Yesterday

Just because something appears to be inevitable does not mean we have to facilitate it even though it is wrong.

Uncle Jay

Orson Scott Card had the following column today:

Here are my thoughts:

I think, perhaps there is a clarity of thought and action that the Spirit is able to communicate in urgent circumstances. Although it may not be a big deal, this very possibly will be a life changing event for Aaron.

When I was a Boy Scout we had the responsibility of running the local fireworks booth as a fund raiser. This included setting up the booth. The Scoutmaster (my uncle) and a couple of us boys were struggling with the assembly of several ungainly panels of the booth. Suddenly, the roof started to fall. The boys all ran. But, my uncle stepped in to catch the falling panel. I was struck (figuratively) , first by my very quick reaction to abandon all, and second by my uncle's clearheadedness and courage to do what he did. Now, I was probably too small and weak to be of much help. But, I realized that an adult would immediately know and do the right thing. That stuck with me and has helped me since then several times react with courage and clarity in emergencies.

Obama and CAFE Standards

Did IQs just drop sharply while I was away? - Ripley

Disaster!

I had a major disaster with my bike on Saturday. My rear dérailleur has been shifting a little sloppy lately. It seemed like it needed to put more tension on the chain. The chain was as short as it could be. So, I decided to adjust the mech. I did not touch the limiting screws. But, when I got on the bike to ride, the part swung into the spokes and disintegrated breaking two spokes along the way. It was a pretty expensive coast down the driveway. The dérailleur was $720 and the rear wheel (with dedicated carbon spokes) was close to $500. I am trying to work out their replacement.

Thought for the Day

I still take alarmists with a grain of salt. But, I've lived long enough to see what I thought was over the top concern in the '70's for the encroachment of "Humanism" and the dangers of Nationalized Education to have come true.

A(H1N1)

I hereby pledge that I will not start fist bumping instead of shaking hands.