Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 158

On Politics
I’ll take “No” to watching the VP debate.

Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) recently stated that Earth is 9,000 years old, creation happened in six days, and “All that stuff I was taught about evolution and embryology and Big Bang theory, all that is lies straight from the pit of hell. And it’s lies to try to keep me and all the folks who are taught that from understanding that they need a savior.” He can believe whatever he wants and can serve in Congress; but why is he a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology?

Here’s some advice for election debate watchers. Beware of giving the speaker too much credit for conviction in the answer. After all, it may be loaded with inaccuracies. Last week I provided links to four fact-checking articles regarding the first debate. They are very good reads.

I’m looking forward to the end of this election. Besides campaign 2016 just around the corner, although it is nauseating listening to politicians and their limited information, it is more frustrating hearing statements by voters who are clueless due to their bias, lack of knowledge, or both.

A CEO sending an email to his employees saying he will layoff personnel if the election goes a certain way is another prime example of this disgusting election.

On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion

• Millions of Excited Americans Gather to Watch Series of Short, Elaborate, Rehearsed Speeches
• David Blaine Stunt to Push Public’s endurance to Limit
• Area Man sitting quietly in Darkened Bedroom until Roommate’s Party Ends
• CDC Mix-up Results in U.S. Children Receiving 1.2 Million Tequila Shots
• Reince Riebus Forced Back into Ancient Puzzle Box after being Forced to say his Name Backwards
• Mr. Autumn Man Walking Down Street with Cup of Coffee, Wearing Sweater over Plaid Shirt

Interesting Reads

• A blogger shares the thoughts of having Crohn’s disease
• A blogger’s tribute to peanuts and peanut butter
• A blogger’s look at employment and the participation rate
• Lutherans and Vatican II: 50 years later
• Sounds of wind, surf, rain, and thunder (This is an article about natural sounds, not a collection of sound files)
• Interesting look at two sides of a situation using genetically modified corn as an example

On Potpourri
As a life-long Cincinnati Reds fan, I am distraught over the way the season ended. Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants.

Port wine is a wonderful dessert drink, so I wish I served as a judge for this contest. Fonseca, a port brand, produces Bin 27 – and has the Bin 27 Cookie Rumble inviting people to submit recipes for the best cookie to go with their port. Enter via the contest’s Facebook page.  Nonetheless, I publish this post with my Bin 27 in hand.

I also like ginger ales and ginger beers. I store relatively close to me recently opened that has quite the variety of this tasty treat; thus a bought several to get me started.

• AJ Stephans Ginger Beer: Jamaican Style: Wow … on the peppery side, but too much for my taste
• Sprecher Ginger Ale: Tasty and balanced – and worthy to move onto the second round
• Hansen’s Ginger Ale: Creamy and with a smooth ginger taste. Other brands will determine its fate

Do you hear about this softball-sized eyeball found on a Florida beach.

Another classic cartoon character is in the plan for Saturday morning.

Congratulations Le Clown, the blogging, French-Canadian superstar, for retiring your jersey.

This weekend is our handbell choir’s first appearance of the new season. We’ll play a pleasant, upbeat version of Give Thanks for two services. Hear the piece here.

In a recent performance, the Ohio State University Marching Band did a tribute to video games. As a retired marching band member, this one is fun to watch (although the audio is so-so). Have a good weekend! In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.