Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 90

On Japan
As the nuclear situation in Japan remains a top news story each day, the earthquake and tsunami are becoming moving into distant memory. Yet, the human need remains paramount. To remind us of the destruction, see this photo essay by the Boston Globe.

On Worth Reading
I try reading Bill Tammeus’s Faith Matters blog as often as I can. Misreading sacred texts is the topic of this worth-reading post.

Columnist David Brooks had two recent posts worth reading: one on science and the other about the Libyan leader. Interestingly, the science column coincided with my recent post about science. The video on that post is awesome.

On Political Shorts
A few weeks ago, we were with my in-laws watching the golf’s Match Play Championships. One frequently seen commercial promoted the final episodes of the Haney Project, with renowned golf instructor Hank Haney teaching Rush Limbaugh. My father-in-law, a definite Republican asked, “Why is that guy on? He’s an asshole!” I replied, “Because the asshole has three million listeners.”

Given the mixture of the Tea Party folks, RINOs, religious-political zealots, and anything else they can get their hands on, Republicans are still a volatile group. Just examine the different attitudes within the party regarding Sarah Palin to see the diversity. I found this article interesting, although also realizing its basic bias. However, some of comments are even more revealing. Thanks Don in Mass for the link.

On Opening Day’s Success
Given the 3-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth to win, Opening Day in Cincinnati was an extra success – simply the icing on the cake to a great day. Meanwhile, I will reveal my prediction for the 2011 Reds tomorrow in a special weekend edition.

By the way, for baseball trivia buffs, see this George Will column for some good, tough questions.

On a Thought for the Weekend and the Weeks Ahead
Don in Mass offers interesting things. I’ll use Don’s words to introduce the video: Hug your loved one, a Democrat, a Lefty, a Progressive, a Republican, a Tea Partyier, a Right winger, anybody. We should take the time to give hug, ’cause we all could use one. Here’s the popular video from Italy that you have to watch on YouTube.

By the way, A Frank Angle now has a Facebook page. Now there’s something I didn’t plan to do.

Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 88

On Japan
Last Friday we awaken to the news of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I encourage everyone to donate to an organization that can provide help.

Blessings and God speed to all the courageous workers fighting the issues at the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Meanwhile, a few continue to refer to the calamities as a punishment from God. Good news is that is NOT the God that I trust.

On an Interesting Signs
Not all that long ago, I was on I-65 south of Louisville, Kentucky, and then saw this interesting sign: Used Cows for Sale. I find differentiating cows as new and used as a bit odd, but also humorous – and I believe that the humor is the sign poster’s intent. If you are ever on I-65 in Kentucky, watch for this sign on the east side between mile markers 78 and 79. Meanwhile, a few hours south along I-65, there also a billboard for Big Jim’s Boobie Bungalow.

On a few Political Shorts
A recent Washington Post poll reveals that Sarah Palin has a very high disapproval rating. Well – there’s a shock, so did we really need the Washington Post to let us know?

As we listen to all the budget talk, let us remember that our legislators will continue to protect the sacred cows of their district and those of their financial supporters. Meanwhile, all their hoopla focuses on about 12% of the budget, thus avoiding the remaining 88% like the plague.

Columnist David Ignatius had this worth-reading piece about the situations about the demonstrations in Arab countries.

On a Rise and Fall
Last fall we vacationed in the Charlottesville, VA area. (FYI: A wonderful area) A friend, who frequently visits wineries in the area, recommended wineries for us to visit – including the Kluge Estate Winery. I’m glad we got there in October because soon thereafter, things started to happen. See this article from Forbes.

On March Madness
The madness of the NCAA tournament has begun. Within two hours of my house, tournament teams include Cincinnati, Xavier, Ohio State, Louisville, Kentucky, Butler, and Morehead. For me, I’ll be happy as long as ABK wins … anybody but Kentucky.

Meanwhile, the drought goes on for these schools since their last tournament appearance: Bowling Green (1968) Ouch … that one hurts; Columbia (1968), Tennessee Tech (1963), Yale (1962), Maine (never, eligible since 1962), New Hampshire (never, eligible since 1962), Dartmouth (1959), Harvard (1946), Army (1948), Citadel (never, eligible since 1948), Northwestern (never, eligible since 1948), St. Francis (N.Y.) (never, eligible since 1948), and William & Mary (never, eligible since 1948).

On the Flooding Ohio
Last weekend we were along the Ohio River, with its flooding waters and fast rate of flow. Not only was it a reminder of the days of my youth as I grew up in a small town along the river, but also of the dangers. Very close to our hotel, the water dislodged one of the floating restaurants. Fortunately, it didn’t go far as it hit a bridge and become lodged; plus all the patrons were safely removed.

On a Different Event for the Weekend
Last week I we attended a handbell convention. Definitely an interesting event, and between rehearsals and workshops, there wasn’t much down time. Try to imagine what a 670-member choir might sound like. The video below will give you an idea, but it only has 420 ringers. Have a good weekend.