Monthly Archives: January 2007

Dog for hire

Perhaps you have heard about cancer-sniffing dogs. Scientists have been astounded to learn that some dogs can be trained to sniff out cancer. Well, we have done them one better.
We offer the world’s first cold-sniffing dog. Here is how this revolutionary animal works: The cold-sniffing dog will arrive at your house shortly after we receive your call. He’s happy to run over, but we can drive him if you prefer (he tends to run in circles). Be sure to call us at the first sign of a sniffle to take full advantage of this offer. Our dog will confirm or refute your cold suspicions. Simply blow your nose in a tissue, throw the tissue in a waste basket that is accessible to the dog, and leave the dog unattended. If the dog grabs everything out of the waste basket, tears it to shreds, and flings it about your home, you do indeed have a cold. If not, congratulations! You are not sick!*
While we do not yet fully understand the technology behind the cold-detecting dog, we guarantee that it works. If you’re not fully satisfied, we will provide a refund.**

*Please note that the dog only sniffs out colds. His failure to find a cold does not guarantee you are healthy. You may have dizziness, nausea, headache, dry-mouth, breast tenderness, or constipation.
**Refund does not include cleaning of your tissue-strewn home.

I fear their end is near

I walk or jog through our neighborhood nearly every day, so I recognize all the other joggers and walkers in our area. During the past couple days, I’ve noticed a surge in jogging enthusiasts. People who I have never seen before are huffing and puffing down the sidewalks. I call these people The Resolutions.

I think it’s great that so many people want to be healthier and improve their lives, but some of these people need some help on their journey. As we drove home today, a 50-something man crossed our path. He probably hadn’t run far yet, but he was straining, wearing some sweats that hadn’t seen the light of day since 1984. And that is his problem. Not the fact that he might not have exercised for the past three years, but rather, his decision to wear sweatpants and a sweatshirt when it was 65 degrees outside.

I jog all the time, but I know I would have been dying too if I had been dressed like that. Sure, it seems like a good idea when you first step out the door, but 75 steps later you feel the sweat beading on your forehead, your clothes clinging to every crevice on your body, and you start to wonder if you even have enough energy to turn around and walk home.

That man will probably give up his exercise regimen in another week or two. The poor guy defeated himself before he ever got out the door. But he’s not alone. I see Resolutions all over the place with the best of intentions but a lack of common sense. Maybe that’s the problem with Americans these days…too many clothes. If you get out there half-naked and you’re freezing to death, well, then you have reason to run. And fast.

Crosswords with Ggreg

I got a couple books of crossword puzzles for Christmas, and they’ve been popular with Greg’s family. Greg’s sister and her husband, who both have advanced English degrees, were instrumental in solving many of the puzzles. I’m not sure why an English degree would be helpful — afterall, these puzzles are a collection of random information — but it was. The one weak link on our team was the guy with the engineering degree.

While the rest of us struggled to find the right word, Greg created the right word.

Clue: Take small bites

Greg’s answer: Nible

Clue: Host city for 2000 Olympics

Greg’s answer: Sidney

Sure, Greg might have finished the puzzles first. But does anyone know what rhrdd means?