like most things it starts at home. There are too many broken homes. The breakdown of the family unit is the single largest reason we are facing these issues today. But we don't want to talk about that for a variety of reasons. We would rather just blame men. Studies show that just by having the father in the house children will be less likely to use drugs, alcohol, engage in risky behavior, have better school attendance and do financially better in life. Not to mention intangible stuff like knowledge, habits, and willpower are increased. Stable, healthy families are at the heart of strong societies. No wonder we all think our society has gone crazy.<br />
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So yes, men are upset but it's not about some razor companies commercial. We are tired of hearing about how we are nothing but a bunch of disgusting pigs who need to change ourselves because we are nothing but evil and that until we change we are nothing but worthless to society. But I'm one man who can tell you, MOST of us are not disgusting pigs. We are dedicated to our wives who we love very much, we love our children and would die for them. The fact that men work most of the high risk jobs to provide for their families proves that fact. We give and sacrifice of ourselves for our families, and the good ones, which is MOST of us are hurt by the fact that we are looked upon with such disgust and hate when we know what is in our hearts. So I ask, if "<span style="font-family: sans-serif;">the boys watching today, will be the men of tomorrow", where is our commercial?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif;">Tim Olson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;">www.timolson.info</span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;">www.facebook.com/Timo2Funky</span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;">www.twitter.com/Timo2Funky</span>Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-41555983291007997742018-01-21T20:15:00.000-08:002018-01-21T20:44:39.787-08:00It's Too Late. Yesterday marked my mothers 70th birthday, Only it didn't. She hasn't had a birthday in 29 years. No it isn't some type of trick she pulls to keep her age a secret and remain young forever. She passed away in 1989. In a way she is going to be forever young since none of us will ever see her as a old woman. She will always be 41.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgQDPMlFhvG9IT4CMqU9sU1xuSHrGHxd0tCeb8FFXCP7N18icZiJEqQnOg9i5RMV2wgpj03pMK4g4cKzY2PCyiQfJv81mJk7Db76gmD84x14JRI_7puhod3Z6PJTyVY9C-60WEzdxQO-n/s1600/me+and+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1303" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgQDPMlFhvG9IT4CMqU9sU1xuSHrGHxd0tCeb8FFXCP7N18icZiJEqQnOg9i5RMV2wgpj03pMK4g4cKzY2PCyiQfJv81mJk7Db76gmD84x14JRI_7puhod3Z6PJTyVY9C-60WEzdxQO-n/s320/me+and+mom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and I about 7 months before she died. The last time I<br />
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The morning of March 19th was as ordinary as any other until my phone rang. It's really strange how something as normal as the phone ringing can change your entire life. Your phone rings hundreds of times conditioning your mind. Never thinking that your world will be shaken to the core. I would have never guessed in a million years what I was about to be told on that call but as soon as I heard my step dad's voice I knew something wasn't right.<br />
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My mom had moved to California and I hadn't seen her or talked to her since I visited the August before. She was busy with her new life and I with mine. She was now remarried and trying hard to make ends meet. Working two jobs to support her new (and lazy) husband and my sister. I was working and had my own relationship that kept my time full. The one thing that we both had in common was that we both took for granted that we would always be there.<br />
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It's too late. It had now become to late for me to pick up the phone and call my mom. Something I thought I should do week after week since our visit. The longer time from the visit the more I thought about it. Sometimes at work I would think when I get home I should give her a call. Then at home the thought would enter my mind. But for some reason my hand never grabbed the phone and pushed those numbers. Now, it was too late.<br />
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Over the years I have accumulated tons of questions. I remember as kids that we flew to Indiana to visit her mom. Did we only ever do that once or was there another time I can't remember? What foods did I like as a kid? My son Alex looks so much like me, are our personalities the same?<br />
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We also think of things we should have said. My relationship with both my parents was very strained to say the least so there was a lot of things that shouldn't have been said but were. The things that should be said will not be and the things that were can not be unsaid. It's too late.<br />
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Sometimes we find ourselves burnt by the hot stove of life. Sometimes scars are left for a lifetime and the only thing that helps heals those scars is the fact that you can prevent others from receiving them. So we stand near the stove and stop everyone from placing their hands upon the red hot burner. It gives meaning to your scars.<br />
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I'm here to prevent you from having those scars. DO NOT let it be to late. DO NOT forget those important questions. DO NOT forget to say your sorry. DO NOT forget to say those all to important words. I LOVE YOU. Tomorrow is not promised so do not let the sun set another day without saying what needs to be said or you will find out that It's too late.<br />
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-69267049381448195732017-09-03T12:27:00.000-07:002017-09-03T12:27:43.889-07:00LOVE? - Is giving bad? I keep hearing that love MUST win. If this is the case, I believe we need to start acting like it. I have decided to start a series of blog posts asking LOVE? because I have trouble seeing LOVE in the actions of some.<br />
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President Donald Trump just gave $1,000,000 of HIS money to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Soon after I see tweets and stories about how "little" he gave. Right away I looked up to see how much Obama gave so I could argue back. But then I realized I was falling for the trap. I'm not here to defend Trump although that's how this is going to read. (who I support and vote for does not matter in this story) I am here to stand for LOVE. Where is the LOVE? I did not know there was a test as to how much you have to give for your gift to be appreciated. If there is I wonder if I pass. Where do I send in the documents and who runs the numbers and decides how much is enough? You see there isn't. It's not up to you or me to decided what is right for others to do. These posts and complaints come from people who are so blinded by HATE that they cannot see the LOVE. </div>
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If I was running a table with a can for donations and someone donated one dollar, I would be thankful that they opened their heart to help. If someone gave ten dollars I would be thankful. As each person walked by and dropped their donation into the can I would say thank you. Now walks by Mr Big Money and I know he is worth a lot. I just saw him pull up in a BMW. He drops a large donation into the can. biggest one I've seen today. I now have a choice. I can look at him and tell him he's a jerk because I know he could give more or I could thank him and think about all the good that amount of money is going to do. </div>
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See, the problem with this situation isn't Mr. Big Money. It's with me! The individual. I could JUDGE him but I didn't do that to the other people who walked past. For all I know someone who didn't donate may even have more money than him, I don't know. Someone may have giving a larger percentage if their income. I don't know. But my personal feeling for the man stomped on my heart and will not allow me to see the good that man just did. </div>
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One definition of love is the concern for the good of another. So, do you LOVE the victims of Hurricane Harvey or do you hate Trump more? I for one will stand up and cheer for ANYONE who does ANYTHING to help the people who need help. I will not criticize the effort no matter how big or small and I most certainly will not criticize their efforts over something as foolish as political points of view. In times like this it's not suppose to be us against them. It's 330 million individuals who need to stand together and forget about differences and parties for a while and contribute to our society instead of filling it full of vile words and HATE. </div>
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I for one LOVE those who have been hurt by Hurricane Harvey and I even LOVE those who are so full of HATE that they cannot let it go for even one minute. It's my LOVE for you that makes me write this today in hopes that maybe, just maybe you won't try to justify your anger but to take that energy and make it into something productive and useful. You don't need to praise Mr. Big Money, but you do need to practice tolerance and not HATE and let LOVE be the action you take today.</div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-86305899835133038882016-11-07T06:31:00.002-08:002016-11-07T11:19:01.564-08:00It's Time to Stop<div dir="ltr">
On Tuesday we will be walking into the voting booth to choose the next president of the United States. Someone who we are choosing to be our spokesperson, our Commander in Chief. The person who holds the office is to be someone who represents what America is. This election has made me sit down and reflect upon what kind of role I want to play as an American. As someone who has a voice called a vote. </div>
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This year we have seen one of the nastiest elections in history. I believe our two "choices" are truly reflective of who we are. We have become so hateful and angry we have selected two terrible individuals to represent us. I cannot understand how anyone can put their weight behind and assign their name to either of these two candidates. I understand the lesser of two evils argument but cannot understand someone actually believing that either one is actually good for our country. My oldest son can vote for the first time this year. His first presidential election. I am embarrassed of what we have become. I would not want my children looking up to either one of the candidates.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzbl9PT7f9kPAXM81NT-OtVyVz6aORJRDSe5lwkAhFy2A_Hep_oFeCfUJrS2QkkGo4uZXrVoFe8B8ib7yHIDHFQbtvtP-6GvKQJFCyL3pYWzVQADXEarDf38PqrIvvXsOJSeS1xnAUyFi/s1600/FB_IMG_1477749617304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzbl9PT7f9kPAXM81NT-OtVyVz6aORJRDSe5lwkAhFy2A_Hep_oFeCfUJrS2QkkGo4uZXrVoFe8B8ib7yHIDHFQbtvtP-6GvKQJFCyL3pYWzVQADXEarDf38PqrIvvXsOJSeS1xnAUyFi/s320/FB_IMG_1477749617304.jpg" width="291"></a> Recently in my Facebook memories a discussion I was having about the politics at that time came up. As I read through the comments one person commented that there was only one party that wanted to truly better people. This just shows you the mentality we now have. We have become divided. I think we all know that but do we really understand what that means? It means we have come to the place that we believe there is good and evil. The side we identify with of course is good. Therefor the other side must be evil, and everyone who associates themselves with that side must be also. Since good must overcome evil we set out to destroy the other side. In other words we must win and the others must loose! Forget about the fact that a good negotiator gets both sides as much of what they want to build a deal, it's our way or the highway. A great example of this comes from that same memory when the same poster told me that they thought it was "amazing how some people fight against things that's for their own good" I don't know how this person knows what is good for me and my family but I do know that comment was insulting. The bigger problem with the comment was that it contained no real argument. We just know we are right and we don't need facts to stand behind what we say. In fact when I asked for a factual reason why they were right my Facebook feed was silent. </div>
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Today we run on emotions and facts are silly little things we sweep under the rug. We have become so distrusting of the other side that even when presented with facts they really do mean very little. We have seen video proof of wrong doing and we blame the source. We say "look who put it out, they cannot be trusted" and refuse to even consider what we have just seen. We actually ignore what has been put before us! We have all become experts because we read a headline on Twitter. We do not even consider the fact that maybe the person sharing the story or meme has an agenda or that the site it came from may be bending the truth. We especially need to be careful when it comes from a source we believe is on "our side". We like and share meme's and believe we are making a bold statement and since we agree with the premise we don't even bother to check on it's facts. We are blinded by our partisanship. </div>
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We act the same way when it comes to sports. We choose a side, declare our allegiance and support our team even in their bad years. We champion them no matter what. When they win and loose. We even accept cheating at times because the other team is a bunch of losers who need to be taken down. Politics should not be a contact sport. All we care about is getting the "W" and watching the other side fail. We don't want to debate we want to shout each other down. We love trash talking. We are the champions and you are the losers. We are not for something as much as we are against them. </div>
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We have entered a time where we have become so self righteous that we no longer care to try to understand each other. We don't see the other side as people, we see them as the cartoon version of what we believe the other side is. Not only are we drawing dividing lines between left and right we are also pitting ourselves against each other by things we have been working hard to erase the lines of like race, sex, religion. Now we are creating more even more lines like income and jobs. This is what happens when we all choose a "side" instead of thinking for ourselves. I think history has shown us that group think can be very dangerous. We all claim to be enlightened. Free thinking yet follow a party like a heard of sheep. Never straying from a single point. Following whomever is appointed as the leader without questioning the integrity or values that individual holds. You have to follow the leader because when you have stood so firmly with a party you cannot acknowledge it's failures because then you will have to admit your own short comings and we all hate admitting when we are wrong.</div>
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I am proud to say I do not, or have I ever belonged to a particular party. I do have political leaning that may lean in the direction of one of the party's more than the other but I have never supported any party. I believe the truth usually is somewhere between the two positions that people take. I believe in studding each person and each subject individually. I have never felt one party represents everything I believe in. I only speak out about things that I am well informed on and stay quite on other subjects that I have not fully researched. Because of this I can always handle myself in a debate. I have never attacked a person because of their association with a party because it's beliefs not people that need to be fought against. Yet if you argue against something a party is doing you are grouped in with the others who have. In the same Facebook comments I talked about earlier when I confronted the poster on why he was so stern with me and why he seemed so upset that I had a differing opinion he admitted he was tired of people calling his side this and that. Something I never did. But I was accused of it because I was seen as the other side. Again we see everyone on the other side as the cartoon character of what we think they are and the sins of one are the sins off all.<br>
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I love a good debate. I have had my opinion changed on several subjects in the last year by people who have truly thought out their position and made great arguments to me. I find that these people are also open to what I have to say. They are usually so versed in the subject that they can argue my point as well as I can because they have studied it from all angles. If you enter in a debate with me come with a level of skepticism. Enough that allows you to test my beliefs against yours as I try to do with yours against mine. Do not try to manipulate the conversation with politically correct terms. If you speak the truth, if you know your argument, you don't need to control the conversation. Most people cannot handle a deep conversation without letting emotions get the best of them and then you will soon hear conversation enders. These are the phrases once used must end a conversation. Most of them are name calling. Some are judgments of the heart. These are words like racist and bigot. These words are used so loosely today I think their meaning has been lost. However you should end any conversation with someone who uses them. It's manipulation and insulting. If you think you can have a kind and factual conversation then we may have a great debate.<br>
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Even after this election we still will need to work on filling the divide that is tearing us apart. I have put together some things I believe and try to follow in order to keep civility between myself and those I encounter today. I must say it doesn't always work. People believe what they want and no matter how much love and understanding you show they will do and think what they want. I have never felt bad after loosing a friend on Facebook or in life over political beliefs because I know I did my best to be fair and respectful. <br>
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I do not use labels to describe people unless they first describe themselves by the label.</div>
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I will not react out of anger.</div>
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I move with positive motion by being for something and not just against something. </div>
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I will not engage with people who are angry, bitter, and only argument skill is name calling or shouting you down. By doing so you only empower their voice.</div>
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I will not vote or support someone that does not exemplify my values no matter how much they may share my goals for the country.</div>
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I will not pit one group of people against another. I do not believe that kindness/help to one group at the expense of another.</div>
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I will not engage those who believe they know the motives of the heart just because they disagree with a opinion or philosophy.</div>
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I wont like and share memes and news stories that attack, contain exaggerated falsehoods and are fact less. </div>
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I listen to facts and not emotions. Emotions usually direct you in the wrong direction. </div>
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I refuse to go over the cliff with everyone else and follow even those I agree with blindly. We really need to remove the fog of partisanship from our eyes.</div>
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Its a time for healing. We need to move forward. If the person we hope wins doesn't, we cannot be sore looses. If our choice wins, we need to be gracious and reach out to those who are feeling left behind and not counted. Start reaching for those things that you can agree upon. Party has become more important than family and friends. In a resent survey 7% of people have ended their friendships over this election. We are all brothers and sisters on this planet and we need to realize humanity is more important than politics. </div>
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Taking the route to healing will not be easy It's easy to stand when you stand together as a group but you may need to stand alone with your principles and the truth and that can be a lonely place, but it's where the strong leaders stand and it's where those who really make a difference are. It's time to stand and let the healing begin. </div>
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Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-6104331807667956622016-07-10T19:44:00.001-07:002016-07-10T19:44:38.573-07:00There must be LOVE for LOVE to win I'm sure I'm not different than anyone else who has logged into any social media platform in the last few days. Our news feed is full of stories of great tragedy. We read these stories and shake our heads. We wonder what is happening to us and what kind of place are we leaving for our children. We also see posts from our friends and family, pages we follow and others we watch from a far and we see all types of comments. Some inspiring and uplifting. Some ask for prayers and some show compassion for the victims. But so many tell a different story. So many are full of outrage and anger. <br />
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To some extent I understand these posts. We are all angry to some extent. We all feel like we are not being heard but most of all we all feel like we are being attacked, and that's because we are. We have come to a place where attacking someone is common place. In fact, it's almost become our duty. We have come to a place where we believe we are fighting a just fight and those who stand in the way must be taken down. We are also not only happy to take them down but we are proud when we do. We celebrate the destruction of individuals who do nothing more than view the world differently than us. It seems harmless enough when it's someone high profile. A politician, they are all scum lairs anyway right? A celebrity with a platform to speak their mind. Take them down! Ruin their life! Take away their ability to earn a living! It's OK we tell ourselves. They have money, just go away. We somehow believe our opinion is superior to theirs and our takes precedent over theirs. <br />
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Our hearts have become so cold that it extends to faceless people on the computer. We argue with strangers in the comments sections of news articles and the glow of the screen makes us brave. We insult and point fingers. We make fun of and worse yet, hope they are met with some horrible tragedy. We leave facts and common sense behind because we cannot let the other get the best of us. We have become a nation of hate. <br />
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We can see it in our political system. The people we choose to represent us in the highest office are the best examples of who we have become. One attacks anyone who he feels attacks him, and the other sees half the voting population at the enemy. Oh the cheers when they proclaim that they will put the other in their place. Yes we want to see those we agree with fail, because that means we win, or does it.<br />
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This weekend I made the mistake on the comment section of a friend on Facebook. One of the comments on a post she shared was ironic. The person made several rude comments about a few groups of people and told the poster that her life was messed up. (I cleaned it up) Then in the last sentence he wrote. Be nice. I laughed so hard at the irony that I had to point it out. This then unleashed a rant from the original poster. What struck me as odd is that this person wrote such strange things that he believes I am. He does not know me but assumes all types of things about me through association with the original poster. He sees me as this cartoon version of what he thinks I might be and yet he is so far off. Yet that is where we are. We only see each other as this or that. We don't care how you got to this because I am that and that makes you wrong. <br />
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All this talk about love winning is great. It makes us feel good and it gets tons of likes and shares. But it does nothing. Until we start living out love then love will never win. Love does not mean agreeing. Love does not mean you approve. What love does, is in the face of those you disagree with most, listens, tries to understand why there is a difference, tries to find the common ground and then stands with that person wherever that is. Penn Jillette, an atheist, understands that Christians believe in salvation and considers it an insult if a Christian doesn't try to save him. He thinks they are full of it, but he understands why you would try. That is compassion. That is LOVE!<br />
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If we want love to win then we need to practice it. It can only start with ourselves. We always want to convince others that they need to change. That they need to be more like...us. But we can only change ourselves and the best way to change others is to live it out ourselves. Love can win and it must but it must exist first and it can only start with you. Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-16220326280302272912016-05-21T11:06:00.000-07:002016-05-21T12:29:40.818-07:00Prince, Music & a Fan<div dir="ltr">
To those who don't really know me you may not know that I am a Prince fan. Those who do know it, probably know it more than they care to. I have been a fan since 1982. I had heard 1999 and Little Red Corvette. (I thought the song was about the car back then). I had the 45's and liked them and the b-sides. Then came Delirious. I heard that single on the radio and my fate was sealed, I became a Prince fan. I knew nothing about the man or even if Prince was his name or the name of the group, I just knew this music was talking to me. I would record my records on to a cassette so I could play them in my Sounddesign boombox. I wore out the 60 minute tape I made with Michael Jackson on one side and Prince on the other. The Prince side received more play and contained the six songs from the three Prince singles I owned. 1999, Little Red Corvette, and Delirious. Plus the b-sides How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore, All The Critics Love You In New York, and Horny Toad. I didn't know what it was that I was attracted to at the time but something about those songs moved me more than any other songs I had ever heard, and I had heard a lot of songs. My dad had worked in radio and we had a music collection of about 10,000 records in the house. </div>
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Enter the 1999 album. The forth single was released and I loved it too. The b-side was funky. It had great drums and bass that grooved me from the inside. I thought I need to get this album, I like four of the songs on it I bet I will like more. I remember riding my bike to K-mart where I found the album that cost a bit more than the usual album. It was a double record set! I could not wait to get home and put it on the turntable. The needle hit the record and that slowed down voice came through my headphones. I sat back, read the lyrics along with the songs and checked out the albums art work. 1999 taught me about music. I soon realized songs could be longer than the standard radio play. 1999, Delirious, Let's Pretend Were Married, were exciting as I heard what the radio would never play. Everything about that album was so cool. The hidden backwards letters on the front cover and gone was the standard record label but in it's place was a close up of Prince's eye and a hole dead center were you would place it on the turntable. But most of all it included the now famous "Produced, Arranged, Composed and Performed by Prince". This was one guy and he not only wrote all of this he is playing every instrument! Everything you hear is one guy? This blew my mind. </div>
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Enter 1984. I remember driving in the car when they announced a new song by Prince was coming up. When Doves Cry played and I didn't know what to think. It was different. In fact I thought kind of weird sounding. It was like nothing else on the radio and nothing like the 1999 album. They said it was off the soundtrack to Prince's upcoming movie. Soon after the album was released and I sat down, put my headphones on and heard that opening line..."Dearly Beloved..." This album was so different. It rocked. It was missing the funky bass (except on Baby I'm a Star) and gone was the chicken scratching guitars. They were replaced with power cords and roaring solos. Gone was some of the studio tricks and it was replaced with a live band sound. Same guy but a whole different flavor. I was used to artists keeping with their sound. The cars sounded like the cars every time I heard them. Being a fan of this guy was going to be fun.</div>
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Enter the back catalog. I then started purchasing all of Prince's older albums. I worked my way backwards and I loved them all. Each album having their own flavor. I was inspired by the fact he performed all these songs himself. His guitar playing on Purple Rain, his bass on Let's Work, and his drum programming skills. Not to mention keyboards and piano. Oh, did I mention he can sing too? </div>
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Enter Purple Rain. When I finally saw the movie I was already very familiar with the soundtrack but the story that tied those songs together in the film hit home. My parents were fighting and I had a very strained relationship with my dad. I felt like it reflected what I was going through only I didn't play guitar. In the movie Prince's home life was affecting his career and my home life was affecting my school work and me personally. The song Purple Rain made me nearly cry every time I heard it just because of the opening line. I too never meant to bring anyone sorrow but somehow I seemed to do just that.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nude Tour Rehearsal May 6, 1990</td></tr>
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Over the next years Prince released more and more interesting albums and a couple of movies. I was able to see him live in Minneapolis for a dress rehearsal concert for the Nude Tour. Tickets were ten dollars. I loved buying each new album on the day of release. While my friends waited years in between the releases of their favorite artist I was busy buying his next album, single for the b-side, long play record or something from an associated artist that Prince produced or wrote for. In the days before YouTube I had to set up the VCR to record MTV or Friday night videos to catch the latest video. There was always something going on. </div>
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Prince taught me about breaking the rules. Prince found other ways to get music to his fans. Crystal Ball was ordered through the internet. The first thing I ordered online. He made more money going around the traditional record company route. </div>
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I was lucky to have had several "Prince" experiences. He opened a club in Minneapolis called Glam Slam. I remember looking at his motorcycle and Purple Rain outfit while music pulsed. Up above was a VIP area and I kept thinking he was going to appear and the DJ would play some new unreleased song. I shopped at his New Power Generation store in Uptown. We were taken to a room upstairs and were shown the unreleased video for Dolphin. They also brought out Prince's model C guitar. Did I ever want to grab that and run out of the store with it. Prince opened his studio a few times and I was able to tour it. When no one was looking I touched the famous Purple Rain motorcycle sometimes feeling like a 13 year old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. The thing that got me the most was when we were standing in a studio they pointed out his famous Linn drum machine and said that the soundboard was from his house. I reached out and touched it and was in awe as these were the tools that made the 1999 album and that made me a fan. On one tour a sound engineer asked if anyone knew how to play the drums. I can somewhat but did not want to embarrass myself in front of these professionals so I stayed quiet. All they wanted was for someone to go into the studio and play for a bit so the rest of the tour could hear what it sounded like. Talk about a missed opportunity. I turned down playing Prince's drums in his studio.</div>
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Over the years I was able to see Prince live three more times. I have seen The Time live. I watched Prince's dad drive past me in his purple BMW. I have had a couple of email exchanges with St. Paul Peterson of The Time & The Family and one with Dr. Matt Fink of the Revolution. So to say his passing affected me is an understatement. It's a weird thing because we never met and our "relationship" was one sided. He had no idea who I was but he was a big part of my life. He was my soundtrack.</div>
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What I am going to miss is getting the new CD on the day it releases. I. Going to miss the live performances. I wish my kids would have seen him live so they knew what real musicians looked like instead of the prerecorded lip sync that goes on today.</div>
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Prince has still taught me after his death. His charitable work has come to light a lot in the past month. Although I do not believe I would agree with him politically most of the time I love the fact that he did what he could to help others and didn't spend him time telling us how we were wrong for not thinking like him. I wish more celebrities would follow that example. In fact more of us should put that energy to work in the fashion Prince did maybe just maybe the world will be a better place.</div>
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Prince, you will be missed here but heaven just got a lot funkier.</div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-86115191507490029262016-02-14T15:15:00.001-08:002016-02-14T15:32:41.111-08:00Tragedy in Fargo On my podcast The Timo Show I interview guests from all over the world. On of the first things I usually ask them is "Have you been to Fargo North Dakota?" I ask this question for two reasons. One it is an easy way to ease them into the interview. An ice breaker of sorts. But I also ask it because it is where I am from. I was born and raised here and I love it here. Sometimes I dream about going somewhere else especially when the temperatures are below zero which happens quite often.<br />
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The thing about Fargo is that we are a close community. We are as close as a city our size can be. When tragedy strikes we come together to help one another like no other place I can think of. Last Wednesday Feb 10th our city experienced a tragedy. For the first time since 1882 a police office was shot and killed by a deranged man. Officer Jason Moszer, a six-year police veteran with a wife and two children, died from a single gunshot wound. The news shocked our community and pulled at our hearts when we thought about his widow and his children. Office Moszer was indeed a hero. Not just because he put on the uniform but because he lived it. In 2012 Moszer and officer Matthew Sliders were awarded the department’s Silver Star Medal for pulling two children from an apartment fire. Office Moszer is just one of the many men and women who run to danger when most of us would run from it. Office Moszer's life was taken because he chose to be one of our protectors.</div>
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The effects of this day will linger on. For some of us it will only last as long as the stories keep appearing in the papers. For some it will last longer. There are those who will feel the effect of this day in everything they do for the rest of their lives. The wife and children of the officer, The wife and children of the gunman, The officers, the extended family, the friends and co workers, the list goes on and on. It can even have an effect on the generation that follows. </div>
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We live in a time that people actually cheer for and hope for the death of the men and women in blue. There were 5 officers killed in the line of duty on Feb 10th. Four in shootings. I feel I need not say more. </div>
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Yes, the city of Fargo has had many emotions flow though it since Office Moszer was killed. We come together, we all say a prayer, and we all shed a tear. I joke with my guests that they may not want to visit Fargo when the temps are below the freezing point. I say you will not be able to handle the cold. But I also wonder if they could handle the amount of compassion and love this community shows because I believe that Fargo is truly one of the last great places left. </div>
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Thank you Officer Moszer, and thank you Moszer family for their is no greater love than to give your life for another and Officer Moszer did just that. </div>
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-5679141386707357272015-11-01T17:10:00.000-08:002015-11-01T17:10:31.334-08:00Police Lives Matter This morning here in Fargo we had an incident where a man sat in his car in a church parking lot. That in it's self is not a problem but he was threatening to kill himself. Before to long the police, sheriffs department, fire and ambulance were all on the scene. For two hours the police talked with the man trying to talk him down. Trying to save his life. The man how ever could not be saved and he finally pulled the trigger of the rifle that he had in the vehicle with him. <br />
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In the last year we have seen the police criticized and all of their actions criticized. The fact is that over 99% of all arrests are made with no incident. The police must act with the knowledge of a lawyer, act as a paramedic, be diplomatic, handle the intoxicated, the stubborn, settle disputes and uphold the integrity of the uniform while doing it. They are our protectors and run towards trouble while we run away.<br />
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I do not know the details of the suicide today but I think that it is safe to assume that several officers witnessed this man take his own life today. The effects of that act would haunt most anyone yet this is the type of thing our officers see all the time. They see the terrible things we are capable of and yet are expected to be perfect. My heart goes out to those officers who witnessed that today. I hope they don't suffer with the guilt that may run around in their mind asking questions about if they said the right thing or not. <br />
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Our officers need our prayers not our hatred. Are there bad cops. Sure. There are bad doctors, mayors and teachers. But most cops are good and we need to quit blaming all police officers for the actions of a very few. God bless our protectors and God bless their families who loan us their loved ones to keep us safe. Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1752043235373178396.post-86020693760259442042015-08-23T13:46:00.000-07:002015-08-23T13:46:36.733-07:00Growing Up Nobody "Growing Up Nobody" is the title I chose for my first book. The book was at times an easy thing to write because it's all about my life. I didn't need to create any characters or story lines they were all there for me. But at the same time it was very hard to write. It took me back to places I would rather forget. As I wrote about the intense fighting between my dad and myself I could feel the pain from the mistreatment I would receive. It wouldn't take long before I would feel just as I did on those nights when he would push open the door to my room and start yelling at me for being me. I could hear the voices of the kids in school who called me names all for their own enjoyment. I could feel the anger building up inside of me again.<br />
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For many years I felt so much anger and anyone in the world was a part of the problem. I felt all alone and that nobody had my back. Even those who were closest to my situation never placed their hand out when I was knocked down. Like a fighter in a ring who refuses to give up I would get back up to my feet. Sometimes fast and sometimes slow, but it was done under my own power. Even when my legs were shaking and I didn't think I had the power I got back up. I stood up. I looked the world in the eye and refused to accept defeat. <br />
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You do not have to accept defeat either. You can face the world and get up again and again. God does not give us more than we can handle. In our minds we do not believe we can keep on. I know I felt that many times myself. More than once in my life I considered ending it. But here I stand on the other side and I can tell you, I made it! I have blessing I would have never imagined. I have a wife that loves me, three wonderful children, a successful business, friends and a great church community. The trials you face can seem like a mountain. They can seem like a long dark tunnel with no light at the other end. But there is. God has promised us this. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)</b></i></span> We all have that promise. You get that promise. <br />
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When I went through my trials I did not know God loved me. In fact I wondered why he would let me hurt to much. I'm sure you have asked the same question at times. I do not know why except for I needed those trials to become the man I am today. I guess God knew that I would make it. That I would be better for it and that I would be able to tell me story to help encourage others. I do just that in my book. I opened up some wounds for all to see in hopes that someone will see a little something of themselves and begin to see that light at the end of the tunnel. Hope is real. God is real. His promise is real. <br />
Tim "Timo" Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02369769002647886919noreply@blogger.com0