Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 201

On Politics
The Incidental Economist is an interesting site for those contemplating health care with a focus on research, an eye on reform.

Here’s an interesting tidbit to ponder. George HW Bush (1988) and Mitt Romney (2008) received the same percentage (59) of the white vote.

Regardless of the party occupying the White House or a party of the senator, no senator should be able to hold up confirmation of a presidential appointee. Therefore, it’s time for the US Senate to change its rules.

Although Republicans are taking a beating in the polls regarding the recent shutdown and debt ceiling issue, many of them remain obstinate.

The 29-member House-Senate budget committee met this week for the first time. Leaders say they have set a low bar for success. I hope the venue for future meetings is large enough to handle the panel and all the sacred cows each of them will bring to the meetings.

The Onion discovered Congress’s plans for improving its approval rating.

On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Operate trying to find right work-anxiety-life-anxiety balance
Fun-loving, laid-back woman with a bit of nerdy side joins online dating service
Lonely man pets dog through cracked car window
Girlfriend to stay beneath blanket for next five months
Panicked newborn didn’t realize breathing would be on Apgar Test
Pumpkin clearly had finger in it

Interesting Reads
Sequester and research cuts
A Who Said It quiz from The Onion
Historical graph showing US opinions about the death penalty
One person’s struggle and journey regarding faith and science
New map of the brain
For those enjoying pictures of insects

On Potpourri
If you didn’t see the story about bus driver Darnell Barton, here’s a 2-minute feel- good story.

I’m nervous about this weekend’s music premier because the piece isn’t easy, my part is difficult, I’ve never premiered new music before, and the first time will be at a special celebration dinner. Our handbell choir is 12-14 people playing one instrument, and one person not holding their own affects others.

Here’s an interesting quote (paraphrased) for reflection: Tablets and smartphones in public place keep us from noticing what is happening around us, thus causing to lose our sense of duty to others.

It’s a new month, so November is loaded with monthly celebrations, such as food celebrations as greens & plantains, Georgia pecans, plums & pomegranates, spinach & squash, sweet potatoes, apples, raisin bread, pepper, banana pudding, peanut butter, and fun with fondue. But wait, there’s a variety of month-long celebrations as military appreciation, historic bridges, drums (percussion), inspirational role models, novel writing, sponges, real jewelry, and many more!

Here are your weekend celebrations!
(Weekend) Pumpkin Chunkin Days, Sherlock Holmes Weekend
(Fri) Give Up Your Shouds Day, Family Literacy Day, Prime Meridian Day, Vegan Day, French Fried Clams Day
(Sat) Cookie Monster Day, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Sadie Hawkins Day, Deviled Eggs Day
(Sun) Cliché Day, Jellyfish Day, Sandwich Day, Zero Tasking Day

Thanks to all for completing another act of Time: The Musical and I appreciate the different genres you provide. There are at least two more acts and an epilogue before the curtain closes by the end of the year … but, fear not, a new (yet to be announced) musical is in the works for 2014.

Last week’s cartoon feature honored Roadrunner. The good person behind Lame Adventures is a cartoon connoisseur. Not only did she detect a flaw in the post (which I corrected and I thank her for that), she provided this outstanding piece (by humorist Ian Frazier) about the opening statement in Wile E Coyote’s lawsuit against Acme Company.

I have a Saturday Morning Cartoon post planned for this weekend.

At a concert during my college years, promoters announced the next concert – to which I responded to my good friend, Who and the hell is Lou Reed? Then someone several seats away said, Walk on the Wild Side – and then I knew. The concert never happened, but I think his Rock n Roll Animal live album is a classic. Lou Reed passed away last Sunday at age 71 …. RIP.

Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.