Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 223

On Politics
Interesting how a group of people proclaim they want to return to the original intent of the Constitution, but also want to amend it.

Many political pundits got what they wanted with the resignation of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Shinseki). Meanwhile, the systemic problems within the organization are deep and entrenched.

For as long as schools have been serving lunches, the educational system has had the chance to teach about nutrition … and they miserably failed. Given that “Kids Eating Healthy” has been First Lady Michelle Obama’s focus during her time in the White House, the cause has been politicized because that happens in Washington. Columnist Kathleen Parker recently wrote this interesting piece.  (Thanks, Tim)

President Obama issued an executive order regarding reducing carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants. It terms of the cost analysis of the order, was it even given? From my archives, here’s a post about environmental costs.

Tp politicians on both sides of the aisle: You can disagree with the solution, but that doesn’t mean you must deny the problem.

Although the exchange regarding American Bowe Bergdahl is odd in numerous ways, I await more information … but I can say that if President Obama is required to notify Congress, he should have.

Something to contemplate: If the Republicans asked President Obama to fart, and then he did, would they complain?

On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Scientific community baffled by man whose waist 32 with some pants, 33 with others
Survey: Most common deathbed regret is never spraying fire extinguisher
Hockey team counting on goalie to step up on offense
Bounty launches beginner series for people new to paper towels
Man updates little monologue recited when extended relatives ask how he’s doing

Interesting Reads
US States and immigration since 1990
Columnist Ruth Marcus about Tiananmen Square
The German manufacturing: A model for the United States?
Leonardo da Vinci’s application letter

With events in Turkey in the news, here are two interesting historical articles
A look at Turkey through history
A year after the protests in Turkey

On Potpourri
June 6th is the 70th anniversary of D-Day. There aren’t many WW II vets left, and many less will be around for the 75th anniversary. So, I wonder … once they are gone, how will the people of the world remember not only D-Day, but WW II?  Will the lessons stay with society? I like this column from David Ignatius.

Health Update: Since Tuesday’s eye episode, I’ve had a blood test and an ultrasound on my major neck arteries, so now I await the results. Thanks to all for your concerns!

I’m due for a new header.

Life: The Musical returns next week, so I’ll announce the theme on Monday.

Sorry, no Saturday Morning Cartoon post again. 😦 … but I’m not giving up! 🙂

Normally, our handbell choir has already started summer break by now, but not this year. This weekend we our playing during the service at our denomination’s southern Ohio assembly (convention). Given this weekend is Pentecost, our director selected an interesting piece associated with wind. Here’s a good recording of Windscape (start 30 seconds in), and given its over 7-minute length, it can serve as background when reading other blogs.

Your weekend celebrations

• (Weekend) Horseradish Days, Lemonade Days, Positive Power of Humor and Creativity Days
• (Fri) Donut/Doughnut Day, D-Day Anniversary, Drive-In Movie Day, Russian Language Day, Yo-Yo Day, Be-Bop-a-Lula Day
• (Sat) Daniel Boone Day, Do-Dah Parade Day, Drawing Day, Pencil Day, National Trails Day, Turtle Races Dy, VCR Day, June Bug Day, Chocolate Ice Cream Day
• (Sun) Upsy Daisy Day, Oceans Day, Race Unity Day, Caribbean-Americans HIV Awareness Day

To send you into the weekend, here’s a chance to sing along … well, for those old enough (like me) to remember this 1965 hit about Mrs. Brown’s daughter … Enjoy Herman’s Hermits. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.