Sometimes things fall into the category of “it’s funny because nobody died.” Those same things usually are also in the “I wish I could have been there to see it” category. A 4500-psi air tank becoming a missile? That fits the bill.

Ironically, the air tank was loosed as a result of a poorly-executed safety demonstration.

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)

It seems that green tea is unhealthy in large quantities. At first, I was concerned, since I’ve been on something of a tea kick lately. Then I discovered that “large quantities” meant “more than 10 cups a day.” Whew!

The office provides a plethora of teas for employee caffeination, so I indulge. In truth, I haven’t drunk much green tea lately. Instead, I’ve gotten my fix from Good Earth’s Original Blend. Mmm. Good stuff. I think the Brits are onto something with their afternoon tea…

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)

The stock market has an annual rate of return of 10%, so says popular belief. That’s great for pretty charts, but don’t bet your retirement on it.

The problem is that while the long-term average return might be 10%, the return in a particular period might be significantly different. Dr. Sam Savage wrote an excellent article on this topic. As he points out, retirement-year choice can be crucial.

[Figure: A fund can fail even with above-average returns (source)]

Unfortunately, the article is a bit light on practical responses. One possibility: save more, spend less.

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)

From my work email inbox this morning:

On Monday, April 30th, a Verizon LG cell phone was turned in to the Front Desk.  It has been run over, but it did ring a couple of times.  Unfortunately, as it is locked we were unable to answer the calls.  The screen is broken, so we also couldn’t see the phone number.

If you are missing your cell phone and this could be yours, please come to the front desk.  Thank you.

I’ve owned cell phones that I’ve wanted to run over,  but the worst I’ve ever done was accidentally running a StarTac through a washing machine.

In a previous, partially-hidden post, I was a bit callous while discussing the pending death of my maternal grandfather. Well, he passed away Monday morning, and I attended his funeral today in Bemidji. I grieved.

The funeral mass really rubbed me the wrong way, primarily because of the presiding priest, but I’ll say no more publicly on that topic.

In light of my teary-eyed mourning at the funerals of people I knew at an acquaintance level, I fear I will be an emotional disaster when I’m at a funeral of somebody I knew intimately.

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)