Birds Flaming-Up in Flight Over California – What?!

I never thought I would read the following headline in a non-tabloid publication: “Why birds are igniting in midair over Calif.”!!! But it clearly appears on yesterday’s USA Today Nation News webpage (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/19/newser-birds-energy-solar-calif/14282915/).  I doubt I could have even made up such a bizarre, true headline!

I strongly believe that anything that further diminishes the bird population of our country to a significant degree needs to be checked out with the goal of stopping it! For years I’ve had the disturbing thought that I was seeing fewer and fewer birds; as I heard rumors about my observation reflecting a true and sad reality.  

According to the National Audubon Society bird webpage “All 20 birds on the national Common Birds in Decline list lost at least half their populations in just four decades… The findings point to growing impact from the many environmental challenges our birds face, from habitat loss from development, deforestation, and conversion of land to agriculture, to climate change. Only citizen action can make a difference for the birds and the state of our future.” (http://birds.audubon.org/common-birds-decline) 

But this doesn’t specifically explain why some birds are apparently flaming up and out over CA! However USA Today News Staff writer Elizabeth Armstrong Moore lays the blame at the feet of a solar technology installation in the Mojave Desert of California: “Wildlife officials say they've counted one bird being scorched to death every two minutes by intensely focused rays of light at the BrightSource Energy plant, considered the largest solar thermal power plant of its kind in the world... Wildlife experts say that at least 1,000 and as many as 28,000 birds…” will be killed per year.  I hope different “Wildlife experts” don’t have political agendas that might wrongly alter their estimates… surely not...  But why such wide range? Even half of the higher number would mean the horrible loss of 14,000 birds year after year. (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/19/newser-birds-energy-solar-calif/14282915/) 

It’s no surprise that yesterday The San Diego NBC affiliate also published an online article by Ellen Knickmeyer and John Locher.  I want to share a quote from this article that really stuck in my craw:

“Workers at a state-of-the-art solar plant in the Mojave Desert have a name for birds that fly through the plant's concentrated sun rays – ‘streamers,’ for the smoke plume that comes from birds that ignite in midair… Federal wildlife investigators who visited the BrightSource Energy plant last year and watched as birds burned and fell, reporting an average of one ‘streamer’ every two minutes…”(http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Solar-Plants-in-Mojave-Desert-Scorch-Birds-271886891.html#ixzz3AsOhTTNM).” 

Fortunately the “Federal wildlife investigators” who visited the site last year are now opposing an application to build a second, similar solar plant. The Federal Wildlife Commission is calling for a halt to this type of solar installation until extensive environmental impact studies can be completed.

The existing BrightSource Mojave Solar Energy installation has: “More than 300,000 mirrors, each the size of a garage door, reflect solar rays onto three boiler towers each looming up to 40 stories high.” Although it appears the proposed plant might only have one 75 story tower, some members of the “commission staff estimate(s) the proposed new tower would be almost four times as dangerous to birds as…” as the current towers.

The article also says The Chairman of the California Energy Commission said… “the toll on the birds has been surprising.” It indicates the Commission didn’t foresee this deadly outcome. However, they no longer have this excuse as they consider the application to build a similar solar plant with “mirror field and 75-story tower that would reach above the sand dunes and creek washes between Joshua Tree National Park and the California-Arizona Border…”

The birds that would likely be impacted by the proposed plant is on a flight path for birds between the Colorado River and California's largest lake, the Salton Sea -- an area experts say is populated with “protected golden eagles and peregrine falcons and more than 100 other species of birds recorded there.” The article also notes that wind generated power results in the death of some wildlife, including a wide variety of birds, and that the Federal Wildlife Commission is allowing this.

Source: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Solar-Plants-in-Mojave-Desert-Scorch-Birds-271886891.html#ixzz3AwlcYBVq

Obviously more trustworthy environmental impact data is needed to make more informed conclusions.  I can only assume that the FWC realizes the importance of weighing the need for an adequate national power supply against the likelihood that any current, feasible means of providing it is going to be fatal one way or another to some kind(s) of wildlife, to one degree or another. Yet, is it too idealistic to hope that over the next four decades our country will not see a decline in common birds equal to or even greater than the past four decades? 

Who Is Wealthiest Per State & Why?

Recently Kevin Short of The Huffington Post published a fun article about the richest persons in each of the 50 US States (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/31/richest-person-in-each-state_n_5617993.html). It strikes me as good clean fun and flirting, as well as relatively interesting and newsworthy!

I’ll start with my home state Indiana:  Gayle Cook. Of course all Hoosiers have heard of this Bloomington, IN native who is worth 6.1 Billion.  Fortunately, she’s only the 241^st richest person in the world so she has room to grow. She and her husband, the late Bill Cook, founded a medical device supply company in their Bloomington apartment in 1963. Suffice it to say, the company has done well – worldwide.  While it’s not likely that Ms. Cook’s entire net worth is liquid, I doubt that she has any serious personal money woes or significant unmet needs which can be satisfied with cash or collateral. At 80 years of age I further suspect she is “quite well off” at least in money matters, though she is surely not without overall difficulties (http://www.forbes.com/profile/gayle-cook/). 

While Ms. Cook’s name didn’t automatically tip me off to the source of her wealth, some of the names of the richest people of other states are rather self-explanatory! For example, Washington; that would be the nation’s current number one, a guy named Bill Gates. I’ll consider it common knowledge that Mr. Gates’ picked up his pocket money from Microsoft Corp. one way or another. 

But I want to move to other states with interesting wealthiest-resident-names…

How about Wyoming and Christy Walton at 37.9 B? She appears to be doing better than Ms. Cook, but woefully worse than Mr. Gates of Washington. Still, I wonder if she shops at the family store, WAL-MART  ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christy_Walton)? Wait, Ms. Walton appears to have a stepson, Jim Walton, who ranks number one in Arkansas at a mere 35.7 B (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Walton). And alas, Ms. Walton may well also have a stepdaughter, Alice Walton, who appears to have the top spot in nearby Texas at just 35.3 B (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Walton)... Isn’t there often controversy in the news about the Wal-Mart Corp and employee benefits? Just pondering… flirting. Must be complicated?

Now guess at cash sources for the number one net-worth-folks in a few other states: Hank & Doug Meijer have MI with a combined 7.9 B. Meanwhile; next door in WI John Menard is holding honors at just 7.5 B; a Warren Buffett is leading Nebraska at an admirable sum of 63.1 B; Jacqueline Mars of Virginia must really like chocolate at 20 B. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacqueline_Mars) I had to check my guess…

Now, I invite you to go to the Huffington Post link and see if any other number ones ring a bell with you. In the meantime, let us all pull for Robert Gillum, number one in Alaska at 700 M., to make his first Bill… Does all this effect the way you feel about our country/economy etc.?

(Unless otherwise noted, all factual content is drawn from <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/31/richest-person-in-each-state_n_5617993.htm>l) 

Ironic Downside to Better Gas Mileage!

Matthew Philips has written an article for Businessweek that zeroes in on one more current Congressional/National dilemma.  You may be aware that, ironically, getting better gas mileage as a nation has caused a steady drop in the funds available for road repair and building from both the Federal and State Governments. This is kind of funny, perhaps; but certainly not LOL funny… (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-07-17/gas-tax-cant-fill-up-federal-highway-trust-fund).

Philips spells out how this is another case of how the Federal Government gridlock is actually going to starting to hit us harder – right where we live and drive! He notes that although this problem was seen coming down the pike at quite a distance, Congress just got around to passing a helpful bill in the House on July 15. It might pass through the senate soon; however it’s only a very temporary, stopgap measure at best…

What can we do to move beyond a Congress, or for that matter an entire Federal Government, that is mostly doing makeshift work on issues that are of utmost importance? Philips further explains:  “By early August the account (Federal Highway Trust Fund) will be so low on funds that the Department of Transportation will have to start cutting back on the billions of dollars it gives states for road and bridge construction projects. By the end of the month, the balance will be zero” . This might not cut down on road work zones as much as creating abandoned ones:  incomplete “Projects/Bridges to Nowhere.” (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-07-17/gas-tax-cant-fill-up-federal-highway-trust-fund)

But worry not! Philips also reports that the House Bill calls for rescuing the Fund by “tapping tax receipts from corporate pension plans and diverting money meant to fix leaky underground storage tanks at old gas stations…” Feel better? I do, but not much.  Plus, what are the chances Congress will be able to agree anytime soon on a long-term way to deal with this problem?

I encourage you to check out Philips complete article at the above link. For one thing, you will find that currently there is an 18.5 cent Federal gas tax per gallon. The article shows the amount of tax each state adds per gallon. For example, where I live (IN) it is 56.5 cents. But I do have the option of moving to Alaska were the state only adds on 26.4 cents per gallon… However I’m guessing that most parts of Alaska have other factors that might have an adverse effect on the price per gallon.

Mr. Philip’s fine article also features a nifty U.S. Department of Transportation graph that indicates that from 1960 to 2012 the miles driven in our nation has risen nearly every year. No surprise given the population increase, though by 2012 it does show some signs of leveling off. But (here’s the “big butt”) the “Average fuel efficiency” of our cars continues to rise faster than miles driven. Although it’s slowing down it doesn't appear to show signs of leveling off. In fact are not new laws attempting to give the pace of the rise in average fuel efficiency a kick in the pants? Is this shooting the Federal Highway Trust Fund in the foot? No, I don’t mind mixing metaphors; but how can we help find a solution that might allow us to further save our air quality and still maintain our roads and maybe build a new one or two?

In some ways this leads us to the edge of the issue of climate change. But since there’s little controversy here; we don’t need to go there. So instead let’s try to somehow help congress to find a comprehensive solution that the majority will vote for… in our lifetimes…

To further excite matters, six states are currently looking at funding road projects based on a tax linked to how many miles a person actually drives. Hybrid and electric car owners should take note. While this sounds interesting and I want to know more about it, I still feel a little bumpy about the future funding for our roads or the “cost” of gasoline. (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-07-17/gas-tax-cant-fill-up-federal-highway-trust-fund)

PS: FYI – I just phoned a clerk at an Eskimos Inc. gas station in Barrow, Alaska. She politely told me their pumps currently list regular, unleaded gas at $7.00 a gallon. But she further explained that it’s up a little right now and that they have a hard time just getting it. But don’t let this keep you from considering relocating to Borrow… I don’t want them to be angry at me… If you doubt my phone call, I understand. But I encourage you to start Googling and hope you too are able to talk to the same clerk with whom I chatted!

PPS: I didn't flirt with her; just the price per gallon! 

A Revised Look at the Declaration of Independence - Surprises!

On the day after another July 4^th, Independence Day (US), I still find the discussion on Thursdays NPR’s Diane Rehm Show to be a fascinating subject for a blog post! From Ms. Rehm's guest, Danielle Allen, I learned a number of significant, new things about The Document behind our three-day weekend celebration (http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-07-03/danielle-allen-our-declaration).

In her recent book, Our Declaration, Danielle Allen presents more interesting stuff than I can possibly properly flirt with here! But I want to toy with a few things I think you’ll find interesting.

The Rehm Show link cited above says Our Declaration “makes the case for a new interpretation of the document – as a living, relevant text with an argument for equality at its core.” Personally, I think one needs to find a plain font copy of the Declaration of Independence before it seems like a “living, relevant text.” Maybe you can get more meaning out of reading the handwritten reproduction of the Declaration, but I tend to get to distracted by the fancy hand writing of the day… even if the ink well/quill combo is rather artistic.

Anyway, I have always mistakenly thought that Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration. While he did write the final rough draft (and a darn good one) a small group in the Continental Congress, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, and eventually the entire Congress changed it in some relatively significant ways before it was officially adopted. So as Allen points out it went through a process not entirely unlike our current Congressional process, albeit apparently it was a faster, simpler and perhaps less combative...

According to Allen we have documents showing the path of some changes in the Declaration. For example, Jefferson’s final rough draft just said we were “endowed” with certain “rights.” It was Franklin and John Adams who led the in adding “by their Creator.” This may go hand in glove with what we now know about Jefferson’s personal pocket-Bible which is on display at the Smithsonian Nation Museum of American History. I would strongly encourage you to check out the link below; notice it says “how-thomas-jefferson-created-his-own-bible!” This is just the tip of the iceberg of another very interesting, true story! (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/how-thomas-jefferson-created-his-own-bible-5659505/?no-ist)

But I digress… I want to toy with one more thing as I understood Allen on the NPR Show. She made the point that she believes that where the Declaration says “all men are created equal…” they were likely including women and children. She concludes this from the section of the Declaration that talks about slavery and simply talks about “men” when in context it appears to her to also include women and even children that were caught up in horrors of slavery.

While Allen maybe right in some ways, it appears to me that the men who drafted the Declaration weren’t in favor of allowing women to pursue life, liberty and happiness in the same way they could? Not to mention, though I am, the lesser rights of children at the time. And even then, did it include “all men” or just the slice of that population the Founding Fathers had in mind which seems to be those essentially just a lot like them?

So does all this make any difference? I think so. However and whomever might be endowed with the right “to life liberty and pursuit of happiness” is, as Allen argues, indeed a “living” and extremely relevant issue in continuing to understand and apply the Declaration. What do you think? Allen read it on the radio show and I heard it with “fresh ears.” You might want to read it with “fresh eyes,” over this holiday weekend! 

"Journalism diplomas feature typos"

The msn.com Home Page features a four-word click/lead line that contains three "punchlines:" "Journalism diplomas feature typos" - low hanging fruit for a blog like this (http://www.msn.com/). Upon first reading I chuckled at "diplomas" having "typos." Upon second reading, I chuckled because ironically they are "Journalism" diplomas...

The third "punchline" actually comes to light after going to the link for the line; to me it read like each diploma featured more than one typo, plural. When you read the linked article however, you fined out that a number of diplomas (plural) featured only one typo each... and on top of that, only some of the Journalism Diplomas featured even the singular typo - not all of them... Such inconsistency in Journalism... (www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/school-makes-typo-journalism-graduates-diplomas-n138131)

I think this story pretty much flirts/toys with itself and needs no further attention from me :).

Unintended Consequences, Mostly LOL Stuff

A Wikipedia article wisely proclaims that the concept of Unintended Consequences  "...is commonly used as a wry or humorous warning against the hubristic (sic) belief that humans can fully control the world around them..." LOL... For example: We likely can't cause others to fly away, unaided! Besides, being able to do so would perhaps have unintended consequences! (http://enn.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unintended_consequences#History)   

For other examples, I want to look at Unintended Consequences from a humorous news article and a funny-in-hindsight personal story that struck me right where I was standing at the moment. 

First, former Park Ranger turned writer Jim Burnett notes in a recent submission to the National Park System Newsletter concerning Unintended Consequences: "Throughout the National Park System, and other public lands across the nation... are... comfort stations... (T)he same guideline applies to them all—please keep the outside door closed. Failing to do so can lead to some classic examples of the Law of Unintended Consequences (nationalparkstraveler.com)."

Burnett had me hooked at the phrase "please keep the outside door closed," after seeing it in the same text with Unintended Consequences  and "Comfort Station Doors." That's correct: "Comfort Station Doors." I rushed on in search of a good laugh. Burnett didn't disappoint! But first, let me be clear, if needed (?) that he's talking about the NPS's rustic, park outhouses...

Early one morning Burnett heard a panic-launched scream as he saw a gentleman burst through a previously-blocked-open-overnight door of a nearby Comfort Station. He goes on to note that the poor man's hasty departure was hampered by having been caught with his pants down and having not yet corrected this stage of undress. 

Other than now being a in public area with his pants down, Burnett explains that he couldn't see any obvious reason for the man's very obvious disrepair! As a trained Ranger he went to the man and quickly inquired, "Can I help you. Sir?", and received a quaking, singular reply: "Rattlesnake!" In a great piece of writing Burnett explains that as the man "calmed down and explained that he had gone into the stall... and was preparing to take his position on the appropriate plumbing fixture, ... he... spotted the reptile coiled up... in the corner of the stall  (http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2014/06/comfort-station-doors-and-law-unintended-consequences25162).

The unintended consequence of another, well-meaning, park visitor who had propped the door open just a little to allow for overnight airing turned out eventually to be humorous, if not outright funny, only because the surprised visitor didn't have a heart-attack or get bit squarely in his hindquarters or elsewhere... I encourage you to go to the above link to enjoy Jim Burnett's entire submission and body of work.

I'm in a good mood so I've decided not to delve into entirely negative, not-at-all humorous Unintended Consequence news articles like when armies that were ordered into wars that, arguably, eventually left those in the invaded area much worse for the wear for years... Enough!

Second, a short personal story of some humor: Years ago I literally walked into an Unintended Consequences almost-news story while serving in a small hospital as their official Volunteer Chaplain of the Week. My Official patients-to-visit list, as given to me by the hospitals social services office, presented the name of a female patient that I ought to visit (Read on and you'll understand why I feel compelled to overuse the word "official!")

The patient's room door was wide open so I began the customary protocol; knocking on the door as I made one step in and began explaining who I was and why I was there. I don't recall how far I had gotten when I realized the female patient was lying nearby sans a sheet, a gown, any clothing or needed covering whatsoever!

With an embarrassing jerk I careened back into the hallway. Continuing to follow Official Protocol I found a nurse and explained. I told her if she could rectify the patient's situation I would be glad to go back and attempt to render chaplain-care (if it was still possible). She did and I returned to the room as everyone's faces returned to a lesser red glow. (Actually, I don't think the nurse blushed). Often in hospitals closed doors and/or signs directing visitors and unsuspecting Volunteer Chaplains to the nurses station prior to entry nicely curtail the unintended consequences of an open door that should have been closed.

In the nurse's defense, she did explain that this lady had a "situation" that was making it difficult for them to keep her unnaked; still, again, a closed door and/or a sign would have been nice... At least no one was injured or bitten or suffered a heart attack... Jim Burnett is right; some doors should remain, most often, closed...

Now, please take time to post an unintended consequence or two you've experienced. A humorous story would be good, but any that are not illegal or immoral as defined by the blog Officials are welcomed! 

A final note: Again please remember I was acting in an "official" capacity and not simply room-surfing... an unethical practice one should undertake only after considerable consideration and then deciding not to. 

Dangerous, Aggravating Road Signs!

The British Daily Mail published an article that reminds me of one of my pet-peeves! (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2285668/Car-crash-Blame-road-signs-Third-drivers-accident-near-miss-baffling-signs.html). They report that in the UK a "Third of drivers have had an accident or a near miss because of baffling signs."  

One of my pet-peeve is street "signs" painted on the road surface. They can be a little hard to see in the rain and/or at night or especially if they are covered by snow where winter happens hard nearly every year!

Have you ever had an accident or near miss because you or someone else was unable to see an arrow or word written on the payment in time or not at all? Geez, I have and apparently a fair number of others have also.

Plus in a time when many local governments lack funds for proper road/signage upkeep, painted-on-the-road messages can grow old and faded beyond effectiveness/sight. And again, with bad winter weather these signs can be even more easily erased by road conditions.

So I want to go on the record! Painted-on-the-road signs are often helpful but I believe there should also always be an additional, very-visible, regular standing sign! I'm especially tired of driving in unfamiliar areas and suddenly finding I am in a turn-only lane from a fading message on the road. I think such signs can also come too late in the traffic process to be able to safely make a lane adjustment.

This may seem like a small issue. However if a third of UK drivers have had a significant problem with signs that may well include some just painted on the roads, how many have a problem in the US and elsewhere?

I also have trouble with many road lines in similar ways. For example, there are regular intersections and complicated intersections. I've seen and experienced problems with both because of road line problems or some sort.

If several lanes are turning left in a several-road-intersection there are often dotted lines helping drivers stay in their lane on through the turn. I really appreciate this! But these line seem to be even harder to see under certain conditions and more subject to fading problems. I often go through a busy intersection where three roads come together. People like me who are familiar with the intersection have little trouble. But too often I've seen confused or "lane-trapped" drivers create potentially dangerous situations because the road-painted-on signage is just not as clear as it could be.

Of course, we must all take extra precautions even if we are just driving unfamiliar roads under the best conditions. But still it's difficult to avoid some potentially dangerous situations when the painted-on signs are not readily visible/readable. I know those who work in traffic management are constantly working to make all roads/intersections safer. So please join me in encouraging them to try to add an additional not painted-on sign whenever possible.

Maya Angelou Leaves This Life at 86 - One of a Kind

Lynn Neary/NPR Blog is reporting the death of Maya Angelou; arguably one of the greatest poets and individuals of our time (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/05/28/147369802/maya-angelou-poet-activist-and-singular-storyteller-dies-at-86).   However, as countless people are noting she will live on through her poetry and her many other creative acts; acts and works, indeed a life, whose ripple effects will be long and strongly.

Beyond paying tribute to Ms. Angelou, I want to note here that her works and life provide a great illustration for coping with the uncertainties of life and assessing one's self and others.  Time and time again she rose above very difficult situations to re-establish not just her previous normality but to climb to a greater level of success and a higher quality of life.  And as her physical strength ebbed she fought properly against what Dylan Thomas called "the dying of the light..." more than many if not most people. She lived her dwindling moments to the fullest, having humbly tweeted wisdom to her followers just last week!

Ms. Angelou's example urges us to continue to work with what we have available, no matter how little it might be, to continue making progress in achieving a fulfilling life. When I think of her kind spirit, I wonder if any individual should be deemed a failure even if somehow she or he appears to succumb to life's difficulties; failing to achieve what they or others believe to be their potential for "success" despite the best effort they can muster. Except in law-like areas, I'm not sure it's ever fair to pass an ultimate judgement of success or failure on someone; and even then it's best when reasonable relativity reigns.

Theoretically, hope of living happily can continue until consciousnesses flees. Of course in reality a person's life may be so suppressed this possibility is nearly nonexistent.  I suspect while Ms. Angelou's example continues to inspire others to strive harder at doing better than mere "survival," she was and would be sympathetic to those who experience such a large magnitude of life reversals that their probability of being able to "overcome" is nearly zero; another worthy example.

I think being presumptuous is a common and grave error, and that it would be horribly presumptuous to say someone "gave up" or "didn't give it their all" or "failed." Few if any could know all they faced and the relative improbabilities of overcoming such things.

May we be slow to judge others anymore than absolutely necessary, and even then not absolutely. We can plan for the best, but we live with hope only in as much as we can still sense a significant probability of a satisfactory future. And, perhaps this "sense" can slip away from any given person's without having a direct link to the effort put forth or not?

Life may have some absolute givens that are somewhat relative for each and every human being? Apparently, Maya Angelou took her particular givens and continued to work at beating the odds more so many of us; this is most commendable. Still others may face similar givens and work just as hard and still find the odds hopelessly stacked against them. Personally, I think Ms. Angelou would have us continue to sacrificially help these people in the way she so poetically illustrated.

FINALLY, S.T.E.a.M. & NOT JUST S.T.E.M.!

While there are many dire news stories today, I want to go with the idea that all politics and news is local. I mean as long as things are okay close to home, that's all that really matters - wrong. Actually much that's local may, trust me, eventually have Universal consequences.

I just found out that the Talent Alliance of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is having a S.T.E.A.M. event on May 17th for youth of practically of all ages (http://www.talentalliance.iupui.edu/steamdays2014.html).

You see, someone has finally put the "A" in S.T.E.M. - Many may have forgotten, but the "A" stands for Arts, like liberal arts: Literature, Visual Arts, Vocal Arts, Philosophy, Pottery etc.- and some of the other areas some school systems have been cutting back on in order to focus more intensely on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The most important stuff in our entire world?

While the STEM areas have and continue to bring us wonderful stuff, I fear that without a balanced focused on the Arts we could be headed toward a mechanical existence devoid of the essentials the Arts contribute to the well being of humanity; in fact lets hear it for the study of The Humanities! Yeah! Go ahead, cheer out loud, please.

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest I'm already seeing ways in which the STEM areas are being used in ambiguous ways, opening the door for further bad stuff if left unbalanced by The Arts.  Well, actually the door doesn't even have to be open for our precious privacy to be usurped by STEM stuff; they can listen to us and watch us right through the door! Or perhaps they can tell where you are or where your going by tracking the GPS conveniently installed in most cell phones and many vehicles... I do want to add here quickly before the STEM people who are watching me now come after me, that in some cases the stuff of these areas have and continue to promote the Arts.

Still, it seems to me that The Arts are still "Getting the Hind Tit" (As the Southern saying goes) in promotion and funding in today's world - or at least in the westernized parts of it.  So this is why when I heard STEAM instead of just STEM, I felt like a small move was being made back in the direction of balancing the western world and perhaps, just perhaps, eventually saving its "soul" and the Universe et. al.!

As always I'd like to know what you think; good, bad or indifferent.  I only ask that if you're going to write a comment, that you do it creatively...:}

John Boehner: Foot-In-Mouth Disease, Again

 CNN Senior Congressional Producer Deirde Walsh writes, "Boehner admits immigration comments went too far..."  O josh Walsh, say it ain't so! U.S. House Speaker made public comments that went "too far," nooo, surely not.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/04/29/boehner-admits-immigration-comments-went-too-far/?hpt=hp_inthenewshttp://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/04/29/boehner-admits-immigration-comments-went-too-far/?hpt=hp_inthenews
Boehner, who has a tendency to drop a quick tear or two during emotional public pronouncements and to look overtly tan, is now branching out into a public, mocking whine. Why do such politicians tend to do such things when at Rotary-Club-like appearances? Do they have a secret desire to be a comedian that they're unable to suppress...

After all Boehner was pretty funny when in reference to passing immigration legislation he melodramatically mocked some of the House Members of his own Party, speaking through them like he was a ventriloquist and they are dummies, "'Ohhhh, don't make me do this. Ohhhh, this is too hard.'"  http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/04/29/boehner-admits-immigration-comments-went-too-far/?hpt=hp_inthenews

Don't get me wrong. I don't mean to attack Speaker Boehner due to his Party or views; nope, it's his funny behavior. On the other side of the aisle, I personally like Senator Harry Reid but at times his voice makes me cringe to the point I almost miss the point of what he might be saying... I know this isn't a perfect analogy, but still I consider myself as one who casually flirts with the behavior-news of others without regard to Party. FYI: There are no purely perfect analogies, anyway.

So, what do think? Should our politicians spend more time working on the timbre of their voices and/or their entertainment skills or on working together for the good of our country - especially the middle and lower classes? Just wondering...

Lusting for Spring and Cruel O' April

T.S. Eliot wrote: "April is the cruelest month, breeding Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing Memory and desire, stirring Dull roots with spring rain (The Waste Land [1922]. I, the Burial of the Dead)." I've often said that Eliot must not have experienced the Midwest in March, or in February or November for that matter... Plus there's the hot and humid Dog Days of August. Yet, I guess he had to make a judgement to write the verse...

Fewer than normal would argue that we have not just sustained one of the harsher winters of the last few decades throughout a large part of the U.S., if not world. But Spring has now arrived. In her "monkey see" NPR blog article, Linda Holmes writes, A friend of mine grumbled on Facebook recently about the phenomenon of people moaning in despair over April's weather. There's often a cold snap around this time, she pointed out. There's often unpleasant rain. There's often unpredictability (http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2014/04/16/303724227/lusting-for-spring-in-our-hearts)." 

Of course those of us living in the Midwest know that May will be entirely predictable and pleasant... Well okay, I've seen it snow in Indiana in May... June and early July (Remember, memories are not facts.). "But," Holmes continues, "somehow, we manage to summon every April the impatience and restlessness that can only mean one thing: we are lusting for spring in our hearts (http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2014/04/16/303724227/lusting-for-spring-in-our-hearts)." 

Well though Spring started back around March 21/22, many of us have not yet fully realized the guilty pleasure of a fully lustful Spring. On the other hand, most days have been rather lusty lately as April races to a close. And, still I wonder if lusting for Spring, especially in our hearts, might be sinful. Have to think on this later, outside.

This lack of full satisfaction may be linked in part to not going outside enough due to reading blog posts or keeping constantly abreast of our incredibly intense social-media-life on an indoor, horribly outdated desk top CPU. At least those who have smart phones or laptops or tablets or whatever tech came out today can do this in the great outdoors. 

However, one recent spectacular Spring day I was walking along a really hip, environmentally attuned, busy urban avenue and a significant minority appeared oblivious to the surrounding beauty as they, heads down, appeared riveted to their smart phones or one of the above mentioned outside internet connections. It must be an acquired skill to be able to do this while walking down a busy sidewalk and not bumping into more people than usual, because I don't have it or a smart phone.

Holmes also astutely notes, "I have feelings about spring. Every spring, I look forward to that first day that I can drive with the window down, even though I've been driving with the window down since I was a little girl...  Every spring, there's that one day... when you turn the corner. You hit the farmer's market... The tables are crammed with berries that are a little early but they are there... You take your berries home, but you eat several of them in the car on the way there, because hey – they're grown without pesticides, right?
(http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2014/04/16/303724227/lusting-for-spring-in-our-hearts)."

Ms. Holmes, I'd like to be able to say all berries found at farmer's market are free of pesticides but I don't think I can.  I'm not even sure I can assure you they've all been  properly washed. But I can tell you I have farmer's market friends who do...

Finally, I was just thinking about how during the dead of the just past winter many of us likely proclaimed that this summer we would not complain about the heat and humidity. But alas, we are human and forgetful and often too prone to complaining. So I'll probably complain anyway. Will you? Have a great Spring!

Mark Wilson/Getty Images(http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2014/04/16/303724227/lusting-for-spring-in-our-hearts

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Divorce RUMORS (again)!

Michele Zipp reports on married country singers Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on the day after the airing of one of the major country music award shows... which are a little like infomercials for Country Music and its entertainers... but so much of life is becoming so much like infomercials.... Though I found several moments of satisfying pleasure during the awards show, I was distracted to a tear over some aspects and deliriously amused by some after thoughts... "(http://www.mamaslatinas.com/group/11prism_id2=164254&utm_medium=sem2&utm_campaign=prism&utm_source=taboola&utm_content=787)!

This brings me back to Tim and Faith. Zipp writes, "Marriage is hard y'all. And harder still if you are a celebrity with all kinds of people lusting after you and the cameras always flashing in front of your eyes. Awww. Should we feel bad for celebrities? Maybe a little. Could you imagine having a little spat with your significant other and have the paparazzi be all capturing it on film? Horrifying. We read body language and facial expressions and conclude Yep, it's over for them when maybe they're just fighting over someone leaving the toilet seat up. (http://www.mamaslatinas.com/group/11prism_id2=164254&utm_medium=sem2&utm_campaign=prism&utm_source=taboola&utm_content=787)! Well, given what Zipp writes here and other things I do feel a little sorry for celebrities. I also feel sorry for those of us who spend much time following anything but their music!

Of course, there's a lot of speculation that Faith Hill appeared spontaneously on last night's award show to sing a duet with her husband to help dispel could-be wrong divorce rumors. I can't imagine such an ulterior motive...  But what are such famous people to do? We've driven them to make every effort to portray the possible truth... Perhaps divorce is the right answer for some couples? If so, why can't we let that process follow its private course even among celebrities? Why should they  have to maintain the right appearance; attempt to paint a picture (like singing together) of the possible truth of their relationship? Because...

I don't find the entire industries that have relatively recently mushroomed around celebrities the least bit amusing... Well, the only amusing thought that comes to mind is when a celebrity (man or woman) is pictured on a tabloid cover, their image highly manipulated to make them appear pregnant, with a giant caption indicating they're carrying a baby by their non-spouse or an alien or both (twins?)....

I know that since the first celebrity - perhaps the most talented, best looking person living in the local cave community - people have "cared" about their personal lives as well as their public ones. But can we at least reign this in fair amount and still be satisfied? Maybe let them leave their caves with their children to have normal experiences?

Okay - I confess: I often watch Entertainment Tonight or get some extra rest while it's on. But in the 24/7 365 days a year "news" cycles perhaps actual reality doesn't provide enough input for constant output. Plus, the tabloids and other media outlets that major in celebrity rumors wouldn't continue to exist unless people cared enough to support them... and who am I to judge there supporters? I just wish this didn't have to mean that "public" people had to be hounded so often and so intensely by the paparazzi that they can't have much of a private life without developing secret tricks to live freely. After all we've heard a lot lately about what a hoard of paparazzi, even if they're just doing "their job," can do to the emotions of the kids of celebrities; not to mention how they can get into injurious fights with one another over turf and with the celebs themselves, and soon no doubt their children.

Obviously as always I don't have all the answers here. But I think the laws that have been passed to help regulate the paparazzi celebs relationships should be strictly enforced and likely expanded. Plus we can personally not directly support the dark side of this situation... Like many old sayings, "Any publicity is good publicity," has likely reached its expiration date. What do you think about all of this? Is it a problem worthy of the attention of the proper authorities or is it just a condition of fame and fortune and celebs and everyone, including me, should just quit whining about it? Please, anyone have some common sense to offer in the comments here?

A GIRL’S ACT OF COMPASSION CAUSES DRESS CODE TROUBLE IN TROUBLE AT SCHOOL

You've likely heard by now that a nine year old Colorado girl shaved her hair off in solidarity with her close friend who had lost her hair from cancer treatment; she was initially told she couldn't come to school with a shaved head because it violated the schools written Dress Code (http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/7-stories-skim-9-year-old-punished-act-compassion-n61691).

According to the cited NBC news report, one school board member voted against making an exception to the Code which allowed the nine year old to return to school. His opinion is, as I hear it, our country needs to get back to making more decisions based on the letter of the laws or rules rather than "emotion" (http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/7-stories-skim-9-year-old-punished-act-compassion-n61691). Maybe there is some truth in his belief. However, fundamentally I disagree with him though I wouldn't want this to keep us from a civil dialogue.

Although the school board member in question might not be guilty of an attitude of Legalism, what he said points in that direction and I have come to have little tolerance for: Legalism as an attitude. One of the smarter guys I've known is fond of saying that every moral or ethical decision of significance is actually being made for the very first time, if done right.

In other words, every situation has mitigating circumstances although some situations appear as about as black and white as possible. In still other words even those who claim for religious reasons or other principles that Situation Ethics is wrong - period, are in danger of missing key factors that make everyone and every situation at least a little bit different. No matter how well meaning a person might be, an attitude infected with Legalism is too open to keeping a compassionate nine year old from attending school became of a loving act, in my humble opinion. Error I may. But I've chosen to risk being wrong on the side of reasonably applied Situations Ethics.

I've found most people, including myself, usually apply more of a kind of Situation Ethics to themselves and to their love ones than others, regardless of whether they would rather fight than admit to it. Sadly, it wouldn't fit into their sense of security born of the belief in a black and white world. But, if such "security" is a false security are they still entitled to clinging to it. Perhaps so, if it doesn't have a negative impact on others, but I can't help but feel like this kind of security and attitude is doing damage to those who cling to it and humankind in general. Could well be wrong... What do you think?


Nothing amusing about all of this; but the example this nine year old young lady provided goes right to the heart of what is good about human kind! As too many people can tell you when you're going through a traumatic experience like cancer and loosing your hair because of the treatments, those who literally pull-up beside you for support are irreplaceable! Who among us doesn't need a better support group; a group of really close friends who will stick by us through thick and thin?

Many historians have lamented that the U.S. doctrine of Rugged Individualism has too often morphed into a sad, pathological Rugged Loneliness; a blight on our culture. Sure we need our "space" and our proper "privacy." However, I can't begin to list the studies that have conclusively shown that generally people who have a healthy and healthy size group of close friends are happier and often healthier mentally and physically. But, still individuals languor in undesired isolation; even couples often feel isolated from others and too dependent on their partners to provide all of their social needs. Am I right folks? I would really like to hear from people here! So please make a comment - disagreeing, agreeing, admitting ignorance... only on this topic, of course!

I care about my neighbors; I really do. But, we all seem too busy for much meaningful communication. It's true, we might not all have a lot in common. However, personally I have decided that we have settled for communicating on such a relatively superficial level that we really don't know how much we might have in common and how beneficial we might find a deeper exchange of thoughts. I hope it's not just me! Though I'm sure there are people who would just as soon not talk to me; some likely for good reason. In some cases it may be because I have dared to breach the taboo of really telling them "how I am," when asked. Or, maybe I shared something that made them uncomfortable because we don't have a closer, stronger relationship?

I am not saying that every time someone asks, "How's it going?" that we should give them a ten minute monologue of the extreme details of our existence! I am suggesting we take turns at proper times and risk sharing a little more, progressively, of who we really are and how things are really going for us. Perhaps it's partly the fear that others probably wouldn't like us if they really knew us? Or maybe most of us just do have things we want to get to as quickly as possible that we find more satisfying than attempting the difficult task of trying to develop deeper, beneficial relationships? What do you think?

There are many, many other possibilities here; including that possibility that many people feel a need to protect their privacy and time more in a culture that can often consume our time in faster and in more frivolous matters than in the past; among too many needy people who won't settle for a significant two-way conversation - even when politely told their talking too much about themselves and not showing proper interest in the state of the other. I've  been there and understand this dynamic. Unfortunately I can get to excited talking about my own stuff and the unintended consequence is that I'm do a very bad job of listening or expressing sincere interest in the well being of those I'm talking at.

I'd like to think I'm not just being self-centered, but partly just being too excitable and not remembering to work on disciplining my natural, negative tendency! Whatever the case, I have pretty much lost at least one of my best adult friends because of this. He graciously pointed out my problem and I did try to work on it. But I didn't accomplish enough progress. I hope I've learned from this... So, having confessed this, what is really going on with you. I'd like to know in blog comments here even if I don't know you and it's anonymous. I'm not sure how to articulate it, but I believe we would both be enriched by such an experience. In my case I don't need to shave my head. I just need to remember that there really is a reason why we have two ears and only one mouth and relate to would-be friends according. In the immortal words of Dr. Hawkeye Pierce (M..A.S.H.): Two ears here, no waiting...  Peace, R.

A recent, real NBC NEWS story states, "The former public works inspector for a New Jersey village admitted he swiped $460,000 from the town parking meter collection room — in quarters (http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-jersey-official-admits-stealing-460k-quarters-n56981).

If it was any closer to April 1st I'd think this was an April Fool's Joke!

I did a double take and instantly wondered if they had meant to say $460.00 in quarters. But no, as I read on they made it abundantly clear they really did mean $460K. I'm guessing this even exceeds pocket change for an elephant or even a herd of elephants... Or, maybe since many elephants lack pockets it should be compared to "Trunk Change" or not at all... 

According to the news report, over a period of just 24 months a "former public works inspector for a New Jersey village" (emphasis mine) took 22,000 lbs. of quarters from the room where the town kept the proceeds from its parking meters. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN WITHOUT SOMEONE NOTICING SOMETHING? Last time I checked, $460,000 is almost half a million dollars! I hope NBC runs a whole series of follow-up stories detailing how this guy pulled this off for two years before getting caught! But wait for it... it gets better.

According to the news report the thief confessed in court to four counts of THIRD DEGREE THEFT. I would have thought it rated a charge of at least second degree theft? I was suspicious so I checked the definition of Third Degree Theft. Now I'll admit that Ask.com is not always a definitive source. But in this case it agrees perfectly with more complex explanations. "...third theft degree is whereby theft is committed on property not exceeding seven hundred and fifty dollars 

( http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-3rd-degree-theft).

I was never good at math (or other school subjects) but I'm going out on a limb here and suggesting that even if you multiply $750 times four (the number of charges) it still falls several dollars short of $460,000! What's with just charging the guy with four counts of Third Degree Theft? We'll return to this in a moment... But first I want to flirt with something here that seems even more bizarre.

According to the NBC NEWS report this public works inspector merely deposited the quarters in his BANK ACCOUNT. I have to look up the laws on what banks have to report to law enforcement. But, I gotta tell ya... if over the next two years I showed up at my bank and deposited that many quarters they would have surely thought something was awry. First of all, I don't think banks accept that many quarters unless they're wrapped. So I am going to assume the public works department graciously wrapped these quarters for this clever dude. Otherwise, I simply can't imagine he wrapped 1.8 million quarters... but, hey I can't imagine he was able to steal that many either.

I would have had to tell my local bank manager that I had purchased a really, really big Gumball Machine franchise or I was systematically robbing the children of the town of their piggy bank and Tooth Fairy change... Using my calculator, I figured he had to have taken out 75,000 quarters a month over two years or about $18,750 a week and put at least most of it in his bank account.

Now, as promised, I want to return to the whole Third Degree Theft charges thing. According to the report, in addition to seemingly having been found guilty of inadequate charges he received no (that's correct n-o) jail time! Under a plea agreement he received just five years probation. I'm thinking' many people get some jail time and likely nearly as much probation for just shoplifting $460 worth of clothing... However, and this is important, over this five year period he has to pay back all the money. Now, to flirt with all the question this brings to my mind I need a whole new paragraph.

It may not need to be said, but the inspector in question lost his job with the town over this "Third Degree Theft" incident. Yet, now to pay back the money he has to make payments of $2,000 a month over the next five years. I assume that otherwise now being unemployed and maybe having trouble finding work, it would be hard for him to make the payments without selling all of whatever he might have purchased with this little extra "cash." 

But wait a minute folks... the news report didn't mention a fine of any sort. So, how much may the his clever inspector have already made in interest over the the past two years as the quarters quickly added up? Someone a lot better than me at financial stuff will have work out how much interest he might have "earned" over two years. But,  GEEZ LOUISE - Why didn't the court just order him to turn over most, if not all, of the $460.000 of which he is currently in control? If he is having to pay back the $460.000 with interest accrued, then the payment plan might almost make sense. But not interest was mentioned. Then again, for all I know he may have gambled it all away in Atlantic City?

Actually the news report does say the inspector of quarters will pay the city a lump sum of an undisclosed amount of money up front before starting the five years of monthly payments, which I'm pretty sure only amounts to $120,000. So he won't being paying down the total amount and continuing to drawl interest on such a big, yet slowly declining balance. However, although I'm obviously not a financial genius, I still think this confessed Thief may still be coming out ahead financially.  As for his life in general, I think he has already come out way behind...  

Stay tuned, I'm really hoping NBC does a follow-up story explaining more details on just HOW this inspector pulled all this off over two years without getting caught... In case you haven't already done the math - according to the news report, he "lifted" 22,000 lbs. in quarters 

(http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-jersey-official-admits-stealing-460k-quarters-n56981).

Happy Birthday To the World Wide Web - What's Happening With It and Where's It Headed?

Upon the 25th Birthday of the Internet, the PBS NEWSHOUR recently held a round-table discussion of Internet experts on where the WWW currently is and where it might be headed, moderated by Jeffery Brown. But rather than spending much time seriously tackling such heavy questions I want to share a rather light moment from the PBS NEWSHOUR discussion and just "flirt" with such questions. Mr. Brown had just brought up the question of where the Internet might be headed in the future.

"XENI JARDIN:...And I think we’re all from the last generation that began when there was no Internet. And to really understand where things are going for the future, we might want to have a 14-year-old or 15-year-old at the table...

(LAUGHTER)

JEFFREY BROWN: But they would be looking at their screen, right?"

(http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/web-25-years/)

Jeffrey Brown stumbled on a couple of things here. First, of course he's mostly right in indicating that many teens know so much more about the Internet than even young adults that to understand it now and into the future we might well need to consult with them. I know for years many, including myself, people have joked about needing to find a 13-year-old when faced with a computer/internet related problem. For example, I have to wonder if I'm the only older person who has an mp3 player who can't figure out how to download music on to it? In the meantime, until I can be granted time from a young person, it makes a great little radio.

Then there's the second thing Jeffrey Brown touches on here with a chuckle; too often while conversing with young people now days they are looking at the screen on their so-called smart-phone rather than looking at you. I don't mind this to a degree, but if it becomes the rule rather than the exception I begin to find it annoying... Plus you have to really be careful that you have your facts strait. Otherwise, they'll Google what you just said and correct you before you finish your sentence. I still haven't adjusted to wondering things out loud, like "I wonder what Babe Ruth's lifetime batting average was?" only to have a young person read it to me from their phone, before going on to tell me more about the Babe than I have ever known...

When I was a teen few people, if any, carried phones around with them everywhere. And, if you wanted to know many facts you had to turn to a set of encyclopedias. Now you could carry several sets around with you and not even come close to being able to access the resources of a pink smart-phone. Now don't get me wrong, I really appreciate my flip-phone, although I have yet to access the Internet from it. 

Now, where do you think smart phones and the Internet are headed in the future? Well for one thing as Baby Boomers, like myself, get older many of us don't hear as well. So phoning or texting friends and family in other rooms or even in the same room, might be helpful. Actually, I guess I would have to start texting since actually talking on a phone seems to a fading art. And, what about the WWW? Well as I understand it those who first developed the basic Web envisioned it having all kinds of positive effects on our world and it has. However, I wonder if any of them envisioned (literally or figuratively) how big a place porn might one day occupy on the Web? And if so, did they have the foresight to rush out and invest heavily in this "Industry" and do they think it's "positive?"

On a different note, I've been thinking of investing in the wireless video cam industry. For one thing, I see the basic crime rate remaining steady at best and likely going up and many are turning to these little gadgets for security of various kinds. The point here is that from your smart-phone or whatever you use to access the net, you can record and/or get a real-time feed from a video cam. And, too many people are no longer just secretly watching their nannies. 

How long will it be, if the time hasn't already arrived, when we'll have to invest in a scanning device for tiny, wireless video cams? Even now, when we check into a Hotel do we need to check and see if the clock-radio or a free pen is also video camera? Perhaps I'll just skip investing in the cams and try to invest in screening devices? 

Will technology continue to filter down to us little guys, to the point where it will be affordable, easy and fun to simply hide disposable little cams in the homes we visit to see and hear what people really have to say about us, among other things, after we leave? Having said this, I wonder if now even fewer people will allow me in their homes or even on their property. After all, many of them are probably tracking my location right now via my $19 flip-phone. God help us all...

Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum Unmarked Graves, A Perspective

Via CNN Chelsea J. Carter, and most news agencies, are reporting on the discovery of some 2,000 unmarked graves on the site of a planned expansion of the Medical Center of the University of Mississippi in Jackson.  It is believed that the graves are likely the result of the Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum having stood on the site in the 1800s (http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/08/us/mississippi-unmarked-graves/index.html?hpt=hp_t3).  Carter reported that poverty and the difficulty of long distance travel during that time may have played a factor in bodies not being claimed upon death (Ibid).

For me, this unusual report brought to mind the large Central State Hospital that once stood on West Washington Street here in Indianapolis. When it was finally phased out, it was in disrepair and had become a relic of past practices such as the Asylum in Mississippi. It too had a cemetery, but with mostly marked graves. My family had a connection to Central State; beyond my mother saying that if I didn't behave better she was going to end up "out on West Washington Street." Little did she know at the time I had no clue what this meant.

But, I did have a troubled great aunt who spent too many years at Central State. Fortunately, when she died she had a sister who saw that she was buried in the family plot outside the small town where they had grown up. At least in death she was afforded some of the respect she may not have received otherwise. Yet, before I come close to bashing those who ran and oversaw Central State or other family members, I need to note that, of course, times were vastly different and most often they were doing the best they could under very difficult circumstances. Sure, I suspect burnout and other factors, not unlike still to some degree, caused some mistreatment or lack of care for the patients at Central State. But I have also read that many good people, doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers gave generously of themselves often for many years to help care for these unfortunate individuals.

Years ago I read, and if you can find a source please note it here in a comment, that during the early settling of the Western U.S. there was a practice that was often kept on the "down low" and failed to find its way to nearly all written works of history.  Winters on the vast, isolated mid-west prairies were often harsh and blizzard-filled. Some families had to resort to living at  least their first winter in a dugout before even a small cabin could be built.

Handmade quilts played a historic and heroic part in helping families pull through in their cramped dugouts and cabins. And, even with a small cabin with a sleeping loft winters could still be unbearable for some. Women especially who where often nearly entrapped by home and hearth were too often susceptible to real Cabin Fever.  The Western Pioneers likely learned pretty quickly that life on the Western Front was even harder than life in the Eastern U.S.  With a steely resolve needed to simply survive and help the children do the same, they made these difficult decisions and took action with stiff-upper lips on par with the British. 

Before Spring could rescue them some succumbed to little understood mental illnesses. A fair number of young spouses found themselves trying to care for a mentally impaired wife or husband and their small children; while providing a living otherwise. So the mental institutions (we'll call them euphemistically) back East often sent "agents" West each Spring and quietly put out the word that they would be camping outside a town. How horribly sad it must have been for family members to bring these young women and men to these "collection points," in relatively large numbers. Yet, finding themselves between a rock and a hard place these people were caring for their loved ones the only way they knew how that would allow for the survival of the children and themselves.  I certainly didn't read about this in my high school history courses. However, if proper documentation has been made and can be found, I think this could be an important part of historical knowledge of our youth and beyond...

Although gathering points for mental hospitals back East are not mentioned specifically, Wikipedia does have a great article on what became known as “Prairie Madness.” It notes that there is a debate as to whether it effected men equally or just in different ways; women tending to fall into symptoms of deep depression and many perhaps turning toward violence (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prairie_madness).

I know this is yet another "downer" story connected to the current news. But it does give us reason to rejoice in how much progress has been made in caring for people who are ill in nearly any way; though much still remains to be done. In thinking about this, and the relatively recent advent of penicillin and other antibiotics and most helpful medications for a range of mental illness I already feel more thankful, even in the face of Super Bugs and other problems we still can't offer much more relief for than in the 1800s.

So while we mourn the lives of the poor souls whose physical remains were buried in unmarked graves in Mississippi and in so many other places, we maintain a reasonable hope toward a future that will continue to grow less cruel in many ways.  Perhaps we can think of concrete ways to express our gratitude to those who have, and to those who continue to give so much of themselves to advance the well being of the human race. Just listening with an empathetic heart to a grief stricken person, neighbor or stranger, can begin to link us to the other giving souls who have laid the foundation for our relative happiness and ease.