RealKansas

He'll Say Anything

2012-01-26T13:20:00.002-06:00

Newt Gingrich wants to colonize the Moon. He wants an American moon station. He would have this in place by 2020, presumably at the end of his second term as President of these great states. Which is the greater fantasy, moon station or second term? Second term, of course, because the idea of a first term is preposterous.

Newt promised the moon, quite literally, to a crowd at Cape Canaveral, Florida, where the space program is in hiatus until a new launch vehicle can be developed. It's unfortunate that the federal government's finances are tight and the Florida folks who have enjoyed the bonanza of the space program's largess are seeing their gravy train dry up. Perhaps, if our country hadn't depleted its resources by two unfunded and unnecessary foreign wars, more money would have been available to hasten the next generation of space vehicles into production. But, as things stand, space stations are a lower priority than paying down the massive debt caused by wars, tax cuts, a recession and obstructionism.

Mischief Afoot

2012-01-19T10:02:00.003-06:00

The Kansas legislature is back in session and there's mischief afoot. A prime example is the bill to allow exemption from immunizations based on the personal belief of a parent that vaccinations for contagious diseases are potentially harmful. Kansas already provides for an exemption based on religious beliefs, but taking the step towards nullification of the law is crazy. Sure, there are other "crazy" states, 20 in all, that have a personal belief exemption- so Kansas joining them would not swell their ranks. If this bill is passed into law, we might as well throw out legitimate science and ignore sound medical advice. Be prepared for sob stories about deceased babies who contracted a fatal infection from a playmate.

Misguided Missive

2011-12-07T17:40:00.003-06:00

Danedri Herbert's article, "Don't be shocked when the trash police arrive", which appeared in the new KC Star's '913' magazine on December 7, 2011, is misguided. She blames Johnson County Environmental Department employees for new solid waste management regulations that will require recycling as an included refuse collection service and special handling of yard wastes to decrease the volume of refuse in the landfill that the county contracts with Deffenbaugh to provide. Ms Herbert's article advocates shooting the messenger, deriding county employees as behaving like Chicken Little who infamously made a false claim that the sky was falling.

The main problem with her interpretation of the conditions leading to the new solid waste regulations is that they were adopted by our elected officials for good reason. The fact is that solid waste is both measurable and predictable. Unless action is taken to reduce its volume, increased costs for new disposal facilities will be required sooner than later, which will translate into higher solid waste collection and disposal costs. The elected officials understand this and acted accordingly. Residents need to do the same.

Personally, although I am a Johnson County resident, these new regulations will barely affect me. My refuse service fee will go up $18 per year, which probably would have happened sooner or later anyway. I already separate my recyclables fr0m other household refuse and both are collected for one monthly fee. I don't collect grass clippings and I do compost the leaves that I collect from my yard. The other yard wastes: flower bed clippings, twigs and similar plant debris that don't compost well go in bio-degradable paper bags, rather than plastic bags, for collection starting next year,. There will be no need for trash police or environmental lectures as Ms Herbert suggests; not for me or any other county resident, because compliance with the changes will be an easy adjustment.

It's true that much education is needed to increase recycling on the part of residents who don't bother to do it. I guess it's parallel to the seat-belt usage problem. But, unfortunately Ms Herbert's article won't contribute to a better world. The inflammatory words and phrases that she uses to obscure the need for positive action to protect the environment and to provide urban amenities poorly serve the residents of Johnson County. But, in a conservative place like this, if you want to resonate with the vox populi, invoking images of bureaucrats, misinformed elected officials, befuddled residents, beleaguered businesses, and excessive regulations, that's what you write. One can only hope that future articles in '913' by Ms Herbert will be more temperate and reasonable.

Kobach's Sidelines

2011-12-07T17:17:00.002-06:00

Steve Rose in the new KC Star News Magazine for Johnson County decries Kris Kobach's income from sources outside of his Kansas Secretary of State office. Steve's point is that the work ethic of one holding a major state office is questionable when outside income is substantial and may even exceed the state salary. But, it's not illegal. That's why Kansas House Minority Leader Paul Davis is said to have introduced a bill to curb outside employment by state-wide officers or department heads. Steve says the need for the bill points out the abuse and bad precedent associated with Kobach's law practice and other consulting efforts. However, the fact that the Statement of Financial Interests, which the Secretary of State and other state officers are required to file, mandates reporting of outside income is a backhanded endorsement of outside work income. All the more reason for new restrictions on outside work.

Newt's Ethics

2011-10-19T06:34:00.003-05:00

During the GOP TV showcase staged by who knows, Newt Gingrich said faith “absolutely” matters, arguing that one can’t have sound judgment without faith. Bull.

Tell that to Sam Harris. Or Richard Dawkins. Or for that matter, any number of thinking persons.

Careless Talk

2011-09-19T14:30:00.003-05:00

I've heard some conservatives refer to Obama's 'minimum tax on the millionaires' proposal as "class warfare". That's careless talk. Class warfare is exemplified by the French Revolution, the Russian Revolution, the street battles of the Arab Spring, and urban American riots of the 19th and 20th centuries, not by a tax proposal that would still have the millionaires paying less than has been the historical norm. Conservatives should stop the outrageous language, else if and when true "class warfare" ever erupts, no one will heed their alarm. Actually, Obama's proposal might help prevent class warfare.

Pass the Jobs Bill

2011-09-09T08:57:00.007-05:00

I listened to Obama's joint session speech. I liked what I heard. I agree with the proposals to grow jobs. Congress needs to do what Obama said. "Pass the American Jobs Act right away."

Americans should realize that if the President fails, the country fails. Is this what the Republican party wants, failure? If we can't learn from history, what will provide the lesson that creates recovery from this deep recession. A failed Presidency got is into this mess. A successful President Obama can get us out of it.

Senator McConnell was quoted in the news media as saying that Obama's jobs proposal is merely a re-election plan. When that statement comes from a man who has said that the goal of the Republican party is to make President Obama fail, I have serious doubts about a Republican controlled House of Representatives passing tht American Jobs bill. Let's hope I'm wrong, because if Obama fails, America fails. The stakes couldn't be higher.

Presidents and the Economy

2011-09-01T15:31:00.003-05:00

President Obama’s critics complain that he has not revived the economy from its recent recession. Unemployment hovers at 9 percent. Job creation is minimal compared to the number of new jobs needed for available workers. Never mind that the U.S. economy enjoys: good business profits, corporations with hefty cash assets, robust securities markets, building permit gains, and other positive indicators of economic health; President Obama is deemed by his critics to be personally at fault for a tepid recovery. Besides the critics, plenty of pundits, pollsters, professors, protesters, and politicians ascribe power over the economy to the President. Truth is: the President alone has no power over the nation’s economy, let alone the global one. Actually, the domestic and the global economy’s condition is the result of complex economic actions by a multiplicity of entities engaging in a multitude of behaviors, not the singular policies or practices of the “leader of the free world”. Sadly, the myth of Presidential power to rule the economy for better or worse is accepted as gospel. Let’s dispense with this falsity. Instead, we should acknowledge shared responsibility for the economy’s health and not saddle any President with an impossible burden.

Presidents and the Economy

2011-09-01T15:31:00.002-05:00

President Obama’s critics complain that he has not revived the economy from its recent recession. Unemployment hovers at 9 percent. Job creation is minimal compared to the number of new jobs needed for available workers. Never mind that the U.S. economy enjoys: good business profits, corporations with hefty cash assets, robust securities markets, building permit gains, and other positive indicators of economic health; President Obama is deemed by his critics to be personally at fault for a tepid recovery. Besides the critics, plenty of pundits, pollsters, professors, protestors, and politicians ascribe power over the economy to the President. Truth is: the President alone has no power over the nation’s economy, let alone the global one. Actually, the domestic and the global economy’s condition is the result of complex economic actions by a multiplicity of entities engaging in a multitude of behaviors, not the singular policies or practices of the “leader of the free world”. Sadly, the myth of Presidential power to rule the economy for better or worse is accepted as gospel. Let’s dispense with this falsity. Instead, we should acknowledge shared responsibility for the economy’s health and not saddle any President with an impossible burden.

Pickle Recipe

2011-08-25T14:01:00.002-05:00

For this recipe use 50 large to 75 small cucumbers. The recipe writer added: "I like to double or triple the recipe,as since it is about as easy to fix a large amount as a small amount."

Wash cucumbers and cover with a brine made by adding 1 pint of salt to 1 gallon of water. Let solution stand for 1 week, skim off as necessary. Next, drain well and cover with boiling water to which has been added 1 tablespoon of alum. Let stand 24 hours, then drain. After several hours or when dry, split large cucumbers into halves . Cover again with boiling water and let stand for 24 hours. Drain again for several hours or until dry.

Put cucumbers (which will now be referred to as pickles) into a stone jar (or jars) and cover with following solution:

2 pieces of ginger root

1/2 of stick Cinnamon

6 cups of sugar

5 cups of vinegar

Bring solution to boil and add to pickles. Pour off and reheat vinegar every day for one week. Add 1 cup sugar, each day, for the first 3 days. Finish rest of time without adding more sugar.

Pack pickles in jars and fill each jar with the boiling liquid on the last day and seal. Celery salt may be added, if desired.

Note: After reading through this recipe and thinking of the logistics of following it, isn't it wonderful that you can go to the grocery store and choose from a wide selection of pickles in a variety of sizes, shapes and containers. Ain't progress great?

Education Funding in Kansas

2011-08-25T13:38:00.003-05:00

Cuts in funding of Kansas public schools and universities are devastating the excellence that has been the standard for decades. Reduced state funding has occurred because of reduced revenues as a result of the 2007-08 Recession. The reduction of tax rates carried out by conservatives over the past decade or more has compounded the reduction in revenues. Resistance to increasing income taxes (and thus revenue) in order to provide adequate funding for education has been expressed as “job-killing”, if done during a recession. Well, although the recovery is not over, the recession is over. Sales tax was increased temporarily in 2010 to avoid drastic cuts in educational funding. Sales tax kills sales, which in turn kills jobs. But never mind that, because the sales tax increase did not hurt the “job creators” like it did the folks who are “job fillers”. As soon as the temporary sales tax increase expires, income taxes should be raised to the extent required to fund fully the educational needs of the state. Property taxes could also stand a modest increase to fund educational needs that localities want to enhance education above minimum state standards.

In addition to providing adequate revenue, expenditures by school districts and universities should be closely monitored to insure efficient and economical operation. Particularly, district central office and higher education administration staffing and non-instructional activities such as community relations, athletics, transportation, food service and building maintenance should be scrutinized closely for any possible cost-savings. Structural reorganization of school districts and institutions of higher education should be actively pursued to eliminate duplication of services and excessive overhead. Consolidation of school districts and duplicated small enrollment major programs are examples of specific cost-saving targets. I support a stronger role for the Department of Education and Regents in oversight and assistance to educators to achieve monetary savings. Particularly troubling is the apparent duplication of the K-11 on-line instruction program that diverts scarce resources to home-schooling. Distance-learning programs that increase educational resources available to sparsely populated areas should be expanded for cost-savings.

Homemade Mayonnaise

2011-07-18T18:19:00.002-05:00

Tired of store bought mayonnaise? OK, make your own! Here's how. Sounds simple enough.

Ingredients:

Eggs, well beaten, 2 ea

Mustard (Prepared), 1 tablespoon

Sugar 1, tablespoon

Vinegar, 1 cup

Sweetened condensed milk, 1 can

Instructions:

Pour vinegar over eggs beating all the time. Then, add sugar and milk in the same manner. Next, add prepared mustard. Makes about 1 quart. Refrigerate.

Letter About Debt Ceiling to Congressman Kevin Yoder

2011-07-14T15:07:00.002-05:00

If Congress fails to increase the debt ceiling, I am very concerned about the effect lack of action would have on the investment markets which in most portfolios are not fully recovered from losses in 2008.

Increasing the debt ceiling does not create new Federal spending; it simply permits payment of interest on debt already incurred, which unfortunately requires borrowing to finance. If Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling, U.S. Treasury obligations will be in default with serious adverse consequences for investment portfolios.

I deplore deficit spending as a standard practice and believe it should not occur. But, holding the debt ceiling hostage to change this practice is not the way to balance the budget for on-going government programs. Debt financing is only prudent for infrastructure investments which should always be considered in a cost-benefit context.

Balancing the budget can only be achieved by scaling back current spending financed by general tax revenues until they are equivalent. Spending for new programs should be authorized only when tax revenues are available through whatever means to maintain a balanced budget. To achieve this, Congress will have to make hard decisions on the viability of Federal programs and fund only the most worthy. With 435 Congresspersons and 100 Senators working in numerous committees aided by seemingly innumerable staff, line-item review of the budget should be possible.

If the debt ceiling is not approved in a timely manner and serious investment losses occur on that account, every member of Congress should be held personally responsible for the losses.

President Obama’s Faults

2011-07-08T13:53:00.003-05:00

So far every Republican who has announced his or her candidacy for President has blasted President Obama by spewing out a litany of alleged faults. I suppose they do this to demonstrate to the GOP faithful that, as a candidate, they will go after President Obama with fervor. Well, despite all the patently untrue things that the likes of Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are claiming President Obama has done in the past, is presently doing or will do in the future, they don’t know the half of it. So, before candidates yet to be announced invent more crap about President Obama, let’s set the record straight with the true dirt on the man.

President Obama is a vampire. He sucks blood from his victims and leaves them among the undead. President Obama provided, in the Affordable Health Care Act, that no government paid medical care will be available to a victim of a vampire, thus ensuring that the victim remain among the undead. It’s a plan to get votes, because an undead person does not have to pay taxes, but can still vote if they are registered in Chicago.

President Obama cheats at sports like basketball and golf. When keeping his score, he conveniently forgets a third putt, does not count a mulligan for a shot that landed deep in the rough or out of bounds and ignores duffs. By shaving points, President Obama alleges to shoot in the low 80s, a respectable showing for someone who plays infrequently. Except President Obama is actually a frequent golfer, using his position as President for free golf at military golf courses, the Army/Navy Country Club and other private links around the USA. In basketball, his height is an unfair advantage that he exploits by also being able to jump

President Obama is a wife beater. Michelle Obama is the frequent target of outrageous physical attacks that leave her body bruised and swollen. Fortunately, she is nearly the same size as President Obama and is able to return his onslaughts, blow for blow. Because Michelle has amazing powers of regeneration and healing, the bruises and swelling that his beatings inflict are invisible after an overnight rest. This regenerative power as a vampire victim also qualifies Michelle as one of the X-squad.

President Obama is an alcoholic. He has a pint flask of quadruple distilled vodka hidden in his inside suit coat pocket. From the container a clear plastic tube leads to his lips, so he can take a swig any time he pleases. The tube is disguised as a microphone lead wire that he could plug into a podium amplifier. That’s why he makes so many speeches. The amount of alcohol consumed during a speech depends on how many teleprompters are in front of the podium to hide his sucking motions.

President Obama’s feet stink. The foul odor is produced by copious feet sweating. He refuses to put odor eaters in his shoes, because he believes they interfere with his ability to side-step questions with the agility that a frequent liar requires. Rather than abate the odor, he chooses to perpetuate the myth that he walks on water, a myth spawned by the constant wetness of his shoes and the squishing sound he makes. The first thing Obama does when he goes to the family quarters is wash his feet like in a Muslim ritual.

President Obama misuses Air Force One for his personal pleasure. He is notorious for donning his Air Force One jacket to flaunt his position as President of the United States. He could just as easily tell the pilot to turn up the heat so he would be comfortable in his shirt sleeves. He has even purchased monogrammed bath robes, pajamas, sweaters, socks, slippers, underwear, slacks, sleeping caps, and hoodies for himself, his family and his staff, at a cost of $500 million.

President Obama talks too much. Instead of just listening to the persons whom he contacts during his work day and nodding to confirm his understanding of their communications, he actually replies aloud to them. He feigns courtesy and interest by sharing his ideas on the subjects being discussed. Because of his high intelligence and broad vocabulary, he contributes to conversations extensively. He patiently receives their feedback just as he gives others feedback on their ideas.

If you hear or read of these faults of Obama, remember you saw it here first. I'm going to keep my ear to the ground to learn of other faults of Obama that are as baseless as these. Stay tuned.

I’m tired of hearing that spending cuts can reduce the nation’s debt

2011-06-09T20:18:00.007-05:00

I’m tired of Republicans who think they can reduce the deficit and the nation’s indebtedness through spending cuts alone. I believe that the federal government is too big. I believe it has too many employees. I believe its standards and regulations create unnecessary and excessive costs. I believe its programs are ill-designed and thus encourage fraud, waste and abuse. I believe it spends federal dollars on things that are the responsibility of state and local governments. I believe it spends American tax dollars on things that other countries should pay for themselves. I believe that social security payments should be means tested. I believe that Medicare and Medicaid costs should be reduced through greater competition in medical services. I believe that the prescription drug benefit is too generous for both pharmaceutical companies and beneficiaries. I am pretty much open to a lot of ways to reduce federal spending. But, when the money to pay the interest on the federal debt has to be borrowed, which increases the debt; when the country’s population is growing by leaps and bounds from a robust birth rate, lower death rate, and immigration of whatever legality, which requires more government services and thus spending; when our politicians are loath to alienate special constituencies by sharply cutting sacred cows like farm or other business subsidies, which frustrates the idea of reduced government spending; and when many other things can happen or conditions exist that are too many too enumerate or even identify in advance of their occurring, which never-the-less can affect the ability of well-intentioned spending cuts to reduce the annual budget deficit or the national debt, how can anyone with even a smidgen of intelligence maintain that spending cuts alone can solve the federal fiscal problem. We need to ask our conservative congressmen and political powers to get real, Grover Norquist to the contrary not withstanding, and raise taxes. It's time to pay the piper before the piper does his thing.

Banana Bread

2011-06-08T20:30:00.002-05:00

What do you do with those overly ripe bananas? If you have a couple of bananas that are showing up with dark spots and are softening so that no one wants to eat them, do you just throw them out? No. You bake some banana bread. Here's how you do it.

Ingredients

Bananas

Sifted all-purpose flour, 1-3/4 cups

Baking powder, 2 teaspoons

Soda, 1/4 teaspoon,

Salt, 1/2 teaspoon

Water, 1 cup and 2 tablespoons

Shortening, 1/3 cup

Sugar, 2/3 cup

Eggs, 2 ea

Instruction

Peel and mash bananas in a bowl with fork or potato masher.

Work shortening in a mixing bowl until cream.

Beat eggs one at a time and add one at a time to shortening.

Beat hard after each egg is added.

Stir dry ingredients and bananas alternatively into mixing bowl.

Pour batter into 5x10 bread pan.

Bake 1 hour 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

I'm Tired of the Attacks on Public Schools

2011-06-08T20:02:00.002-05:00

I'm tired of the attacks on public schools, because some people want tax money to be spent on private or parochial school education for their children. We have a great system of public schools in this country. It serves the goal of a democracy where all children receive an education that will prepare them for adult responsibilities. It serves the needs of employers who need an educated workforce that meets defined standards to provide essential workplace skills. It saddens me that public schools are under attack by a phalanx of religious right-wingers who are trying to defund public schools. As I understand it, their plan is to reduce tax support for public schools to the extent that the schools will fail and become so undesirable that most parents will be in favor of vouchers so they can afford to educate their children in parochial, private, and so-called charter schools or by home-schooling. The voucher system has been approved by some state courts as not violating the constitutional prohibition of support of religion by government. The legal reasoning that supports this decision to reduce the scarce tax resources available for public schools is apparently blind to their overall benefits. While it cannot be denied that a quality education can be achieved for some students in some non-public schools, it has not been shown that non-public schools will serve the needs of students from all economic levels and home environments. The public school system, if it has any short-comings, needs strengthening rather than weakening. Parents who want advanced learning for their children should put their talents to work to help improve public schools rather than destroy them. In this modern era, educational requirements are more complex than ever. Parents who want their children to learn about the family's religion should work with their churches to obtain this. Surely, reason will prevail.

Crab Meat and Shrimp Salad

2011-06-07T10:27:00.004-05:00

Ingredients

Medium size green pepper, 1 ea
Medium sized onion, 1 ea
Chopped celery, 1 cup
Crab meat flakes 16-1/2 oz can, 1 ea
Shrimp 7 oz can, 1 ea
Bread crumbs buttered, 1 cup
Mayonnaise, 1 cup
Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
Pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Cut and chop pepper and onion.
Combine ingredients, except crumbs.
Place in individual sea shells or greased casserole.
Sprinkle with crumbs, if baking (350 degrees for 30 minutes).
Omit crumbs when serving cold.

Comment

How many people have a sea shell, like an oyster, to serve as a serving dish? Apparently in days gone by, this was not an unusual way to serve seafood delicacies. Next time I'm in a seafood restaurant, I'm going to order a plate of raw oysters with the proviso that I can take the shells home for use in serving my guests in proper style. I guess they are dishwasher safe.

I'm Tired of the News Media

2011-06-07T10:15:00.003-05:00

I’m tired of the news media covering, as serious presidential candidates, celebrities like Donald Trump and Sarah Palin who have only blither and blather to offer, i.e., Sarah’s version of Paul Revere’s ride or The Donald wanting to see Obama’s college transcripts. Admittedly, Sarah was once on the presidential ballot with McCain, but that was an anomaly, the mistake of a man in his dotage. She was chosen to be a running mate by an erratic candidate for the wrong reason, namely to bolster his standing with the Religious Right. One mistake doesn’t mean that another should follow it. Donald Trump is a national figure of dubious notoriety who has used his personal family wealth to elevate his public profile. Even his qualifications as a businessman are questionable. To establish this assertion, I merely need to allude to the hotel that he built a hotel in Las Vegas with no assurance that he could get a casino license from the Nevada Gaming Commission. Trump has the dubious honor of being a hotel owner without a casino in the nation’s gambling mecca. That is not a money-maker by Vegas standards. Neither Palin nor Trump has the credentials for the office of President of the United States, although they possess the minimum constitutional requirements. Palin and Trump pursue publicity for personal aggrandizement, not for the opportunity of public service. So, will the news organizations please quit devoting resources to tailing these side-shows and instead direct their efforts towards a greater understanding of the qualifications and positions of legitimate candidates.

Mincemeat Cake

2011-06-06T08:54:00.002-05:00

In my grandmother Rogers recipe box, there are a number of recipes on ruled 3X5 cards. This recipe was ascribed to 'P. Smith'. On the reverse side of the card, 'Margie', my grandmother, was written. I suspect that these 3X5 card recipes were shared at grandmother's church circle or a similar ladies group, which would explain the card's uniformity.

Ingredients

Shortening, 1/2 cup
Sugar, 1-1/3 cups
Eggs, 2 ea
Mincemeat, 1 cup
Cake Flour, 2 cups
Cocoa, 1-1/2 tablespoons
Baking powder, 2 teaspoons
Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
Milk, 1/2 cup
Chopped nuts, 1/3 cup

Instructions

Cream sugar and shortening.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well.
Add heated mincemeat.
Sift dry ingredients together, add alternatively with milk.
Last, stir in nut meats.
Bake in layers and put together with fudge filling.

Comment

The recipe's surprise is the filling. Actually, any icing will do, with chocolate flavor being my preference. I imagine that this would make a standard size round cake.

I'm Tired of Talking Points

2011-06-06T08:48:00.002-05:00

I’m tired of people, left or right, endlessly repeating “talking points” that have little semblance to truth. It seems that a story always gets better from the telling. Talking points become embellished to the point that they become irrefutable dogma. One example is the GOP “talking point” that it would harm the economy if taxes on the wealthiest citizens or most profitable businesses were raised. The slim theory on which this anti-tax assertion is based is that these are the people who create jobs and taxing them more would slow job growth. If this were true, since taxes on this group haven’t been raised, there should be better job growth than we've seen lately. While it may be true that a tax increase that reduces the disposable income of a vast majority of the wage earning populace could adversely affect the economy, it remains to be seen that a tax increase on the income of the wealthiest would do likewise. A significant increase over the past several months in the price of gasoline has had the same effect to reduce the amount of disposable income available for purchases for commodities other than fuel that a general tax increase would have had. The effect of higher gas prices on the economy was not dire, but it probably has slowed the recovery. People have to some extent been able to avoid the effects of higher gas prices on their lifestyles through various means: driving less, opting for lower cost alternatives in other areas of consumption, and reducing savings/increasing debt. So, let’s get off “talking points” and let’s be truthful. Republicans should admit that they oppose increasing taxes on the rich, because they fear it will reduce the campaign contributions they receive from this segment of the electorate and it is contrary to their policy of starving government of tax revenue as a means of shrinking its role in society.

Hermit Cookies

2011-06-05T21:32:00.009-05:00

The original hand-writing was so faded I could barely read it. The type of food prepared from the recipe was particularly hard to read. I googled "hermit cookies" and, lo and behold, I hit pay dirt.

Ingredients

Cane sugar, 2 cups
Butter, 3/4 cup
Eggs, 3 ea
Cinnammon, 1 teaspoon
Cloves, 1/2 teaspoon
Nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon
Nuts, chopped (pecan) or raisins, 1/2 cup
Flour, 2-1/2 cups
Buttermilk, near 1 cup
Soda, 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Cream together shortening and sugar. Add beaten eggs and milk and mix well. Mix and sift flour, spices and baking powder. Add to first mixture and mix well. Add chopped nuts or raisins and mix thoroughly. Drop from teaspoon 2 inches apart on greased pan. Bake in moderate oven (325ºF) 15 to 20 minutes.

I'm tired of right versus left

2011-06-05T21:18:00.002-05:00

I’m tired of the politics of right versus left. Of course, the political spectrum is defined as left to right and that’s not going to change. But I’m still tired of the constant battle between the extremists at either end of the range of political interests. It seems like we can’t finish one election without beginning the next. How about a respite between elections when the pols actually work together for the betterment of the country? (If I am naive by espousing this wish, then we need to think seriously about systemic changes to our political structure such as abolishing parties and prohibiting lobbying. I admit both those ideas are naive in themselves, but is there no hope for change? Someone please suggest ways to get us out of this rut of conflict.) As soon as Obama took office, GOP leaders declared they would work to make him a one-term President. After the 2010 election, with electoral gains emboldening them, Republicans increased the fury of their attacks on Obama with the same purpose in mind. We are at this writing 17 months away from the 2012 elections and already the campaign for the office of President is beginning. While the news media sorts through the candidates’ personalities, their inevitable gaffes, and their prior behavior, we will hear little of the debate that should be raging as to the policies which should guide this nation.

Note: This post is the first in a series of posts concerning things about the current state of mostly political things of which I am tired.

Why Blog?

2011-05-27T17:27:00.005-05:00

Blogging is an opportunity for me to communicate with others, but who cares what I have to say? Why should anyone read my blog posts? There are much better opinion leaders and expositors of opinion in the mass media, on the Web, and in the so-called "blogosphere" than the poor scribe who posts to this blog. And, when one considers the amount of time and effort required to research and develop a compelling opinion, am I really up to the task? There are no good answers to my questions. So, why bother posting?

Does it matter whether anyone cares about what I offer? I think not. When a post is put out there in cyberspace, it is pretty much on its own to be found by accident or on purpose. There is no guarantee that another person will read it, so it's pretty much just tossed out there in the wind. Can it therefore be that important? I would hope that members of my family would care about what I have to say, but the truth is that they are probably the people least likely to care and to read my blog. They know me and have heard it all before without any signs of being impressed. I guess, if I persist, I might pick up a reader or two or more. But, the fact remains that there are better sources and more illustrious writers.

Does it matter that there may be no compelling reasons for anyone to read my blog? There will be little in the way of facts that can not be found from more expansive and reliable sources. The humor I sometimes muster is pretty bland compared to writer's who excel in this genre. My logic is not always unassailable nor are my opinions the most popular. If I have a reader, it is because a person with too much spare time has found my blog.

Does it matter whether I am up to the task to do a blog? I do not feel that my ability to research an issue or form a cogent opinion has diminished in my retirement, but I have competing interests that prevent me from devoting the time and effort that a significant blog requires. I like to play golf. Notice,I didn't say I was good at golf. I'm not. I dabble at watercolor painting. I read, alternating between fiction and non-fiction. Frankly, I am not that devoted to my blog.

Then, does it matter whether I bother to blog? No, it doesn't. I do, however, like to blog. It gives me the opportunity to vent my frustrations, to relate my experience, and to communicate my thoughts. Being retired is in some ways an isolating experience. You are not associating with others as regularly as you did in the workplace. You have no natural platform to be an opinion leader as you would in a former position of leadership. You are less relevant to those who are still working and rightfully so because you are no longer as well connected with current events. Blogging is a way to overcome the isolation of retirement, even if it is just throwing comments out in cyberspace. So, I continue.

Cardamom Spice Cookies

2011-05-07T10:26:00.002-05:00

A fragile, tattered and yellow slip of paper with faded ink bore a recipe for 'Cardemon'. I instinctively knew it was in my grandmother's hand, having seen her handwriting in numerous letters and greeting cards from her. However, I had never heard of Cardemon. So, I googled it and found it under an alternate spelling. In Wikipedia I learned that Cardamom, the Queen of all spices, has a history as old as human race. It is the dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial plant related to the Ginger family. As with a lot of spices it is from the Middle East and is a favorite of Muslims. I tell this so any patriots out there who want to try this cookie will know that they are sharing a delight of the followers of Allah.

Ingredients

Sugar, 2 C.
Milk, 1/8 C.
Butter, 1 C.
Eggs, 3 (Reserve one white to wipe tops of cookies.)
Baking powder, 3 Tsp
Flour, add until batter consistency permits rolling and cutting.
Powdered cardamom, 1 oz.

Bake on greased sheet at 350 degrees.

Cranberry Salad

2011-05-07T09:53:00.002-05:00

Old fashioned cranberry salad is a perennial treat. It's an especially good way to use up an excessive amount of cranberries or cranberry sauce that may be on hand after the holiday season.

Ingredients

Fresh cranberries, 1 lb.
Water, 1/2 C.
Sugar, 1-1/2 C.

Mix and cook until cranberries are soft. Remove from heat.

Raspberry Jello, 1 box
Water 1/2 C. boiling

Stir together and add Jello to cranberries.

Chopped celery, 1 C.
Chopped apples, 1 C.
Crushed pineapple, 1 Small Can
Nuts (cook's choice), 1/2 C.

Mix well and chill.

Grandma Rogers added this note at the bottom of the recipe: "You can use 2 cans of cranberry sauce." (if you can't get fresh cranberries). Her husband, John, and she owned a grocery store, so I imagine she had a good idea that sometimes fresh wasn't available.

Dealing with Stupid

2011-05-07T09:42:00.002-05:00

Encountering stupidity is not unusual. Wherever you go, stupid acts are often observed. The act may be committed by a motorist, a sales clerk, or other person with whom you cross paths. The question is: How to deal with the 'stupid' factor? Finally, I am at peace with the realization that you can't deal with stupid. Therefore, I know longer attempt to understand stupidity, just to avoid it; and above all to endeavor not be guilty of it myself, like trying to correct it.

So What's New?

2011-05-07T09:32:00.003-05:00

News media reports inform us that, due to the death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of America , Al-Qaida has issued a warning to Americans and its NATO allies. Al-Qaida says it will seek revenge by terrorist attacks against us. We'll that's real news you can use. Seems to me that it's business as usual for the wacko jihadists.

Coconut Cookies

2011-04-23T20:08:00.003-05:00

This recipe was recorded by Margaret Warren while living in Kalvesta, Kansas. Her husband was a U.S. Army officer stationed at Camp Kinney, Garden City, Kansas, with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It was written on stationary that was printed with the CCC logo. The stationary's logo shows that it was for Company 753, which I believe was busy building shelter belts along western Kansas highways. I hope some of the CCC members got to enjoy the cookies.

Ingredients:
Sugar, 2 cups
Eggs, 3
Shortening, 1 cup
Flavoring (Presumably vanilla)
Flour, 4 cups
Baking powder, 2 tsp
Buttermilk, 1 cup
Baking soda, 1 tsp
Salt, 1/4 tsp
Coconut (Enough for texture)

Instructions:
Beat very vigorously when stirring up. Drop by spoonful to bake on greased sheet in 350 degree oven.

Steamed Carrot Pudding

2011-04-18T09:17:00.003-05:00

I am not a cook beyond fixing breakfast or grilling some meat, but I do treasure the recipes in my mother's or grandmother's recipe box. Here's one in Grandmother Rogers hand-writing that she attributes to Lillie Rogers. I'll have to study the Rogers geneaology to know who Lillie was.

Raw carrots, ground: 1 cup
Raw potatoes, ground: 1 cup
Suet, ground: 1 cup
Raisins: 1 cup
Flour: 1-1/2 cup
Sugar: 1 cup
Soda: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon: 1 tsp
Nutmeg: 1 tsp
Cloves, ground 1/2 tsp

Mix well
Steam 3 hours
Serve with sauce or whipped cream

Note: The sauce is not identified, but I suspect that it refers to hard sauce, the type that is poured over plum pudding.

Cell Phone Foibles

2011-04-16T21:32:00.003-05:00

My Samsung cell phone had a built-in flaw. It would reject a call if either of the ring volume control buttons were touched while the phone was ringing. There was no way to disable the call rejection feature. The exposed ring volume buttons do not require flipping the phone open to reach them, but they are also vulnerable to accidental touches. It is virtually impossible to withdraw the phone from a pocket or phone holster without touching the ultra-sensitive buttons. The genius who designed the feature probably had good intentions, but got poor results.

During the 18 months I had the phone, I became fairly adept at answering it without rejecting a call. But, no one is perfect. I had enough slip-ups, i.e. rejected calls, to make owning the phone something I wanted to end. As soon as I had the phone for the minimum contract time before I was eligible for an "upgrade", I traded it in for a model that hopefully would not have this design flaw. The AT&T agent assured me that the Pantech phone I had chosen would not reject a call when the ring volume controls were touched.

Guess what happened on the first call I received on my new phone. The call wasn't rejected; it was "silenced". I may have touched a damned outside button. I may be caught on a technicality, but the lesson is really a financial one. Make sure when you select a phone that it isn't the cheapest non-Samsung phone you can get.

A Mother's Sea Voyage Log

2011-03-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

What to do on a 23-day Atlantic crossing from New York City to Bremerhaven, Germany? Keep a daily log, of course. Margaret Warren, a 38-year old Army officer's wife from a small town in the Kansas Flint Hills with three sons, Robert 12, David 9 and Charles 6, was on her first journey out of the States to make a new home in Occupied Germany where her husband, an Army major had been stationed for the past several months. Christmas would come late this year for the Warren family, but not too soon for Margaret. Here's her diary of the trip, with no mid-voyage entries, presumably because she didn't like to repeat herself:

Friday, December 5, 1947: At 12:30 we were loaded into buses and taken to Staten Island by ferry where we boarded the ship (USS Huddleston). We embarked at 4:00 O’clock. The NY skyline was foggy. We could see Manhattan and the skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The sea was very calm, but I was sick before dinner, after dinner and at Midnight.

Saturday, December 6, 1947: The boys were sick. I took David to the dispensary for cough medicine. I was beginning to feel better. Everyone else was sick.

Sunday, December 7, 1947: I almost lost my voice. Went to the dispensary for treatment and got nose drops and APCs. Charles went to Sunday school and I went to church. Charles and David were sick, but went to the show. The weather was nice then changeable. Everyone sick.

Monday, December 8, 1947: The sea was rough last night. The boat rocked all night. I slept very little. There were plenty of dishes and furniture rattling this morning. Language class at 11:00 O’clock. Went to the show tonight. David went after seasick medicine this morning. Gave some to Charles too. The boys all OK tonight. Went to bed at 11:00.

Tuesday, December 9, 1947: Went up on deck everyday possible. I saw I Cover Big Town Wednesday and Holiday in Mexico Thursday. We had a strong E-SE wind and made slow time for several days. Played bingo in the afternoon.

Sunday, December 14, 1947: Went to church. Chaplain Cheatum gave the sermon. Went to community sing in the afternoon. Chicken pox broke out on board ship.

Monday, December 15, 1947: A beautiful day. Went to last German class and played bingo in the afternoon. Stayed up for coffee, but didn’t sleep afterwards. Monday night Charles coughed.

[No entries: December 16 through 22]

Tuesday, December 23, 1947: We have had good sailing the last week. I have read “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck, parts of “My Home Town” by Senator Ford and “Chicken Every Sunday”. Saw a few shows. Everyday the same. I took out “The Building of Jalna” today. Saw Living in a Big Way. Roast duckling (for dinner).

Wednesday, December 24, 1947, The day before Christmas. Played bingo in the afternoon. Went to services at 10 O’clock and turned the clock up an hour and so to bed about 12:30 or so. Everybody celebrated till the wee hours so very little sleep the last 3 nights. Saw the lighthouse at Land’s End, at 9:45 lights of a city.

Thursday, December 25, 1947, Christmas aboard the Huddleston. We were awakened by Bing Crosby singing “Jingle Bells”. After breakfast we all went to the children’s party in the main lounge. Had lunch. A rest. Saw land in the morning. Passed the U.S.A.T. Belgium Victory about 3 P.M. Had a little bourbon before dinner, which helped my stomach ache. Had a wonderful dinner – grapefruit surprise, celery elives, roast turkey, peas, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, Waldorf salad, plum pudding with hard sauce and tea. After dinner spent a while in the loungeand then saw Claudette Colbert and Walter Pigeon in The Secret Heart. After the show, we had stopped . Saw the White Cliffs of Dover and lights of Dover. Took on the pilot. The Channel was very choppy. 36 hours to Bremerhaven. So to bed.

A Letter Home from 1944

2010-05-14T19:11:00.005-05:00

While looking through a box of old family photos, a yellowed newspaper clipping fell into my lap. Carefully opening the folded souvenir, I found a letter from my father to his mother who lived in King City, Missouri. that the Tri-County News had published under the heading, "Major Bob Warren's Letter Sermonette on Tolerance". After reading it, I saw more than a treatise on tolerance. I saw vignettes about World War II, particularly its effects in Italy. It is reproduced below:

Aug. 23, 1944
Somewhere in Italy

Dear Mother:
Yesterday, Aug. 22, I received a package of letters -- 38 in all. This is the first mail I've had since I left Africa early in July.
I've really seen a lot of this part of the world since I came overseas. I have crossed the Atlantic and crossed and recrossed the Mediterranean. I had a quick look at Sicily -- saw two volcanoes in action, Strombola, off the coast of Sicily, and Mt. Vesuvius. I wandered through the city of Pompeii that has laid buried at the foot of the volcanoes from 72 B.C. until about 1700 A.D., when it was discovered and dug out.
I just saw the havoc caused by war in Naples. The bombing there was surely terrific, and while it has been cleaned up, it still shows the scars of war. Later I visited Cassino, the town destroyed by the Allies. From there we drove through the Anzio beachhead. Words can't describe war. For miles the countryside was battle-torn. Wrecked and burned tanks, guns, trucks and even German aircraft lay in fields where it was destroyed. Occasionally, along the road, you could see plots of ground filled with white crosses of the dead. Death is no respecter of persons. There were Germans, English, Canadians and all. There is something pathetic about a soldier's grave ... just a little mound of earth, his steel helmet resting on the grave, the little white cross at the head that gives his name, rank and serial number... mute testimony that all soldiers do not return. Should I join those lads who sleep along the road, don't grieve for me. That's only a hazard of the game.
I must tell you about Rome. Leaving Southern Italy and entering Rome is almost like coming home. Rome is untouched by war. It is a city of wide avenues, smart shops, modern apartments and well-dressed people. Even their street cars are as modern as those in our capital city.
I stayed at a beautiful hotel, with fine mattresses, tub baths, clean linen and all. We ate in a hotel dining room where the waiters wore white tiuxedos -- and just a few miles away the grim business of war!
I spent two days seeing the sights of ancient Rome. We visited the Catacombs where the early Christians buried their dead and met for worship. We saw St. Peter's and the tomb of St. Peter. Each day at 12:30 p.m., Pope Pius gives a public audience to Allied officers and men in Vatican City. I saw him and received his blessing. I took two rosaries with me. He touched and blessed them. Does that sound strange coming from a Methodist minister's son? I shall keep one and give one as a gift.
You learn tolerance and charity in the army. Even the Mohammedans in Africa, who face the East and pray to Allah, worship God in their own way, and though we don't agree on all points, the Vatican in Rome is the foundation of early Christianity. It was there that the Apostles Paul and Peter were martyred.
I am so glad you are well. I'll be home soon and hurry to see you. Give my regards to Louie Bowman when you see him. Write often, Mother. I certainly enjoy your letters. Give my love to all the family.

Your son,

Robert C. Warren

My father made it home safely, but not until the Fall of 1945, nearly a year later. If you have read this far, I hope you'll agree that the effort he made to tell a story about war was worthwhile. As a youth, I never saw the rosary he wrote about. I imagine he gave both of them away to persons of the Catholic faith. I think Louie Bowman was the publisher of the newspaper, which may have prompted Grandmother Warren to provide the letter for printing.

Tea Party Test

2010-04-16T10:44:00.003-05:00

Steve Rose, Co-Publisher of The Johnson County Sun and editorialist par excellence, in his Memo column on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, set forth a ten question test to determine whether you are or should be a "Tea Partier." His test boils down to liking conservative media shows; doubting evidence of outrageous conservative attacks on liberals; getting it when you hear code words like "take back our country" or "smaller government, lower taxes"; being angry in general about current affairs; denying racial overtones in virtually all-white protests; believing Obama is a foreign-born socialist; and wanting to influence elections, but being clueless as to whom to elect to represent your political views.

It's a pretty good test. Steve suggests a 70 percent score is enough to spur one to join the movement. Given the lack of focus of the Tea Partiers, I'd venture that answering only one of the above in the affirmative is qualification enough to enroll in the vague tea party cause. The mental states that underpin positive answers of tea party joiners are more indicative of the qualifying factors. Liking conservative media implies uncritical acceptance of its output as valid, when critical analysis easily debunks it. Doubting that attacks on liberals have occurred is a cognitive disconnect, a recognized mental defect. Accepting the veiled sympathies of code words indicates thought-skewing biases that becloud reason. Anger implies frustration, and frustration implies failure, which in turn implies lack of reflection as to the cause of failure, instead scape-goating a distant bogey-man like "big" government. In other words, if your 401(K) investment account tanked and your risk tolerance was exceeded; don't hold for a long-term recovery, but sell on the down slope and act out your frustration by assailing "government bail-out". Denying that race plays a role in selection of tea party participants is an egregious self-defensive behavior. Name-calling directed at President Obama is simply juvenile thinking, lacking maturity and civility. Denigrating incumbents as culpable for all the country's ills and voting them out in favor of candidates whose qualifications are denigrating incumbents is a recipe for disaster whose only cure will be to vote out the replacement incumbents. Do those attracted to the Tea Party understand such concepts as democracy, political platforms, or majority rule, to name a few?

I would suggest that a standard psychological test (or tests) that measures critical thinking, cognitive disconnection, paranoia, schizophrenia and maturity would reveal tea party tendencies. Probably unmeasurable by a psychological test is a big dose of naiveity that I have sensed while observing television interviews of several erstwhile, simplistic participants in this new political phenomenon. One can only speculate as to the effects on these naive souls from the disenchantment that will inevitably occur when the impact of this fringe movement fizzles out in the November elections. I, for one, will never vote for a far-right crazy politician. And, I seriously doubt that few people, except those so-called Tea Partiers, will.

Far Right Crazies

2010-04-13T16:20:00.002-05:00

The Kansas City Star carried an Associated Press story on April 13, 2010, about some Oklahoma Tea Party leaders and some state legislators who want to create a new volunteer militia to help defend against what they think are improper federal infringements on state sovereignty. According to the article, the Tea Party leaders say the volunteer unit would not resemble militia groups that have been raided for allegedly plotting to attack law enforcement officers. J.W. Berry of the Tulsa-based OKforTea who solicited interest in a new state militia through his newsletter is quoted in the article as saying, "It's not a far-right crazy plan or anything like that. This would be done with the full cooperation of the state Legislature."

All I can say is: Really. What type of legislature would approve such a plan except one that has a majority of far-right crazies?

Loons and Liars

2009-09-09T10:56:00.002-05:00

After all the manufactured hulabaloo over President Obama's speech to school children from conservative talking heads, columnists, politicians, and demagogues who objected to his message of stay in school and learn to prepare for life, I'm convinced these sterling citizens are nothing but loons and liars. Perhaps, I should just say they are loony liars, particularly considering all the hysteria and misinformation these characters have spewed out about health care reform. How anyone can be sucked into the loony liars insane scenarios and webs of untruthful ideas is beyond me. Part of the responsibility for the absolutely idiotic reaction of many parents who forbade their children to hear an inspirational message lies at the feet of news media who smelled a story and made it stink by playing to the lowest common denominator of uninformed people. In this sense, the mainstream media are no better than the talking heads and bloggers who stir the pot of public opinion with a ladle of lies to whip up a broth of hatred for our president.

Dumb Dad Ad

2009-09-09T10:41:00.002-05:00

In an ATT television ad for Internet service, pitiful pop can't find a network connection and his clued in daughter who knows all about wi-fi tells him, "The line is invisible". Pop replies, "I knew that." with all the confidence of a man facing a firing squad and hoping to survive. This ad is just another example of a long list of advertisements that denigrate the intelligence of males. I think it's time that men united to tell the corporate sponsors that this type of ad is not acceptable. This best way to do this is to visit one of the sponsors stores and tell a manager that you won't be buying their product as long as they keep insulting your intelligence. However, I don't think even male-backlash would help when the ads are most likely being produced and approved for airing by corporate flunkies barely out of their teens. The youger generation has clearly taken charge and the results are not pretty.

Perpetual Punishment

2009-08-18T11:58:00.002-05:00

According to Christian religious tradition, perpetual punishment is what you get when you go to hell for sins not forgiven in this world. With the prevalence of the Religious Right in many state legislatures, is it any wonder that our prison populations are swollen as sentences are lengthened and more life sentences without parole are given to repeat offenders. The idea of eternal damnation, not only in the after-life, but in this life as well through a variety of means, is proposed for beyond the prison. Eternal probation is created for sex offenders who must register and exhibit a brand on driver's licenses and Web pages regardless of the nature of their crime. Some people would like for Michael Vick to be kept off the football field even though that's the only skill he has to make a lucrative living. He paid the civil penalty for his dog-fighting crime, yet some folks would ban him from football forever. Even pathetic Squeaky Fromm, the would be assassin of Gerald Ford, who has served 30-plus years in prison for her transgression, will be released from jail but will remain on probation until her natural life expires. How did the idea that punishment should be forever get in the heads of the self-righteous? Where is forgiveness? Where is rehabilitation? Well, at least the mob isn't demanding the gallows nowadays. Let's hope this trend abates or our society and civilization will revert to medievalism.

Confessions of a Cat Lady

2009-04-28T08:56:00.003-05:00

Having more than one cat in your house may earn you the appelation of "Cat Lady". Actually, I think having two cats, or perhaps three cats, would cause one to be called a "Cat Fancier". Having four or more cats rightly deserves the title of "Cat Lady", provided of course, that the cat owner is female. If not female, I guess you'd call a male multiple meower maven a "Cat Guy". That's beside the point. What I am about in this blog is relating an interview that I had with a "cat lady", a keeper of six of the critters. I was interested in knowing where the obsession with feline house guests came from. I was lucky enough to find out from an avowed "Cat Lady" in a conversation that went like this:

Q. When did you first realize that you liked cats?
A. When I was just a toddler. My first pet was a dog. It wasn't very nice to me. My next pet was a cat. It was nice to me.
Q. How was it nicer than the dog?
A. Nicer isn't the right word to use. The dog bit me when I held it. The cat let me hold it and purred when I did. The dog wasn't nice. The cat was.
Q. Well, that figures. That is, I can see why you would prefer a cat. But, isn't one cat at a time enough?
A. It was for me at first, but I had two sisters and they liked cats, too. I had to share my cat with them and my parents usually wouldn't let us have more than one cat at a time. Occasionally, we had two cats, but that didn't feel satisfying.
Q. Besides being dissatisfied, how did you react to sharing one or two cats with someone else?
A. I went along with the idea of one cat at a time, but I promised myself that when I grew up and didn't have to share with my sisters anymore that I would have as many cats as I wanted.
Q. When did this multiple meower manifestation materialize?
A. After my first child was born. I found that I had to share a cat with another person again.
Q. Didn't your husband count as someone with whom you had to share a cat?
A. Of course not. The cat didn't pay any attention to him.
Q. How many cats do you have now?
A. I don't keep count, because I don't own them. They just choose to stay around the house and eat here. They are free to leave anytime they want.
Q. You have taken photos of them and given them names. Doesn't that assert a relationship beyond mere house guest?
A. Only to someone who is hung up on control. Anyone knows that you can't control a cat. They abide you, not obey you.
Q. Anything else you want to say about having multiple cats?
A. Yes, get a really absorbent cat litter and keep the litter box in the garage.

So, there it is. A "Cat Lady" is the product of unrestrained volition when it comes to harboring cats. Can't say it's a bad thing, it's just the way some people are.

Ammo and Gun Shortage

2009-04-23T09:51:00.002-05:00

The morning TV news reporter was interviewing a gun store owner about an alleged shortage of guns and ammo. The store owner said that what he called a "shortage" was caused by fear of economic hard times where self-defense could become a priority and fear of government action that might end or restrict gun rights. The store owner claimed that the stockpiling of guns and ammo is due to people being motivated by fear. Does merchandise leaving a store create a real shortage in the traditional sense where demand exceeds supply? Stockpiling only causes a temporary shortage in one link of the supply chain. The store will restock as soon as its suppliers can deliver goods. In the short term, the "stockpilers" have a window of opportunity for profiteering, if others are sucked into the hysteria of irrational fear and create a greater demand. In the long term, should future government action indeed restrict the type of weapons and ammunition available, the stockpilers will be positioned to profit as others seek to obtain proscribed weapons and ammunition. For example, it is rumored that assault weapons will be banned and that each round of ammunition will have to bear a serial number to trace ownership. In this case, buyers would be forced to turn to a clandestine or "black" market to acquire banned goods, which would benefit "gun rights advocates" who stocked up on ammo and guns they had no intention of using personally. Frankly, I've got another name for them: entrepreneur. As always, follow the money.

A Bow, A Smile

2009-04-20T12:30:00.002-05:00

The right-wingers are livid. They say that President Obama bowed to a foreign potentate, something an American never does. They say that President Obama smiled while shaking the hand of Chavez of Venezuela, something an American President should not do. The truth about the "bow" is that Obama bent over in front of the Saudi king to get a better look at the hem of his gown. Obama was trying to see if the tips of the cowboy boots sticking out from beneath it were the ones that W. had described (snake skin) and asked him to see if the king was wearing, as he promised he would the last time our favorite Texan was in Riyadh. I don't blame President Obama for not telling the news media what he was really doing. He wouldn't want to reveal a confidence he had with Bush II. As for the truth about the smile when greeting Chavez, who can keep a straight face when you feel a hand-buzzer. That Chavez guy is a real clown.

So, you don't buy these "truths". Then how about these reasons for-- The bow: Obama was amused when he saw the Saudi king in his native dress and bent over to keep from laughing in his face. The smile: On meeting Chavez, he smiled to show his pleasure at meeting someone who shared his opinion of George Bush.

One can make up many, many truths about why President Obama did what he did. Whatever the real reason or motive for his behavior, the one incontrovertible truth is that whatever Obama does is going to upset, outrage and inflame the right-wingers. So, who cares?

Kansas Trivia - Wierd Law

2009-04-13T09:50:00.005-05:00

The El Dorado Times published a special section of its paper to celebrate Kansas Day called Kansas Facts and Trivia. Among the 50 entries, was this jewel: "At one time it was against the law to serve ice cream on cherry pie in Kansas." The law was repealed, probably due to its un-Americanism. But, why was it enacted? Could it have been the cherry purist's lobby? or the ice cream crowd's equivalent. Was it a public health issue involving ice cream made with un-pasteurized milk? Whatever the reason, it's a good example of what legislatures do. We have an offender "branding" law on the books today that is every bit as goofy as this wierd law.

More on Legalizing Drugs

2009-04-12T14:21:00.002-05:00

If drugs became legal to sell and consume, like alcohol, the question arises about what to do with the people who've been making their living by selling drugs on the street. My War on Drugs discussion friend (see earlier post of April 8, 2009) points out that wars always end with some violent, aimless men, especially on the losing side -- such as the Jameses and Youngers after the Civil War -- inflicting themselves on society and that the same problem would emerge with the end of the Drug War. On the bright side, my friend has a theory that more young people might stay in school, if they weren't drawn by the possibilities of selling drugs, Admittedly, my friend recognizes that the transition might be a difficult one. I think this is especially so, if other illegal pursuits were attempted in transition.

The book, Freakonomics, has an interesting slant on drug dealers. The author writes that the street pushers barely earn minimum wage and that they can only score financially by being at the top of the drug distribution chain. If that's the case, the pushers may find it more remunerative to pursue other employment. So, I agree with the idea that more young people might stay in school as a result of legalization of drugs. In case of the drug king pins, I imagine they are smart enough to find another illegal pursuit they can pursue without too much heat from the law or to go legitimate. It is possible that the legalization of drugs will have lasting positive consequences in spite of some transitory negative ones.

Nationally, there are several movements underway with the goal of legalizing drugs and ending the insanity of a hopeless war. I suggest that we should all consider the arguments on both sides of this issue before condemning the idea of legalization of drugs. This is the first step in public education. Eventually to convince Congress and the Kansas Legislature that drug laws should be changed, the focus of any legalization movement would be public education. Only if the public is overwhelming in favor of something will the legislatures be convinced to act. As for Kansas -- when changing laws is the goal -- this state is always last or next to last in adopting laws that the rest of the country embraces.

Tax Disconnect

2009-04-11T11:03:00.002-05:00

I am amazed by conservatives (and even some liberals) who, throughout the protracted Iraq War, have advocated tax cuts. How can anyone in their right mind support spending for a foreign war without paying for it? If one approves of government expenditures for whatever reason, then it follows that they should support taxation equivalent to the expenditures. Case in point: Tax refunds are obviously money that the recipient has been able to do without. If tax rates were higher to support the cost of the Iraq War, the amount of refunds would be less. This tells me that people can afford higher taxes, while all along they are claiming the need for a tax cut. Let's get real and put our money where our mouth is.

Somali Pirates

2009-04-11T10:43:00.002-05:00

These Somali pirates are a pest. Swatting at them as they attack shipping in the open seas is a temporary fix of the problem. How do you get rid of a pest, permanently? That's easy. You eradicate the pest's nests by attacking them at their source, Somalian ports from which they operate with impunity. Immediately, if this solution is pursued, objections would arise, claiming that such action would be a violation of the sovereignty of Somalia. However, does Somalia qualify as a sovereign nation? It is said that Somalia hasn't had a functioning national government since 1991. If that's the case, who can profess sovereignty? I would say that a land area without sovereignty is fair game for conquest by any force, be it a neighboring state, an international force or an aggrieved party like a victim of the piracy efforts. There can be no objection to the use of deadly force against the pirates by any group claiming control of Somalia, because they have not controlled the pirates. International and maritime law needs to prevent piracy by permitting the use of force against the pirates, rather than protecting them.

Legalizing Drugs

2009-04-08T18:07:00.003-05:00

A friend and I talked at lunch the other day about legalizing drugs. What my friend had to say about it made a lot of sense. Leonard Pitts made a good case for the same conclusion in yesterday's K.C. Star. Perhaps, in these two events, there's an omen that more people will become aware of the need for a movement toward legalization. Doing so could certainly reduce our law enforcement costs, perhaps freeing up resources we could use more effectively to control illegal immigration or some other compliance problem. Other problem areas that could be addressed besides drugs are child pornography, identity theft, car theft, securities fraud, or home burglaries. Putting all those narcs on the street wouldn't be good for the unemployment figures. But wait, if we keep fighting crime, we won't save the money wasted on the War on Drugs or reduce our prison population. How do we get out of this mess? Perhaps, dumping the War on Drugs would leave enough money to bear down on some crime problems and still reduce costs for enforcement and prisons. Hopefully, the narcs could qualify as air marshals, teachers, counselors or other jobs that would be useful in improving society. More people need to weigh in on this and something has to change. Our drug "problem" isn't getting solved and we have too many people in prison with too many adverse consequences for them and the rest of us.

Countering Islamic Extremism

2009-04-06T11:45:00.003-05:00

Retired General Abizaid, in an AP interview, said the United States has done a poor job of fighting Islamic extremism. Quoting Abizaid, "I don't blame it on any people. I just blame it on a bureaucratic system that has been unresponsive thus far to the challenges of the 21st century. We need to change that as a matter of national priority."

The "bureaucratic system" that the general refers to can be overcome. The Obama administration should bring together our foremost experts on all aspects of the Middle East, counter-terrorism, religious fundamentalism, economic development, and any other pertinent subject that could contribute knowledge to the development of an overall strategy to fight Islamic extremism through economic, educational, political, diplomatic, social, and other means. There are signs in both overt and subtle foreign policy changes that the Obama administration is leaning in this direction. Let's hope the effort gains momentum and some progress can be made toward making the world safer.

Take Back Our Country

2009-04-05T14:14:00.003-05:00

A conservative Republican told me that, in the next Federal election, "We will take back our country". Maybe that's where their idea that individual freedoms can be curtailed in the name of national security originates comes from. If this country indeed belongs to the Republicans, does that mean that non-Republicans have to get their permission to travel in it? Are all non-Republicans, even if they arrived here via the birth canal, alien immigrants without civil rights? Does exclusive Republican ownership of this country explain the importance that Republicans place on patriotism. This attitude of prior franchise on this land that many conservative Republicans exhibit may be the culprit behind their seeming desire for Obama to fail. Obviously, many Republicans don't consider him as a legitimate occupant of the White House, either by birth or political party.

General Motors

2009-04-05T13:14:00.003-05:00

So far all I have seen and heard of General Motors management initial response to its need to restructure is marketing changes. They're now offering a payment protection plan that's better than Hyundai's. They're emphasizing On-Star as a singular feature of GM cars. Payment protection isn't going to sell more cars. If your job is shaky, the last thing you'll do is add to your debt load. On-Star sounds great, but it's free only for the first year. When it comes time to start paying for On-Star "security", a car owner with a cell phone will think twice before paying a second cell phone (On-Star) bill.

Yet, GM still has a marketing problem. They are pushing the wrong products. The Cadillic Escalade SUV, that turns you on when you turn it on, may be the ticket for over-sexed drivers, but unfortunately they're a small segment of the market. And by the way, so are Hummer owners. The only way these models can justify their marketing expense is the sizable profit per unit from their sale. A comparatively fat profit on a small segment of the market doesn't come close to a comparatively slim profit on a large segment of the market.

GM's real problem is the attractiveness of their products. GM needs to lower prices and improve profitability of manufacturing its various models, while improving fuel economy for all models. GM needs to improve its hybrid car offerings. One of the dumbest things GM did was to spin off Delphi with all its technical expertise in batteries and electric motors just before hybrids were going to get popular. GM should buy Delphi back and dump all of its marginal model lines and convert their assembly lines into producing hybrid cars, pickups and local delivery trucks.

Running a tighter ship with a leaner crew will do more to improve GM's bottom line than all the hype. It's going to be a hard sell to all levels of GM's work force who act like they have a sinecure instead of a job.

Proof of Bloated KU Staffing

2009-04-03T10:53:00.004-05:00

The 20% ticket discounts for faculty and staff at KU events (sports, Lied Center, etc.) are being discontinued, ostensibly to save jobs. The University's administration claims that the discounts cost KU $451,000 in lost revenue, which would provide funds for 11 employees. This claim is disingenuous, because sports revenue goes to the Athletic Department and other event revenue goes to special funds. Neither is affected by the state budget limitations. The claim of saving 11 jobs is nothing but propaganda. If retaining 11 jobs was the true motive, revenue enhancements could be sought in other areas: parking fees, library charges, rents, etc. Better than diminishing the benefits of employment, the University should reduce the workforce, an alternative that this administration is trying to obfuscate. If reducing a bloated work force wasn't possible, there would be no need to create a defense of non-essential jobs.

Unread Political Email

2009-04-03T10:21:00.004-05:00

During the Kansas Senate's debate on the 2009-10 budget, the Kansas University Alumni Association asked me to contact my state senator and urge that KU's budget not be cut. I used the Association's Web site to send an email with a subject line that read "Kansas Higher Education Budget" to react to their request. Rather than parrot the Association's line, I took a contrary approach, telling my senator that KU was over-staffed and could do more to reduce spending in a time of funding scarcity. Shortly after sending my email, I received a thank you email from the Association for my support of KU's budget needs.

This week I received a follow-up email from my senator informing me that "The legislation which emerged asks higher education to cut its budget by eight tenths of one percent (0.8%). Higher education and K-12 are essentially held harmless in the current budget bill." The senator's email ended with, "Thank you for your email in support of funding for higher education. I appreciate your taking time to share your comments with me." Obviously, the senator's office didn't read my email, else they wouldn't have thanked me for supporting funding for higher education, which I did not.

What is the lesson taught by this sequence of events? In an email to elected representatives, all that counts is the subject line. So, put your opinion there, up front in an unambiguous way. Then, be really brief in your comments. You'll have a better chance of being read.

Shawnee-Mission Park Deer Over-crowding

2009-04-02T17:54:00.003-05:00

Shawnee-Mission Park has a problem. It's 1,250 acres has 8 times the number of deer that the habitat can reasonably support. The solution is really obvious: expand the park to 10,000 acres. O.K., you scoff and say there's not enough land left around the park for that. Well, in a way there is. Between the park and the Kansas River lies a huge landfill of around 600 acres and along the Kansas River to the west and south of the river is a large undeveloped area. Check it out on Google Earth. The secret would be to provide a route for the deer to use to traverse the area between the park and the river and along the river to the north-south swathe of open land East of Desoto and North of K-10. That would take a lot of money, but preserving the open space would be a good thing. It would allow the deer population (and other wildlife) a habitat with access to open areas.

Shawnee-Mission Park is attractive to deer that enter the metro area, but once there they are somewhat trapped. I can't imagine that they are any more thrilled by the overcrowding that the park-goers are. I hope the biodiversity study the Park Board plans to do will come to the conclusion that more land area is needed.

Solving the world's problems, one at a time.

God's in Control

2009-03-30T09:39:00.003-05:00

"God's in Control." That's the word from Joel and Victoria Olsteen, the smiling evangelicals, who have rented Yankee Stadium for "A Celebration of Faith" this week. If their premise about God's role is in fact true, then the Almighty either has a weird sense of humor or a perverse regard for mankind. Joel Olsteen, who advocates praying yourself to riches, has found his personal formula for riches: smiling, smiling and smiling to convey his message of personal prosperity to impoverished souls who'll attend his rally at Yankee Stadium, where his and his wife's books, DVDs and CDs will be on sale.

Tax Cuts - The Panacea for What Ails Us

2009-03-14T13:21:00.005-05:00

Tuning in to Fox News this morning, after tiring of the Headline News bimbos, I found nothing but more bimbos showing more cleavage than their HLN counterparts. Instead of talking about the latest news like HLN, the Fox News talking heads, mostly female with a couple of angry or nerdy guys, were on politics, going on and on about tax cuts. I learned that tax cuts are the solution for anything. If you want economic growth, cut taxes. If you want more jobs, cut taxes. If you want more individual freedom, cut taxes. If you want to keep more of your earnings, cut taxes. If you want the country to recover from the recession, cut taxes. If you want to prevent slackers from surviving on the public dole, cut taxes. If you want smaller and intrusive government, cut taxes. Yes, cutting taxes is the one-size-fits-all solution to what ails us as a country. It's the universal panacea to fix everything.

More money in the accounts of the wealthy and high-earning is said to spur investment which creates economic growth, but who says it won't be made in a second or third home on a Caribbean island or in a foreign security. Investment is supposed to create more jobs, but this is true only when the investment is made in the means of production, i.e., factories and manufacturing equipment, but who says it won't be made in a foreign country rather than the USA. The point is that cutting taxes and achieving the desired result would require more government, not less, to insure that the additional money would produce the desired result. So, their goes smaller, less-intrusive government.

Would someone please explain to me the correlation between the extent of my freedom and my tax rate. If freedom and the tax rate are inversely proportional, that is, those with the lowest tax rate should have more freedom than those paying at a higher rate, why is it that the latter have more life style choices than the former. The answer is simple, they have more money, more than enough money to meet the necessities of life and still enjoy a better life with more options for education, recreation, wellness, travel, entertainment, etc. Why don't the right-wingers admit that their mantra of 'tax cuts' is nothing more than a slogan designed to garner donations from those who benefit most from tax cuts, the wealthy?

Personally, I want a strong national defense; modern, well-maintained public infrastructure; quality, accessible education; affordable, preventative health care and responsive emergency services; police and fire protection; national, state and local parks, libraries, and museums; and other government services like immigration law enforcement and a criminal justice system. I don't know how a constant diet of tax cuts can satisfy my desire for beneficial role government plays in modern society. Tax cuts and the reluctance of the right-wing politicians to increase taxes to pay for wars and heightened internal security is what caused the national debt to swell during Bush's presidency. Don't hype tax cuts to me. I ain't buying.

3.2 Beer Stays in Kansas Groceries

2009-03-14T13:02:00.003-05:00

A Kansas Senate committee recently squelched a bill designed to permit grocery stores to sell full strength beer. For years, grocers have been limited to the sale of 3.2 beer, a story that has roots going back to Prohibition. When the grocers ask for the law to be changed, liquor store owners and their lobbyists go to work to defeat the proposal. I won't say that legislators have a personal relationship with the liquor providers, but one might wonder about that. The primary reason liquor store owners give for opposing sale of regular beer by grocers is that it would put some of them out of business. The "some" is estimated at varying percentages from 30% to 50%. The liquor store owners can be expected to protect their business interests, but the public should be aware that this is the same group who oppose opening their stores on Sunday and holidays, which would be a boon to tourism. The solution to the problem faced by the grocers is to buy out liquor stores as they come on the market. When the grocers own the same percentage of liquor stores that are claimed to be put put of business by allowing beer sales in groceries, the argument of loss of business will evaporate. Surely, like most things from the past, 3.2 beer will pass, only in Kansas it will take longer than in more progressive states.

Sebelius Sanctioned

2009-03-14T12:49:00.003-05:00

Catholic bishops have told Governor Sebelius that as a Catholic she errs in her stance on abortion. They have conspired to deny her the sacrament of communion. Ultimately, the actions of the bishops will backfire on them. There are plenty of Catholics who do not accept the teachings of the church about abortion. That some church members have joined to support Sebelius shows us the tip of the iceberg. As the bishops exhibit an increasingly reactionary stance to modernity, i.e., embryonic stem cell research and abortion, one should expect a greater number of Catholic church members to be alienated from the teachings of the church. Thus weakened in their faith, support for the bishops will wane. Greater numbers will depart from the church, increasing the outflow of the once faithful to other religions or to a faithless life. The bishops can help themselves by silencing their pronouncements and fulfilling their duty of administering sacraments rather than denying them.

God's Will

2009-03-14T12:03:00.006-05:00

No man knows the will of God. That's the conventional wisdom. It's a trait of God, being omniscient and unfathomable in knowledge and wisdom. At least, that's the way I understand it, according to what I've heard in church. That no man knows the will of God is also behind the idea of a prophet, one who speaks for God. The significant prophets have generally recorded most of their pronouncements of the will of God. Rather than attempt prophecy, some religious persons spend a goodly amount of their time trying to determine the will of God through study and interpretation of scripture. After all, if the Bible is the word of God, shouldn't his will be expressed therein? However. since "To err is human...", biblical scholarship and interpretation may not correctly produce the will of God.

The prophetic and biblical record on embryonic stem cell research and abortion are non-existent or less than meager. Being virtually without a source of information as to the will of God which remains indiscernable, wouldn't it be something if embryonic stem cell research and abortion were both sanctioned by the will of God. God is merciful. Would God not permit the discovery of life-saving cures? God is loving. Would God not love a woman who decided not to continue a pregnancy, an act that would be a matter between her and her God, to be decided on a case by case basis, according to the circumstances? Sometimes, an abortion would be good for the woman and sometimes for the nascent child. If God is merciful and loving would he not give a soulthat is said to enter the body upon conception and interrupted by abortion, a second chance at life.

The problem with the Religious Right's opposition to embryonic stem cell research and abortion rights is that it is entirely subjective, based on their religious beliefs, which have no more validity than the religious beliefs of others who have a different interpretation of God's will. Who's right? We will never know. This is the over-riding reason why the government has no business in prohibiting or regulating stem cell research or abortion.

Kansas Trivia - Continued

2009-03-10T21:29:00.004-05:00

"Dodge City is the windiest city in the United States." El Dorado Times, January 29, 2009, Page 1B.

This bit of trivia, like the other 49 facts printed in the El Dorado Times, can be found on several Web sites. One of them is called 50States.Com, which gives the windiest city "honor"(?) to Dodge City at an average wind speed of 13.9 mph. Another web site, WikiAnswers.Com, sticks to the popular designation of Chicago, the Windy City, as the windiest, but doesn't give a speed value. ChaChaAnswers claims Blue Hill Observatory, Massachusetts with an average annual wind speed of 15.4 mph is the windiest.

In order to settle the question as to which city is the windiest and to stimulate the manufacture, distribution and installation of wind speed measurement equipment, a federal program is needed to pay for a wind speed indicator to be erected in each city in the United States. The ultimate pay off would be identifying the best lcoation for wind generators. Oops, perhaps this equipment already exists in weather reporting stations in cities. Never mind. The real question is, who researches and publishes these lists of state trivia, which appear in half a dozen Web sites and are used in numerous other commercial sites. Looks like the subject for a future post.

In the Stem Cell Debate

2009-03-10T20:22:00.003-05:00

RSam Brownback, Kansas Republican Senator, commenting on President Obama's decision to rescind the Bush ban on federal funding of expanded research on new lines of embryonic stem cell research, as reported in the KC Star (3/10/09) said, "If an embryo is a life-- and I believe strongly that it is life-- then no government has the right to sanction their destruction for research purposes."

First, what does Brownback mean when he says, "If an embryo is a life...", and then in the same sentence changes his reference to the degree of animation of an embryo by saying, "... I believe ... it is life."?

The presence or absence of an article gives the word 'life' two different meanings. 'Life' preceded by an article suggests a defined existence. 'Life' without the preceding article suggests a general condition. So, which is it? Is the embryo, possessing 'a life', a human being in the fullest sense or is the embryo with 'life' a group of undifferentiated human cells, which, being capable of cell division, is considered as living. Life is the subject of biological studies. Study of 'a life' is the subject of psychology, sociology, anthropology, psychiatry, and other similar disciplines, none of which deal with the behavior of human embryos, if such even exists.

If an embryo is a human being, why doesn't it appear on the family tree? Why wouldn't any compensation for reproductive purposes received on its behalf be considered as taxable personal income? Why wouldn't disposing of an embryo be considered as an unlawful taking of a life? The answer to the preceding questions is evident: a human embryo, while alive, does not have a life. An embryo is not a human person.

Second, since embryos are not people, when the stem cells that constitute the early embryo, technically referred to as a blastocyst, are used in research, destruction of 'a life' does not occur.

The use of inflammatory language is a characteristic of religious zealots. Violent themes are the stock in trade of religious zealots in the self-styled 'right-to-life' movement, because they intend to appeal to the emotions of persons who are uninformed about embryonic stem-cell research.

Again, Kansas Trivia

2009-03-08T21:23:00.005-05:00

"Kansas won the award for the most beautiful license plate for the wheat plate design issued in 1981." The El Dorado Times, January 29, 2009, Page 1B.

First, let's do something about this awkwardly worded sentence. How about changing it to: Kansas won the most beautiful license plate award for its 1981 wheat design. There, that's better: 12 words versus 18 words. Now, let's learn more about this feat, thanks to the Internet.

A Web page containing the History of Kansas License Plates is provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue which issues our car tags. There is no mention of a 1981 award for the Kansas license plate design. If such an award was made, you would think the Department of Revenue would know about it. There are several possible reasons for this ommission: (1)they refer to the 1981 plate as displaying wheat "stocks" and the 1995 plate as displaying wheat "stalks", which indicates fallibility, (2) they don't respect the party giving the award as a legitimate judge of license plate quality, or (3) they aren't up on Kansas trivia for Web page purposes. Regarding reason (1) above, a Wichita State University student or alumnus would probably prefer wheat "shock", but technically a shock of grain refers to sheaves stacked upright in the field. My guess is that the 1981 plate reference to a "stock" is a misplaced homonym. But, I digress.

I found that Kansas won first place in a license plate design contest in the United States and Canada with its depiction of the buffalo -- the iconic symbol of the Great Plains -- in 1995, by virtue of the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association Inc. voting the state's "Home on the Range" personalized vehicle license plate the best in those countries, according to Michael Naughton, president of ALPCA. Naughton presented the award to Carmen Alldritt, director of vehicles at the Kansas Department of Revenue. ALPCA has about 3,000 members from the U.S. and 19 other countries. The Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, founded 1954, is an organization dedicated to the promotion of license plate collecting and research, the exchange of information and plates, as well as all fraternal benefits of sharing a common hobby interest with others throughout the world. It has issued awards for the best plates in North America since 1970.

In Wikipedia's ALPCA site there is a table showing Plate of the Year Award winners since it was first made in 1970. Kansas is shown as winning the award in 1980, the first year of a plate design showing gold wheat stalks on a blue background, and again in 1994 when the wheat design was used again. So, the trivia statement at the top of this post is not untrue. It is merely in error. Let's change that sentence to read, "Kansas won the most beautiful license plate award for its 1980 wheat design." Somebody tell DOR.

The Comma, A Misunderstood Punctuaton Mark

2009-03-07T10:54:00.001-06:00

The Perrin-Smith Handbook of Current English, Copyright 1955, Page 388, states: "Commas mark a slight separation between ideas and grammatical units, similar to very brief pauses in speech." The handbook uses 15 pages to explain the proper use of the comma; when a comma should be used, when commas are usually optional, and when commas are not used. The handbook's best line is that, "A comma should always be used whenever necessary to prevent misreading or confusion of meaning."

The relevance of this advice about commas for today's writers might be questioned, because a handbook published over 50 years ago has the word, current, in its title. Of course, language changes slowly. 'Current' is obviously a relative term, and therefore appropo. One example of language change occurring at this time in regard to the use of commas is the tendency for writers and copy editors to diminish the use of commas, omitting them whenever they feel that meaning will not be lost for the lack of a comma. My personal preference is: when in doubt put in a comma, rather than leave it out. Others are seemingly pained to have to add a comma. Instead of putting in the punctuation, they say, "Let the reader do the work."

Lynne Truss, in her acclaimed book, Eats, Shoots & Leaves, The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation, sums up the purpose of punctuation, "On the page, punctuation performs its grammatical function, but in the mind of the reader it does more than that. It tells the reader how to hum the tune." So, when you are reading along and your grasp of the writer's meaning stumbles a bit, look for a place to insert a comma, if only mentally, and see if that doesn't help you better understand what you are reading. If it does, you can mentally bonk the writer on the forehead, much like the V-8 juice commercials, and say, "You could've used a comma."

Kansas State University Trivia

2009-03-06T11:49:00.003-06:00

"At Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine waterbeds for horses are used in surgery." The El Dorado Times, January 29, 2009, Page 1B.

While a waterbed for a horse may sound extravagant, what better way to secure the animal during surgery? The suspension of a sedated animal on a fluid table that flexes and molds to the horse's body is quite ingenuous. Actually, a surgical foundation, involving both water and a bed-like appearance, for working on an animal under anaesthesia is not the same waterbed that humans use for sleeping. The base for horse surgery can be seen on the K-State Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital equine surgery Web page. It is ironic that the cost of using the proper equipment for equine surgery: lifts, platforms, lighting, environmental controls, etc. can cause the cost of the procedure to exceed the monetary value of the animal being treated. Of course, I suppose the same could be said of some hospital equipment for treating humans. The horse is treated regardless of value for reasons both sentimental and scientific, and I guess the same could be said for humans.

Worst Drivers in the World

2009-03-05T19:40:00.004-06:00

Keith Obermann has his nightly segment of the "Worst Person in the World". I thought I would take off from his idea to describe the worst drivers in the world. Today, on the way back home from the golf course, I was shocked by a woman driver who blew through a 4-way stop. Within a mile, an SUV approached my vehicle, lapping over the double yellow stripe. As I proceeded, I became trapped behind another SUV doing 25 in a 40 mph speed zone. A little further along my route home, while traveling in the left lane of a busy 4-lane arterial, the driver of a small sedan crossed in front of me to reach the left-turn lane at a signalized intersection, causing me to brake to avoid a collision. Almost home, on the same 4-lane street, I attempted to move into the center left-turn only lane to turn left into the entrance street of the subdivision where my home is located only to be surprised by a dark sedan that pulled into the same center left-turn only lane from a side street on the left, wrongly using this dedicated strip and causing me to brake quickly to avoid a collision. All of these driver's had one thing in common: they were talking on a cell phone, making them the Worst Drivers in the World. Someone please deliver us from these mobile menaces.

Still More Kansas Trivia

2009-03-05T12:58:00.006-06:00

"South of Ashland, the Rock Island Bridge is the longest of its kind. It measures 1,200 feet long and is 100 feet above the Cimarron River."

What this trivia tidbit doesn't tell you is (1) what kind of bridge it is, (2) what type of traffic it carries, (3) where it really is, and the name of the bridge. The answers are (1) steel deck truss, (2) rail traffic (For those who have never heard of the Rock Island Railroad, it's a pretty good road.), (3) Seward County along side US Highway 54 about 11 miles northeast of Liberal in Southwest Kansas, and (4) Samson of the Cimarron. It is nowhere near Ashland. Some cub reporter or intern must have done the research for the trivia sheet the El Dorado Times paid money for. They should get part of their money back.

Now, do you have the full picture? Probably not, because to see the bridge immediately tells you that it is something special. It's a beast of a bridge on concrete pylons and seems to go on forever. It's the type of bridge that, if you're a photographer, you pull over and take a picture of it. For a look at the bridge and some more facts, click here.

Confidence Crisis

2009-03-04T13:09:00.003-06:00

The current economic recession is being referred to by the news media as a "Confidence Crisis", a term used of ABC's Good Morning America. If such a condition exists, do you suppose the news media has had a hand in creating it. I notice that every news broadcast, pundit interview, talk show host and comedy routine is all about the economy's downside. A lot of these talking heads maintain that things are so bad with people loosing their jobs, homes and fortunes that despair and fear is all that people have left. The 6 o'clock news program has tips on how to be a savvy shoppper, where to find bargains, where to get freebies, how to find a job, and what educational opportunities exist to improve job skills. With all this unsolicited advice flying around, you'd think that, before the economy slowed and then retracted, no one knew how to do any of these things. Personnally, I wish the TV and radio hosts would move on. Sure, report the facts about the latest economic news and government initiatives to correct the problem or not, but give up the analyses. Chances are the media will still be talking about what people can do to cope long after the economy has rebounded, but no one will notice because they're all at work, out shopping or on vacation.

More Kansas Trivia

2009-03-02T19:34:00.003-06:00

"A grain elevator in Hutchinson is 1/2 mile long and holds 46 million bushels in its 1,000 bins."

What's more, this largest grain elevator is only one of several huge granaries in that City. The east side of 'Hutch', as it is familiarly known among the locals, is a monument to the Wheat State. Obviously, these grain elevators serve as an inter modal collection point for the wheat harvest as both roadways and railways both serve them. Straight trucks haul the grain from the field to a local elevator where the grains are moisture tested, checked for foreign matter, and weighed, and then dried and stored for future shipment. Next, semi-trailer trucks haul the grain to larger elevators from which it is transferred to a food processor or to a port for shipment to an overseas market. The elevators also serve to store wheat for future delivery. I am sure that the functions of these mammoth grain storage facilities are a lot more complicated than I have portrayed, and I'd be interested in hearing more about them and there smaller local counterparts. If you haven't seen them, check them out on Google Earth.

Kansas Facts and Trivia

2009-03-01T16:50:00.003-06:00

The El Dorado Times published a special section of its paper to celebrate Kansas Day. Besides "Kansas Facts and Trivia", the special profiled the other 49 states with such interesting facts as the state's capital, governor, name origin, bird, flower, motto, nickname, songm population, famous residents and what or who the state is the home of. Well. I guess it might be interesting, if you are bored with everything else that demands your attention. For example, did you know that the state motto of New York is "Excelsior", which is kind of Latin for higher or the best and not the packing material as we frequently think. The first Kansas fact is: A ball of twine in Cawker City measures over 38' in circumference and weighs more than 16,750 pounds and is still growing.

I have actually seen it. It's housed in a structure located on the highway through town. All I have to say is that's a lot of string. According to a web site called Round America:

"There isn't anything much in Cawker City except the World's Largest Ball of Twine, so I had no problem driving right up to it on the main street through town. This sucker is BIG. It's housed in a very nice open-sided building where you can walk right up to it and smell it and touch it. Frank Stoeber started the ball of twine on his farm in 1953. By 1957, it weighed 5,000 pounds, stood 8 feet high, and had 1,175,180 feet of twine on it. Stoeber gave the ball to Cawker City in 1961 before his death in 1974. When I visited in 2003, it weighed 17,578 pounds (that's almost 9 TONS). It has a 40-foot circumference, and it consists of over 7,019,145 feet of sisal twine. If stretched out, it would extend 1,325 MILES. Like I said, this baby is BIG."

It's interesting that whoever supplied the El Dorado Times with the trivia list needs to update the facts as to weight and circumference. Well, I guess they covered themselves when they said, "...it was still growing." The above report is now over 5 years old, so I guess I better make another trip to Cawker City to measure its circumference and make a new estimate of its weight. I'll bet the folks in Cawker feel like they're a prisoner to this monster ball of sisal twine that isn't as round as it used to be. Pretty soon it will look more like a haystack than a ball and they'll have to start calling it a stack of twine to advertise truthfully. The big question is how long this foolishness can go on and how will it end.

Journalistic Excess

2009-03-01T16:24:00.003-06:00

In a story about the federal budget proposed by the Obama administration, the KC Star on Friday, February 27, 2009, used a lot of adjectives. The budget and related financial matters were referred to as: bloated, eye-popping, aggressive, unspecified, gargantuan, huge, large, significant, breathtaking, and expanding, to cite a several of the adjectives used. I guess the press thinks that the only way to interpret the President's budget proposal is to adopt the opposition's spin. Well, get over it. The country has about 300,000,000 people and who knows how many businesses and other organizations. I'd guess somewhere between 25,000,000 and 50,000,000 million. That's a lot of people and players. Is the budget supposed to get smaller. Nowhere in the paper's analytical piece, pawned off as news, was there any per capita comparative analysis or adjustments for inflation. Raw numbers, that sound big to people locked in a 60s mentality, were the order of the day. After splattering the front page of the paper with red ink stains and spots, I think they did enough to show that they can't cope with modern day amounts.

Cutting Taxes to the Limit

2009-02-12T11:34:00.003-06:00

In the Johnson County Sun of February 11, 2009, Steve Rose, the publisher, wrote that, since 1995, the Kansas Legislature had cut taxes to the point that they don't have enough money to pay for the government's obligations. Legislative Research estimates that $7.6 billion dollars has been given up to tax cuts since 1995. In the current fiscal year, all the rax cuts will amount to $600 million. You can read Steve's Memo for yourself.

Back on January 26th, I discussed Kansas Budget Woes. Although I mentioned how nice it would be if our revenue had been greater so we'd have a reserve for times like these, I came to the conclusion that no matter how much revenue government collects, politicians will find a wsy to spend it. Too bad they don't have the courage to raise taxes or roll-back tax cuts when the money is needed for government's day-to-day obligations.

I personally can't see the harm in an increase in the income tax during a recession. Those that have incomes from still having employment can stand for a small part of their income to be diverted to state spending. The cost of collection won't go up and it will all be spent, rather than saved. There is a real mythology about the economic effect of taxes, mostly fostered by those who want to get reelected.

Colorado Plains Elevator

2009-02-04T09:48:00.002-06:00

Another grain elevator ends up on paper. It's still used at harvest time . The quantity of grain that can be handled has been vastly expanded by the six large cylinders that flank and back-up the original building. It's typical to see an old elevator next to more modern structures, including large concrete silos. The new structures dwarf the original, whose function is altered from grain storage to equipment housing. A lot of scrap steel will be available when this early expansion is eventually replaced by a concrete one. Of course, that's true only if the price per ton makes salvage feasible. Otherwise, it will just sit there, oxidizing.

Registered Offender Branding

2009-02-03T10:53:00.003-06:00

Mary Sanchez, KC Star columnist, in a commentary last Monday wrote about the new practice of the State of Kansas to add “Registered Offender” to the license to drive of persons convicted of sex, drug and violent crimes. She likened it to a “Scarlet Letter”. I believe that this “branding” is a violation of the “equal protection” clause of the U.S. Constitution. Persons who must have “Registered Offender” displayed on their licenses to drive are not treated equally under the law, because this marking has nothing whatsoever to do the privileges bestowed by a license to drive. No one is made safer by this branding. The only reason to attach such an appellation to a license to drive is to demean and, thereby, punish its holder, which the courts have already done.

Mary Sanchez ended her column by writing, “…it seems that human, or at least legislative, nature is to create pariahs out of ever-widening groups of people.” It should cease immediately by repealing the statute that permits it and order new licenses to be issued to replace the ones issued under this law. I urge you to contact your Kansas legislative representative to support repeal of this law for all offenders past and future.

Email to Congressman Dennis Moore

2009-02-02T11:57:00.003-06:00

I was pleased to see a listing in the Sunday Kansas City Star of some of the "key elements" in the House-approved stimulus package. Frankly, I was skeptical about news media reports of GOP objections to the plan. I attributed the GOP complaints to their party line of tax cut, tax cut and more tax cuts. But, after reading the Star's partial list, I have to agree with the GOP House members who did not vote for the tomfoolery called a stimulus plan.

Too much of the plan that was adopted by the House appears to be money for pet projects, that perhaps have been neglected over the past 8 years, but won't have much immediate effect to stimulate the economy and would be better addressed through other means. For example, $6 billion for high-speed internet for rural and under-served areas. We are already paying a universal service fee on our telephone bills that should be used for this purpose without adding more debt-funded money. The reason a lot of rural areas don't have high-speed internet is that there are not enough users to make it cost-effective. Another example is $32 billion for a "smart" electric grid. Assuming the technology can be swiftly perfected, but knowing how difficult it is to get regulatory approval, acquire right-of-way for, and complete the construction of new transmission lines, this worthy goal will take too long for an immediate stimulus to the economy. Besides, a better source of revenue for this program would be electric service charges. Finally, to limit my examples to three, $20 billion to modernize health information technology systems will probably not be an immediate spur to employment, because I doubt if there are sufficient unemployed persons with skills in that area who would be put back to work.

All-in-all, the House-approved stimulus package is too grandiose and too complicated. I believe it should concentrate on tax relief, aid to the poor and unemployed and infrastructure spending for projects currently ready for bids. I can only shake my head at how such a spending spree could get through the House, but with the present Speaker, who wrongfully stuck her nose in the Turkish-Armenian dispute, it's no wonder that it passed. It's time House Democrats replaced Nancy Pelosi as speaker. A Congressional leader is needed who will focus on the real problems of this country and not use the present crisis to further pet projects of her supporters. How about some leadership in this area? As a senior house member, it's time to assert yourself for common sense measures that will provide immediate relief for the economy.

Apology to Iran

2009-01-30T10:21:00.003-06:00

The New York Times reported that Iran's president, Mahoud Ahmadinejad, urged Washington to apologize for its actions toward his country over the past 60 years. Most Americans, upon hearing of this statement, would ask, "What should we apologize for?" Well, for starters, we should apologize for past actions in support of the former monarch of Iran. We should apologize for the actions of the CIA in twice thwarting popular revolutions and an opportunity for the creation of a democratic government in Iran. We should apologize for policies that lead to control of the country by Muslim clerics. Any student of the history of relations between the United States and Iran can find many more reasons for an apology from the United States. An apology would go a long way towards improving diplomatic relations and, thus, creating an atmosphere that could possibly deter Iran's nuclear ambitions. An apology would indicate that the U.S. was willing to abandon its past behaviors as a colonial overlord when it attempted to replace the United Kingdom's role in Iran. An apology would be beneficial in many ways.

The problem in getting an apology for Iran is that most Americans are unaware of our history in Iran. The Bush administration went out of its way to paint Iran as a villianous nation, part of an Axis of Evil. Yes, Iran's government has done despicable things in support of Islamic fundamentalist causes. But, our past actions could be considered despicable as well. The only way we can get past the past and address the future is by a reconcilliation that begins with an apology. I predict it will happen, after an apology is preceded by the right kind of publicity. Otherwise, it will be politically hard to do. Well, there's precedent. Nixon went to China. It is not inconceivable that Obama will go to Iran. Remember, you read it here first.

I Want A Tax Cut

2009-01-29T16:58:00.003-06:00

Please cut my taxes. I mean, really cut 'em. Zero taxes, that's what I want. In the first place, I don't want the hassle of getting the papers together that it takes to file my tax return. I want to be able to decide how I spend every penny I am able to glom onto. I don't like to save money from month to month to pay real estate taxes every 6 months. I don't want to figure in the sales tax when trying to figure out if I can afford a major purchase. I don't like to have every little purchase bumped up by a 7-plus percent sales tax. I could drive more if part of the cost of a gallon of gas didn't include taxes. What's more, I wish my beer and liquor purchases weren't taxed, so I could by a better grade of spirits or an exotic imported beer without feeling like I was splurging. Come on, give me a break, no taxes, no how, no way.

There, in one fell swoop, I have outdone the Republican mantra of: Tax Cut, Tax Cut, Tax Cut. Never mind that government has to be paid for somehow. Public schools need money, too. Highways must be built and maintained, and so on. So, if you chant the mantra of Tax Cut, you are admitting that some taxes are necessary. But, if you are a chanter, what you're really saying is, "Let's argue about how much government we should have." You are also saying, "Let's argue about how much the economy can afford to have apportioned to taxes." And, finally, you're saying, "Let somebody else pay for government and all it does."

Well, we live in a representative republic, so we can have as much government as we want, with the caveat that the economy has absolute limits as to the amount of wealth that can be devoted to government. How do we know what that limit is? It's probably a matter of opinion, because surely if there were an empirical standard, it would have been determined by now, even if it varied by whether the economy was expanding or contracting. That thought brings us to the real question, Who pays? Of course, the other guy should pay. That's what is called personal politics. Like I said in the first paragraph, I don't want to pay taxes.

But I do pay them. We all pay them, except of course for tax evaders who under-report income, do work "off the books", engage in barter or use loopholes. I think we all should have been paying more taxes for the past umpteen years. Perhaps, the State of Kansas and other states wouldn't be facing a budget gap. Perhaps, the states would have enough cash reserves to see them through a lean tax time. Perhaps, we could have found ways to conserve our financial resources and, thus, compensate for slightly higher taxes. Perhaps, a higher Federal income tax rate would have avoided the deficits piled up from the war in Iraq or, in the alternative, the financial sacrifice would have made the war unpopular enough that our troops would have been pulled out sooner leaving the Iraqis free to settle their own problems. Taxes can actually be a good thing and we should be proud to pay whatever taxes are need to live in the greatest country on this planet.

Elevator in the Palouse

2009-01-27T19:35:00.008-06:00

Driving around Kansas, I had the opportunity to photograph numerous grain elevators. I have been using the photos for subjects of watercolors. I particularly liked to paint the geometric shapes, shadows, textures, and perspectives of the grain elevators. The large sky areas are a challenge for a uniform wash. I have done about five paintings so far, but based on the number of photos I have, many more are coming.

This painting depicts an elevator in the Palouse, an area of wind-blown loess hills in southeast Washington known for growing wheat and lentils. This elevator is located south of Pullman on the highway to Clarksville. It has been scavenged for its corrugated metal siding which was added to the elevators to protect the wood siding. There were also several political campaign signs on the elevator that I omitted from the painting. The elevator still has a use as a billboard frame even if its crop storage days are long over. One of these days it will fall down after the ravaging is done and weather takes its toll.

One of my elevator paintings titled, Sentinels of the Prairie, appears on this blog. I hadn't seen any other paintings of grain elevators at art shows, so I thought that perhaps I had a unique subject. I had never Googled images for grain elevators, but I should have. Last week, in a local newspaper, a magazine called American Profile featured an article titled, "Prairie Cathedrals" about "A Montana couple's love affair with grain elevators". Upon reading the article, I learned there was an organization called the Country Grain Elevator Historical Society. The couple featured in the article, Bruce and Barbara Selyem of Bozeman, Montana, also have a web site. The full article, Prairie Cathedrals, is posted to the magazine's web site. There is even a slide show of photographs taken by Mr. Selyem. This new knowledge of mine makes my fascination with grain elevators as a subject for watercolor paintings seem more important.

Abstinence Only Sex Education - An Oxymoron

2009-01-27T15:05:00.003-06:00

"Abstinence-only sex education" is an oxymoron. If all that is taught in sex education is abstinence from sex where's the sex education? Admittedly, I don't have a clue as to what is taught in comprehensive sex education. I can only guess at the topics covered. My guesses would only take me as far as my direct and vicarious experience can take me. However, I am sure that quite a list of topics from arousal to zygote could be covered. And frankly, I never had any sex education, at least not in school. That topic just wasn't covered in Health class as far as I remember. I imagine I would have paid attention and, if it was interesting enough, at least I'd have a recollection of an instructional block called "sex education". I do recall learning about reasons for abstinence, i.e. beware of venereal disease; babies are caused by the joining of an egg and a sperm (Biology class!), so avoid doing anything that could cause a baby; and shotgun weddings are what happens to guys who get a gal pregnant, etc. but never about abstinence itself, except when my father told me to avoid sex before marriage, because I would have plenty of sex once I got married.

I think Obama is right about cutting Federal government funding of "abstinence-only" sex education. It doesn't prevent unplanned pregnancies any better than parental admonitions and exhortations do. Parents who want to teach their children to abstain from sex can do so now without Federal dollars. The only reason some parents want abstinence-only taught in school is to squelch the teaching of other topics dealing with sex. Please parents don't delude yourselves. Your children will learn about sex with or without covering the subject in health education. If you don't believe me, just ask them.

Kansas Budget Woes

2009-01-26T18:56:00.003-06:00

The expenses go on, but the income falters. The result: a budget gap. The solution: reduce expenditures and increase revenue. Sounds pretty simple, but it isn't. Cuts in spending hurt, especially when personnel reductions are involved. Government workers with specialized skills have a hard time finding another government employer. Some things can't be cut, i.e. utility costs. Capital spending like for vehicles can be postponed, but maintenance costs are likely to increase. Actually, tax rates on income and property can be increased to support essential services like education, disability and elderly services, public safety and transportation. However, revenue increases have limited potential for solving budget problems due to the political backlash of fewer paying more. It's probably a good time to raise user fees and charges. But, if the demand for services and the means of service delivery are both reduced that can moderate the amount of money received. Anyone should be able to understand the dilemmas and decisions required by a budget pinch. So, the Kansas Legislature, the Governor, the budget staff, the special interest groups and the public will have a real go-around before the budget is adopted.

Just for fun, let's imagine what things would be like if we hadn't had tax cut after tax cut for the past umpteen years. An adequate reserve of cash would be available to carry us through this recession with only minor adjustments and without all the disruption of government and political turmoil. Of course, there is a problem with collecting more revenue than is needed on an annual basis. I doubt if our politicians are mature enough to actually keep the excess in reserve for times like these. If there are excess funds, politicians are apt to spend it, which defeats the idea of having excess funds to weather a recession that reduces revenue. Maybe some day maturity will rule, but politics has always had the flavor of a fight amount 4th graders.

Horrific Headlines

2009-01-25T14:31:00.003-06:00

On Saturday last, the KC Star front page headline reads,"FATHER FACES CHARGES OF INCEST AND MURDER". The victims: a teenage daughter and three dead babies. Today, on a Sunday, the KC Star "Local" section's top headline reads, "BABY'S PARENTS CHARGED". The victim: a 4 month old boy who starved to death last Fall. In the same section of the paper on page B2, the top headline read, "Woman accused of prostituting daughter, 5". The victim: the aforementioned 5 year old girl and her two older sisters who suffered the same fate. Below this declaration, another headline reads, "Search yields no sign of missing boy". The victim: an 11 year old boy who disappeared 10 years ago. All of these children have suffered and some have died at the hands of their parents or foster parents. This type of offense seems to be all too common and becoming more frequent. I can't imagine any act more vile and despicable than one causing the death of someone who is totally dependent on the perpetrator of that act. Something needs to change and fast before other victims are chronicled in the local paper. As a society, we should hang our head in shame.

Lillie Rogers' Steamed Carrot Pudding

2009-01-24T11:53:00.003-06:00

Ingredients:
1 cup raw carrots, ground
1 cup raw potatoes, ground
1 cup suet, ground
1 cup raisins
1-1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves

Directions:
Mix well, steam for 3 hours
Serve with sauce or whipped cream

Comment: Lillie was an aunt by marriage. She didn't identify the type of sauce, so you can experiment with this to find a sauce that goes with the carrot pudding. I just hope the art of steaming hasn't been lost.

Have You Noticed

2009-01-23T20:17:00.003-06:00

Have you noticed how many news commentators and policy pundits are weighing in on what the new U.S. President and his administration have been doing? I even had a pollster call on Obama's second day as President to ask whether I approved of the job he was doing. I looked up the poll results on www.surveyusa.com. I found out there are already people out there who don't approve of the job he's doing. Well, they're probably the same people who approved of the job former President Bush was doing. Somehow, I can't give them any credence, nor should I. Let's face it, if we expect the public to get behind the new President, we are delusional. We just can't be silent. If you agree with Obama, say so. Don't be afraid to say, "Yes, I agree with closing the Guantanamo Bay detention camp." or "Yes, I agree with a woman getting pay equal to a man's pay when they do the same job."

It's evident here in Kansas that the Bush-Cheney dosage of fear of terrorists has worked. Else why all of the fuss about moving some of these terrorists/guerrilla fighters to the Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth. Have you noticed that no one complained about that place before? I'll bet it already houses some guys you wouldn't want out on the streets of our fair cities. None of them have escaped, at least lately as far as I know.

McClanahan's Red Light Running Solution

2009-01-22T12:11:00.003-06:00

E. Thomas McClanahan, conservative pundit of the Kansas City Star, in a commentary of January 4, 2009, stated that "Longer yellow-light times mean fewer violations and accidents." In addition to the "blinking green" and "point of no return striping" he has offered yet another idea as to how the problem of motorists disrespecting red lights can be solved. McClanahan cites several studies that reported decreases in intersection accidents after yellow-light times were lengthened, but he did not mention the duration of the previous yellow-light phase of the traffic signal cycle, the speed limit applicable at the intersection, the type of collision reduced, or any other of several factors that could affect the number of collisions. In other words, he focused solely on the length of the yellow-light phase of the signal cycle as the determinant of motoring safety.

The KC Star editorial board stated recently that the yellow-light duration at intersections where cameras are planned ranged from 3.6 seconds to 3.9 seconds and, that where cameras are installed, they would monitor the times to see if they are changed or not. Considering all the interest in the fairness and practicality of red-light cameras, it is time to look at some facts. At 35 miles per hour, the speed limit usually applicable on streets with traffic signals, a vehicle will travel 180 feet in 3.5 seconds or 205 feet in 4.0 seconds. According to national traffic authorities, the stopping distance for a car traveling 35 mph, assuming good brakes and a good road surface condition, is approximately 51 feet. From this data, it can be seen that a vehicle driver, who is not speeding excessively or is not physically impaired, has more than sufficient reaction time and braking power to bring a vehicle to a stop before entering an intersection.

A short ( one to two second) yellow light phase can present problems to speeding drivers, while longer phases (three to four seconds) are more forgiving of excessive speed. Lengthening a short yellow phase could be beneficial, but doing the same for a yellow phase that is already of ample duration would be unlikely to provide any benefit.

Personally, I consider red-light cameras to be a "two-fer", better traffic enforcement and more revenue, both of which Kansas City surely needs. If McClanahan really wants to "step up enforcement in the proper way-- with traffic cops issuing tickets at the scene", then I'll be looking for his commentary supporting a tax increase to pay the bill for his desire.

Strategic Planner- Barack Obama

2009-01-20T09:45:00.003-06:00

Some people who are not clued in to the world around them question what all the fuss is about with the inauguration of Barack Obama. What has caused millions to crowd the open spaces in the Capital from the Capitol to the Washington Monument and beyond and beside these landmarks? It's obvious, with an African-American in the office of President, that a large portion of our countrymen finally feel like they are truly stakeholders in this great country.

Martin Luther King was a visionary. His message was that we are all stakeholders in this country and that we all benefit from the realization of his vision. Barack Obama is a strategic planner. He is not the realization of King's dream, but the mechanism to advance it. Barack understands that stakeholders must be involved in reaching the goals expressed in the vision. He understands how to frame an issue in a way that stakeholders can understand it. He expresses the vision as goals. He depends on others to prepare the strategies and put the action programs in place to attain the goals for the benefit of the stakeholders.

Neither Obama magic or a skilled cabinet will produce the change. It is the people who believe the mantra, "Yes we can." who will change this country. Give thanks to Martin Luther King for giving us the vision. Give thanks to the stakeholders who want the benefits of the vision. Give thanks to Providence for the planner who will guide us in the effort towards the realization of the vision.

Second First

2009-01-20T09:31:00.003-06:00

Barack Obama is indeed the first African-American President of these United States of America. Obama's father was an African and his mother was an American. The bifurcation of this adjective represents his paternal and maternal ancestry, not just the geographic roots of his forebearers and his national identity. As Obama is first to hold the office as an African-American, the future will give us the second first, an African-American President whose ancestors were slaves. Surely, this distinction will be made, but the difference will be difficult to discern and the second first will not have the significance of the first first.

Sign of the Times

2009-01-19T21:03:00.003-06:00

At the Kansas University versus Texas A&M basketball game tonight, a sign held up by a student on this Martin Luther King Day read: "I have a dream that the whole world will become JAYHAWKS!" Now, that's a sentiment for world peace and prosperity, if I ever heard one. But, alas, it won't come to pass as long as there's a sign being held up in Manhattan, Kansas, that reads, "Every man a WILDCAT!"

Combo Tech

2009-01-19T11:42:00.003-06:00

The cell phone has morphed into a combo tech tool. It can be a telephone, a camera, a GPS monitor, a music player, a video player, a Web browser, a text message or email typer, and who knows what else. So, how about doing something with the telephone handset? It could be a TV remote, a VHS and DVD player remote (at least for basics), a garage door opener, a ceiling fan remote, and who knows what else. What spawned this idea of mine? Well, this morning at breakfast, I reached under the newspapers for the TV remote, picked up the telephone handset by mistake, and pressed its buttons to no avail. They say necessity is the mother of invention and I say that human frailty is the father of salvation. To err is human, to forgive divine. Help me here and cut down the number of gadgets we have around the house.

Blinking Green

2009-01-19T11:05:00.003-06:00

A KC Star Opinion writer suggested that, rather than red-light cameras, a blinking green light phase be included in traffic signals. The idea is that the running of red-lights would be diminished by the addition of a light phase of blinking green before the light turns yellow, because drivers would have more warning as to when a green light was about to turn red, and thus, could be prepared to stop when they saw the yellow light. Recently, on this blog, I offered the idea that a "point of no return" stripe be painted across the lanes at the intersection to help drivers gauge their ability to stop upon seeing a yellow light. Both ideas have merits and faults. Detractors will say that the blinking green light would just encourage speeding up before the light changed, an act which would persist through the yellow light just as speeding up occurs now. The warning stripe would not be readily visible at night or during inclement weather and would be confused with a crosswalk marking.

So, what can be done to reduce the number of drivers who go through an intersection on the red? For one thing, we could encourage drivers to relax. What's the big hurry? It is not life or death whether one arrives at his or her destination a few minutes later than would happen with aggressive driving. For another thing, we could stress respect for the law at all times, even when driving. The rules of the road are designed to benefit all by providing safer travel. Aggressive driving makes for accidents and that isn't worth the repair cost or the anguish of injury or death that results from accidents. Finally, we should do more to enforce speed limits even if by means of direct control of car speed. I foresee the day when cars are equipped with radio-controlled speed governors that adjust their speed so it doesn't exceed the posted speed limit. In the meantime, radar controlled flashing speed indicators are an example of how technology is helping with enforcement. More effort needs to be applied to the problem of speed enforcement.

Solving the world's problems, one at a time.

Minnie Cannon's Peanut Butter Cookies

2009-01-18T09:02:00.003-06:00

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups flour
2 eggs
2 tsp baking soda
Instructions:
Mix well, roll thin, cut with cookie cutter and bake in moderate oven.
Minnie Cannon 12/2/1930

Philosophical Question

2009-01-15T13:13:00.003-06:00

The philosophical question posed for the annual philosophical competition, known as the "2009 Think-Off", of New York Mills, Minnesota, (where ever that is!) is, "Is it ever wrong to do the right thing?" You may enter the competition by submitting an essay of 750 words or less before the April 1 deadline to the contest sponsors. I'm not going to enter, but I have some thoughts about the question.

My first realization about the question is that it assumes prospectively that the action taken was right, that is, that the act was the correct thing to do by whatever standard one wishes to apply.

If the question is answered in the affirmative, that doing the right thing was in fact the wrong thing to do, then the initial assumption of the act being the right thing to do is erroneous. But, this cannot be, because for it to be so, then the question would have to be false. If the question is answered in the negative, that doing the right thing was in fact the right thing to do, even though in retrospect it turned out to be the wrong thing to do, we find that, in this case as in the previous case, the initial assumption is erroneous, because doing right created a wrong, which is not the right thing to do, and therefore, we find that the original assumption of the act being the right thing to do is erroneous.

The basic question is fallacious. By definition, it can never be wrong to do the right thing, because right is right and not wrong. Hence, the essay competition is based on a conundrum, masquerading as an enigma. The contest's question is no more than a riddle. The prize should go to whomever exposes the truth, which is the right thing to do. However, if that approach doesn't win the contest, then it was the wrong thing to do, and therefore, the question is not based on a false premise. Got that?

Solving the world's problems, one at a time.

Kansas City Star vs. Governor Sibelius

2009-01-14T10:53:00.008-06:00

The Kansas City Star in a Sunday editorial published the day before Kansas Governor Kathleen Sibelius gave her State of the State speech listed eight "top picks" for action by the Kansas Legislature. It occurred to me that I might listen to her Monday night speech, paying particular attention to how the legislative ideas expounded by the Governor diverged from those proposed by the Star. Below is what I learned along with my reaction.

In the area of highways, the Star proposed adding mass transit to the Kansas transportation plan. Sibelius suggested that perhaps another 10-year iteration of the plan, concluding this year, might be authorized. Mass transit is not going anywhere in Kansas. There is no interest by Kansas commuters and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is not proposing mass transit links that would be advantageous to Kansans. Highway needs are still of major importance for movement through and around the Kansas metropolitan areas and between urban centers across the state. With federal stimulus money possible, several important highway projects that would be leading candidates for the early years of a new 10-year plan may get done. Look for all the attention to be devoted to economic stimulus with a new long-range plan coming up in the 2010 legislature.

As to public smoking restrictions, the Star wants a statewide ban on smoking in public places. The Governor made no mention of this issue, so presumably it's not high on her priority list. Presumably, she would support new laws that decrease cancer risks, therefore, if the legislature acts, which I doubt will happen, the Governor will go along. I doubt that cigarette taxes will be increased. Both parties have ruled out tax increases during a recession to cure a recession caused budget crisis and they would not want to appear hypocritical by putting both new restrictions and taxes on smokers.

To decrease deaths among teenage drivers, the Star supports raising the driving age and adding other restrictions to youthful drivers. This issue got no comment from the Governor. Since she's term limited, presumably she would not veto raising the age to begin driving. Interestingly, the Star didn't suggest a minimum age for driving, just raising it. Well, I will make a suggestion. I say raise it to 19, unless the individual wanting to drive has a high school diploma or GED certificate. That would not only make highways safer, it would reduce the expense of parking lot maintenance at high schools.

It seems to me that newspapers don't sell a lot of ad space for political campaigns and, hence, they don't protect their advertiser's interests. The Star favors disclosure of all financial donors' identities. Again, no mention of this issue by the Governor. It's hard to tell where she would come down on this issue. Personally, I feel full disclosure should be the rule. You have the right to support a candidate with your funds and to freely associate with others to do so. Why should your identity be shielded from view? There is no penalty attached to free speech, only the judgement of your peers. Why would you want to escape the judgement of your peers by donating anonymously?

Under the mantle of energy policy, the Star plugged renewable fuels for power generation rather than coal, as does Sibelius who favors expanding power generation from all sources as long as it's not coal-fired. The Senate President's response led me to believe that the Western Kansas Republicans will lead another attempt to build a power plant that mainly serves Colorado with energy and pollutes the air in Eastern Kansas. Neither the Star nor the Governor mentioned nuclear power directly. I say expand Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant. It has an excellent operating record from both safety and economical power standpoints. Besides, Coffey County could use more tax revenue.

For the care of vulnerable citizens, the Star is particularly interested in the mentally disabled. Sibelius extends her concern to all disabled persons. I am with her, but I cannot understand how enrollment in aid programs can be suspended as is proposed as a expense saving device. Equal protection under the law should not mean "until we can afford it." I say, "Serve one, serve all." There is a moral imperative here. The gate-keeper should be a standard of need, the worst cases get served first, rather than time of application. If that can't be done, then pony up the bucks.

Under the umbrella of health care, the Star emphasizes treatment access as of priome concern. Sibleius emphasized the advances made in Kansas towars becoming a center for cancer research. Both are important. More public clinics are definitely needed. I don't think the legislature will take any action, lacking funds and knowledge of what the Federal government will do to improve health insurance coverage.

Life science. the leading area of new research, also was of interest to both the Star and the Governor. The newspaper is pushing bioscience, while the Governor touts the economic development potential of a life science corridor between Manhattan and the Kansas City area. It is ironic that the county that passed a dedicated sales tax to boost state efforts in life sciences, cancer research and education, will probaly get the shaft from reduced state shared revenues. That's double punishment for the taxpayer. I say that, if the localities and higher education must bear the brunt of state budget corrections, then the local "Research Triangle" tax should be suspended unless or until the state fixes things.

This legislative session will be one to follow closely.

The Eleventh Reason

2009-01-05T11:13:00.003-06:00

In a previous post, I proposed the top ten reasons why Sarah and Todd Palin's daughter had not got married before their baby was born. Once baby Tripp came into the world and the bidding started for the opportunity to have the first photograph, finally topping out at a reported $300,000, I realized the real reason there was no wedding before the birth was the money. A picture of an out-of-wedlock baby is worth more than one born of married parents. I also realize how naive I was when I made up the ten reasons and left the payoff out and how naive I still am. Of course, I should have realized that a picture of a b****** was worth more than one of a legitimate baby. I am still naive, because I wrote above that the bidding started after the birth. Heck, the bidding was surely going on before the due date. I hope the parents put enough of the money in a trust fund and invest it wisely to pay for Tripp's education, otherwise I've got a feeling that easy money will go pretty fast.

Point of No Return

2009-01-03T11:35:00.002-06:00

A motorist approaching a traffic signal that has just turned from green to yellow must make a decision - accelerate to clear the intersection before the signal turns red or brake to stop for the light. In an effort to arrive at their destination as soon as possible, aggressive drivers typically accelerate often entering the intersection at full speed after the light has turned red. They have violated a red light, risked or caused an accident, and confirmed a defensive driver’s need to hesitate before proceeding on a green light. Defensive drivers typically brake, resigning themselves to waiting through a signal cycle.

With the increase in traffic on city thoroughfares, the problem of scofflaws running red lights has become serious. In response to the problem, the use of video cameras has been introduced to detect traffic signal violators and issue citations. The decision to adopt ‘big brother’ techniques of remote surveillance has brought heated objections from some motorists, which is somewhat disingenuous, because the simplest way to avoid a ticket is to simply stop on the yellow. But, perhaps the opposition to cameras is not simply a desire to avoid a fine and goes deeper. Perhaps, the motorists who object to the cameras are reacting to feelings of fear and frustration. Upon seeing the light turn yellow, such emotions can be produced and run the gamut from not knowing whether they will be able to stop in time, whether they will be rear-ended if they attempt to stop, or whether they can speed up in time to clear the intersection and avoid being hit by cross-traffic.

There is a possible solution to the dilemma of decision/indecision posed by a yellow traffic light. As a motorist approaches an intersection with a traffic signal, a point of no return is confronted. Based on the road’s speed limit and the vehicle’s stopping distance, there is an imaginary line across the roadway before the intersection, the point of no return, past which a stop short of the intersection cannot be made or before which a safe stop is possible. I propose that a new traffic marking be placed at signalized intersections. I propose that a yellow band be painted perpendicular to the center line of the street approaching an intersection to indicate to motorists the location of that ‘point of no return’. The cross street marking would be an aid to the motorist’s decision-making, enabling safer vehicle operation and fewer inadvertent violations.

The location of the cross street marking could have buffers built into it. A vehicle speed 5 miles per hour above the speed limit, a rate at which most traffic seems to travel, could be used to calculate stopping distance. The braking ability of a vehicle could be based on trucks, rather than passenger cars. The cross street marking could be made of reflective materials to facilitate recognition at night. A roadside sign could be added to help the motorist locate the point of no return. If marking lines across streets before every signalized intersection was considered too costly for traffic control budgets, the fine for running a red light at an unmarked intersection could be increased as a deterrent. There are most likely other considerations that would need to be applied to this traffic control innovation, before it would be considered state of the art. The most likely consideration would be to paint the lines at a few prominent red light violation intersections for a test to see if it worked.

Solving the world’s problems, one at a time.

Predictions and Wishes

2009-01-01T08:59:00.005-06:00

January 1st is a day of reckoning. It's the time for predictions and wishes, staples of newspaper editorial pages and editorialists. They are about as useless as it gets. If the prediction is right or the wish comes true, it was probably inevitable. If wrong or unrealized, the same can be said. No one can predict the future. All that can be done is to interpolate and extrapolate the trends, applying some common sense and playing the odds. Yet, these staples are fun to read, both before and after.

I think some newspapers are missing a bet by not doing an opinion poll to assess the public's estimation of what will come about during the next year. Some papers do this, but not the ones that are full of themselves. And those I predict won't change, but I wish they would.

It’s Resolution Time

2008-12-31T21:03:00.002-06:00

New Year’s Eve and it’s time to make some new deals with life. The calendar is close to being ready to flip. I better get my act together, because a new age is dawning. The government is changing, and real change is coming. The economic recession is about to hit bottom as witnessed by the prior bottoming of the stock market. Things are going to get better. I had better resolve to get better with it.

Therefore, first, I resolve to loose weight. I could stand to drop 50 pounds. The question is do I have the fortitude to forswear fattening foots. Twenty years ago, I quit a 35 year smoking habit by going cold turkey. That experience tells me I have the ability to suffer, but not whether I have the will power to succeed in reducing my intake of an essential of life. I might as well try, because if I don’t, I’ll be embarrassed at my next physical when I have to get on the scales.

Secondly, I resolve to exercise daily. I just hope my knees can take it. Enough said.

Third, I am going to get going earlier in the day, while the day is young. I resolve not to work any puzzles until after supper. Two crosswords, a suduko, and a Cryptoquip can eat up a good 60 minutes a day, time that can be better spent in an activity that has tangible results like home repairs, watercolors, putting practice, house cleaning, yard work, vehicle maintenance, etc. Heck, I thought I was retired. Not so, it seems like I have more to do know than when I was working.

Fourth, I resolve to continue blogging. But, instead of tripe like this, I pledge to actually do some research so what I write will be original, more interesting and readable. Stay tuned.

Well, that’s let see, what will my next topic be? I know, New Years predictions. My first one will be that none of the above will be kept. I hope I’m wrong and predictions usually are. So, perhaps there is hope for me after all.

Christmas Is Over

2008-12-30T18:52:00.003-06:00

The decorations are put away for another year. The last Christmas cards arrive with an acknowledgement that they're late, but still in time for New Years greetings. The radio has stopped playing Christmas songs and the Christmas CDs are returned to storage, replaced by classical CDs. The alleged War on Christmas, allegedly being conducted by atheists, secularists, and those persons who want their speech to be politically correct, halts for a truce, awaiting another season to renew its imagined onslaught of neutral greetings and misplaced emphasis. All Hail! The weather even turns mild, if just for an occasional day or two, mocking Winter and the fury of wind, snow, ice, and cold. Retail sales are tallied and found to be lacking, compared to previous years. Students are awaiting new school terms after the old year's calendar is replaced by the new year's. The media has switched to full year-end mode with a recap of the news stories and milestones of the past 12 months. This year, in this sense, at this time, is no different than last. I still look forward to the new year with hope, but what I'd like most would be just to leave some stuff behind.

The Taliban's Achilles Heel

2008-12-28T23:14:00.004-06:00

Most news reports about the war-like exploits of the Taliban relate how groups of them travel about Afghanistan in pickup trucks, sedans and SUVs with guns and mounted weapons like machine guns and rocket propelled grenades. Such vehicles are also the common means of delivery of bombs by suicide operators. The Taliban is also said to be ubiquitous in the population and difficult to locate, hence difficult to engage militarily and to destroy them.

The presence of pickup trucks, sedans and SUVs in a rural community would indicate the possible presence of Taliban members. A strategy to impair the ability of the Taliban to conduct operations in the countryside would be to simply ban the use of pickup trucks, sedans and SUVs and destroy by aerial attack any pickup trucks, sedans and SUVs operating along roads or trails. The control of these vehicles would make Taliban members march like soldiers of olden days, severely limiting their range and speed of operation. Besides reducing their ability to operate militarily, banning pickup trucks, sedans and SUVs would probably reduce their ability to recruit. Concealment of a vehicle by garaging or camouflaging it would not matter, as the vehicle would only be a target when used. It would be back to the donkey cart for the Afghan farmer for local transport.

It would be difficult for replacement vehicles to be smuggled into Afghanistan, because control points could be established along the sparse road system's few border crossings. Collateral damage in the form of civilian deaths could be diminished by announcing that any vehicle operating on a roadway or trail would be a target of opportunity and treated accordingly. Let the rider beware. Legitimate vehicular transport of people and goods could be accomplished by government operated or leased bus transport and trucking services. Night time operations could be countered by use of infra-red vision equipment and heat-seeking missiles. Essentially, the plan is to cover Afghanistan with a no-drive zone, much as Iraq was restricted by a no-fly zone.

If there is going to be an all-out effort to vanquish the Taliban, I think it should begin by denying them motor transport.

Solving the world's problems, one at a time.

Doctor Shortage

2008-12-28T22:42:00.002-06:00

The KC Star, my primary connection to the world, reported on the approach of a nation-wide shortage of medical doctors, and by extrapolation, I presume other health care professions as well. The shortage is attributed to an aging physician population that is not being replaced by newly educated doctors. The problem is not new and no solution to my reckoning other than encouraging the study of science is being promoted. Of course, in addition to the limitations imposed by medical schools on the number of physicians trained and graduated to medical practice annually, is the formidable barrier of financial cost. There are a few scholarship programs, mostly by private charitable foundations that target minorities and ethnic groups or are available only to medical students who pass the first year. Also, traditionally, medical doctors, due to their potential earning power, have not been seen as a priority for financial assistance other than loans.

If the shortage of doctors is to be overcome, the medical schools are going to have to increase their capacity to train doctors and other medical professions and a source of funding found for scholarships that increase access by qualified students for medical school. I suggest that the industry groups whose prosperity depends on the health care system contribute funds for scholarships. Drug manufacturers, pharmacies, health insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, hospital corporations, health equipment manufacturers and suppliers, hospitals and ambulance builders are all industry groups that depend on having an adequate supply of medical professionals serving a larger clientele.

To avoid any potential conflicts of interest between scholarship fund providers and scholarship beneficiaries, the scholarship program should be administered by an independent organization, possibly part of the National Institutes for Health or similar agency that can maximize the societal benefits. To further insulate the funds providers from the fund dispensers, the donors could be encouraged by variable tax credits, according to the demand for doctors. For example, an initial endowment could be established by granting 100 per cent tax credits, with the credit percentage reducing as endowment income increases and/or the demand for physicians decreases. However it happens, something needs to be done, if you want a doctor when you need one.

Solving the world's problems, one at a time.

Kansas Kristmas Karaoke

2008-12-24T11:22:00.001-06:00

No good idea should go unreported, as no good deed should go unpunished. In Kansas business districts, large and small, mixed among the stores and offices are what Kansans politely refer to as ‘watering holes’. These watering holes are in fact beer joints, taverns or bars. In these watering holes are electronic devices called karaoke machines, which mix music and vocal tracts for entertainment. In the same business centers, street light poles bear loudspeakers that are connected to an amplifier in the chamber of commerce office, the library or the city hall, whichever unlucky place happened to be where the business district committee who proposed it decided it should be housed. These two technologies, the karaoke machine and the outdoor loudspeaker, could be combined to provide holiday music for the business district. Can’t you imagine Christmas songs like Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and Hark the Herald Angels Sing performed by barleycorn celebrants wafting across the roof-tops and sidewalks of the shopper’s paradise? I can foresee Kristmas Karaoke festivals throughout the state with thousands in attendance brightening the fortunes of many a Kansas merchant.

Smoking Ban Pudding

2008-12-22T20:04:00.001-06:00

After receiving a comment to a previous post (Kansas City, Kansas, Smoking Ban) that questioned the effectiveness of bans on tobacco smoking in public places, I consulted a professional with a major university cancer research program. I was told that a recent 'map' on the decrease in number of cancer deaths per 100 cancer diagnoses across the US showed that the number of deaths from cancer were dramatically decreased in those states which have instituted public smoking bans - with the lowest numbers being in those states which have had the bans the longest (i.e., CA, OR). The researcher asserted that those results are pretty good proof for the argument for a ban on public smoking. I would imagine that smoking ban opponents would say that those numbers are just more false propaganda from the anti-smokers. However, as the adage goes, the proof is in the pudding.

Angels and Elves

2008-12-21T22:12:00.004-06:00

Christmas is a time when superstition reigns. Angels and elves, fictitious beings from ancient cultures, figure prominently in the myths of Christmas. Angels, messengers from deities, provided the link between man and the supernatural in early religions of the cradle of civilization from Greece to India. Elves were the pagan's way of interpreting events that had no apparent or comprehended cause. The allure of these mystical, inaginary creatures as a connection to the supernatural is so great even today that they persist in our imaginations. An overwhelming number of people actually believe that angels, the biblical term, are real. Many can cite an incident from their lives where they feel they encountered a angel. They have no other rational explanation why a stranger assisted them in some important and possibly life saving way. Fewer believe in elves or fairies or genies, I suspect because they are from the pagan tradition and clearly referenced as fictitious in literature, that is, they don't have the authority of scripture to bolster their reputation. The belief in messengers from god(s) is a harmless infatuation with the possibility that magic can be part of our lives. It's a relief from the drudgery of typical days, which is what holidays are all about. Enjoy.

Letter to Santa Claus

2008-12-20T17:19:00.002-06:00

I was cleaning out some old files and came across a newspaper from Christmas 1948. Flipping through it's yellowed crackly pages, I found printed therein a letter to Santa that I had written as a 10-year old. My letter reads as follows:

Dear Santa Claus:
I would like to have a sled and a football to go along with it for Christmas. I would also like to have a flesh bulb holder and a pair of ice skates for this winter. I do not now to ice skate; that is why I want the ice skates. I want the flesh bulb holder for my Agfa camera. Your good boy.
P.S. Please stick in a 22 long riffle and some bubble gum by mistake. I'will keep it secret.

I can't remember whether I got any of the gifts requested. I may have got the sled to share with my brothers. I know I didn't get a football, a flash for my camera, ice skates, a rifle or bubblegum. Somehow, I think my brothers and I had a football at our disposal.

I bought myself ice skates when I was in my thirties. I learned to ice skate so I could clear snow from the ice so my children could skate. Thankfully, I could lean on the shovel to stay erect until I developed enough skill to manage on my own.

I have never owned a 22-caliber rifle. At 10 years old, I didn't realize that the word 'long' referred to the shell casing size rather than the rifle's barrel length. I can't imagine why I even asked for one. I guess I was just trying to push the envelope with Santa. I ended up owning two pistols, a fine shotgun and a bolt-action 30-06 rifle.

One thing I didn't ask for, but could have used was better spelling skills. Somehow I picked those up along the way.

The moral of this story is: Ask, and if you don't receive, don't loose faith. You may eventually get what you want, even if you have to pay for it yourself.