Can You Control a Depressive State? + Maybe! + Some Suggestions

Mental Health Monday

It's possible that I've blogged about some of this content before. Just keep in mind that:

1. A primary reason I blog is for self-therapy.
2. If I can help even one other person who might be experiencing the same mood disorders that I experience, I count that as a bonus [which also makes me feel a little less selfish].
3. As I've said many times before & . . . unfortunately for you . . . I'll say it again ad infinitum--it's my blog.

Chronic Depression

I'm pretty sure that I've been in a depressive state since earlier this spring. The symptoms that I've experienced in the past . . . the symptoms that let me know that this is more than just a case of ordinary gloomies . . . are just too prevalent & lingering to ignore. At my most recent check-up w/my psychiatrist, he confirmed that in his professional opinion I was experiencing a depressive cycle. I choose not to bore you w/those symptoms. I have "bigger fish to fry." [I plan to come back to this reference.]

• While I do NOT think that chronic depression is a choice, I DO think that every day we can make choices to dig ourselves deeper into a hole or work to climb out of the whole.
• This will vary from person to person . . . & will vary according to the severity of the depression.
• I can very easily wrap myself into the skin of my depression & get very comfortable . . . sometimes TOO comfortable in that skin.
• I can be my own worst enemy . . . a self-enabler, so to speak . . . & use my depression as an excuse for bad eating habits . . . over-using pain medication for my chronic back pain & [more recently] pain in my right elbow & shoulder, which is contributing to poor sleeping thru the night . . . which is no doubt leading to a feeling of malaise & fatigue by mid-afternoon . . . which is frequently leading to a nap of 2 or more hours . . . which is no doubt contributing to a poor sleep cycle].
• I said I wasn't going to bore you w/my symptoms. Well, oops, I did it again.

* Possibly obscure cultural reference . . . possibly included only for my own amusement.

Anyway, before I digress any farther [further?], here are some positives to take away from today's blog.

• You can run instead of hiding! It has been clinically proven [Take my word for it.] that exercise is a mood enhancer. A side benefit? It can also work to decrease your appetite & improve your sleeping cycle. PERSONAL NOTE:  I have badly regressed in my PT [for my hip] & walking. Lois reset my fitbit last SAT; so I walked over 5,000 steps. Yesterday I've did my PT exercises twice. I walked over 6,600 steps. [I started  working on this entry on SUN nite, 5/29 . . . finishing it this morning.]
• Eating healthy is a choice! It's easy for me to over-indulge on the carbs at ANYTIME, but especially when I'm in a depressive state. Solution? Keep plenty of "healthy" snacks around the house, like carrots & fruit that contains complex carbs.
• Run but don't hide! [Didn't I just type that?] Well, THIS particular item is actually not about exercise. [SEE above.] It's about getting outside, where you reap the benefit of sunshine--also a clinically-proven way to enhance your mood . . . & another method that doesn't involve food . . . plus it may supplement any psychotropic medications you may be taking. Which brings me to . . . 
• Medications! If you have a clinically-diagnosed mood disorder [Or, like me, several CDMD's], you SHOULD NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES self-prescribe ANY such medications. That includes OTC herbal & other natural medications . . . and I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU'VE SEEN ON FACEBOOK, ON-LINE, or WHAT YOU'VE HEARD FROM FRIENDS WHO swear [You shouldn't be swearing anyway. SEE 8th commandment.] by their effectiveness.
• Having said that . . . there's no shame in using psychotropic medications. I take several. Once again let me say [Actually, since it's my blog, I'll say it whether you let me or not.] that {1} any medications need to be prescribed & monitored by a physician. {2} My biased opinion, based on years of experience & extensive research, is for you to use a mental health provider when dealing w/mental health medications, including OTC stuff.
• Writing has been a tremendous help for me. If you follow my blog, it's one example. Besides my Mental Health MON, whimsical WED, frightful FRI, & Hill Family Summer 2016 Reunion Exclusive features, I also write devotionals.
• So has fishing been a help for me. [Bet you never thought I'd bet back to this reference.] Not just fishing but other leisure-time, recreational, & other hobbies are proven remedies for depression & anxiety. Reading for pleasure works for me . . . Stamp-collecting? Not so much. [DISCLAIMER: Technically, I've never tried stamp-collecting.]
• Volunteering! Writing devotionals for Orphan Grain Train has been a god-send for me. Tutoring one of Lois' 1st graders several times each week was a blessing for me [& her, I pray. I will genuinely miss that; I hope I can resume this activity when school resumes in August.] I was volunteering at Birthright once a month prior to my hip replacement . . . also helping serve a supper at the Norfolk Rescue Mission once each month. Reaching out to others is way to crawl out of that skin that I so easily & comfortably wrap myself in. [SEE above.]
• Quite time! Perhaps one of the greatest blessings of my "sabbatical" has been consistent time each day to spend  . . . to deliberately spend . . . with the Lord . . .  Scripture, meditative readings from a variety of sources, prayer . . . I do have to be careful not to let my personal quiet time . . . especially my daily prayer list . . . feed into my OCD [or is it the other way around?].
• Choose the positive! Avoid the negative! I don't listen to nearly as much talk radio as I used to . . . I have been bingeing (sp?) on political commentary via on-line sources lately . . . In case you haven't noticed, our political culture can easily get a person down. Solution! Spend time looking for more cheerful news items . . . more cheerful & upbeat commentary. It's out there . . . if you choose . . . IF I CHOOSE to look for it!

THEREFORE, SOME REASONS TO HAVE A CHEERFUL DEMEANOR

From Omaha World Herald (2/6):  "Sighs may be lifesavers. Your life depends on your ability to sigh. Yes, we sigh when we're exhausted or stressed--& when the weight of the world feels like too much to bear--but it turns out that sighing is also an essential life-sustaining reflex that is necessary to keep our lungs from collapsing . . . " [Sigh.]

From Norfolk Daily News (4/2):  "Dear Dr. Roach: I am allowed to take sick days off from work, but is it ethical to take a day off for mental health? ANSWER: Mental health is as important as physical health, but it can be difficult to identify a crisis in mental health, unlike how we can take a temperature & know that our body is trying to fight something off. However, prevention is better than treatment, so I think the occasional use of a sick day is not unethical . . . " [Emphasis added . . . Sigh.]

Also from OWH (4/11): "Acts of kindness appear to be an easy way to reduce anxiety. "It isn't easy being anxious. You can't sleep, you can't concentrate,you're tired & cranky. The good news:  Curbing your anxiety may be easier than you think--perhaps as easy as saying 'thank you.' Anxiety tends to turn people inward, make them more introspective & therefore less socially engaged. Scientists have shown that people who are more self-focused do experience greater levels of anxiety.
      "Two psychologists at the University of British Columbia recently decided to test whether acts of kindness, already shown by researchers to increase a person's happiness, might also help alleviate social anxiety . . . Thew & Alden concluded that 'acts of kindness may help to strengthen social relationships, increase social engagement, & broaden social networks.'" [If, judging by the date, it appears as if I may be engaging in some blog-clipping triage . . . it appears as if you may be on to something . . . Sigh.]

Also from OWH (4/23):  "Germany marks 500 years of beer purity law . . . "  [Germany . . . Land of my ancestors . . . Land of the Reformation . . . Land of beer purity!] *
* SEE related item re: Beer Fest below!

Also from OWH (5/20):  "Going to church good for body as well. Religious services aren't just good for your soul--they might be good for your health. A new study, reported this week in a journal published  by the American Medical Association, says that those who attend church services more often have a better chance of staying alive in the long run . . . " [As a Lutheran, I feel conscience bound to remind you that the bad news is . . . attending church regularly doesn't get you any brownie points with God. I'm just sayin' . . . Sigh.]

Ditto OWH 5/20):  "Breaking Brad: 'The Atlanta Braves have a concession item called Burgerizza, which is a 20-oz. beef patty covered in bacon & 5 slices of cheese, & served between 2 pepperoni pizzas. My cholesterol rose 30 pts. just typing that.'"  [Also qualifies for Shameless Quip-Stealing Dept. & Food for Thought.]

Ditto OWH Go Magazine (5/26):  "Get your tickets: Great Nebraska Beer Fest. Tickets are 
now on sale for the annual Great NE Beer Fest. The festival will feature a number of local & regional breweries . . . The fest runs 2-6 p.m., AUG 27. Tickets include tastings, seminars & more. This year's event will be held at Werner Park, Hwy 370 & 120th St. in Papillion . . . To purchase visit greatnebraskabeerfest.com." [Emphasis added! I assure you that I received no remuneration for this blatant promotional plug.]

Ditto OWH (5/30):  "For the 3rd consecutive game, K.C. finds 'magic' in late innings . . . Cheslor Cuthbert * . . . drove in the go-ahead run with an infield hit in a 3-run 8th, & the (KC) Royals rallied for the 3rd straight game in a 5-4 win over Chicago on SUN . . . KC has won 12 of 17 to move into the AL Central lead . . . " [Go ahead . . . Call me shallow.] **
* Just typing the name "Cheslor Cuthbert" cheers me up a little this morning.
** OK . . . I'll save you the trouble . . . I'm shallow.

REASONS TO BE DEPRESSED? ANXIOUS?

Taglines from Drudge Report (5/21):

• "DOCTORS: Adults Throwing Temper Tantrums Could Be Suffering From Disorder . . . " [In fact, there's even a name for it . . . ATTTD. *]

* Adults Throwing Temper Tantrums Disorder. **

** Most often diagnosed in self-identified, progressive celebrities who are threatening to leave the country if "He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named" is elected president. ***

*** These celebrities are also commonly identified as SIPCWATTLCIHWSNBNIEP. 

ROAD TRIP!

Lois & I are getting ready to embark on a road trip in celebration of our 41st wedding anniversary, which is TUE 5/31. Although it is not quite as ambitious as last summer's Great Western 40th Anniversary Odyssey, it will be fun . . . & I am looking forward to it none-the-less.
      I was going to include . . . as a Public Service Announcement . . . "Cellphone apps for travel to liven up long road trips (From NDN 5/27)," today's blog has turned into a beast *, so you will just have to wait & see whether I will include it as a PSA in a future blog.

* Possibly a symptom of OCD **
** Possibly related to the current depressive state that I am experiencing.

A Plethora of Attractions + Special Save-the-Date Announcement!

Hill Family Reunion Summer 2016 Exclusive

I think last week I put forth a mini-plethora of attractions in out-state MN for consideration, as we breathlessly await the countdown to begin. [Which reminds me . . . because we will be sharing living space in close proximity with one another, don't forget to bring along your toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, & mouthwash.] This week I'm presenting a plethora of attractions conveniently located within the Greater Twin Cities Metropolitan area. 
      I have thoughtfully included the address, pricing information, & a "teaser" for each location. I'm typing this on SAT evening (5/28) while Rachel, Sarah, Bentley, Hadley, Brianna, Lois & Sammy are on a "frolic" down the street to the Bel Air School playground, so I'm feeling pinched for time. You will have to search for more information on your own. Notes follow below.

• American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis. $$ "Much like Sweden itself, the Nelson Cultural Center is an impressive blend of the contemporary & the historic, attached to a century-old mansion but equipped w/a green roof, exhibit & gallery spaces, a delightful cafe w/outdoor patio seating & a whimsical ceramic billy goat."
• Eloise Butler Wildflower & Bird Sanctuary, 2.5 mi. W on SR 55, then .5 m. S on Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis. FREE "A nature trail winds through native plant & wildlife habitats. Guided tours are available by appt."
• Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis. $$ + Parking ". . . housed within these ruin walls . . . once the largest flour mill in the world . . . "
• Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave. S, Minneapolis. $ ". . . the only museum in North America dedicated exclusively to the preservation & presentation of all forms of Russian art & artifacts."
• Alexander Ramsey House, 265 S. Exchange St. @ Walnut St., near Irvine Park, St. Paul. $$ Reservations required ". . . home of the 1st governor of the MN territory . . . constructed from native limestone in 1872."
• Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul. Donations "Styled after St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome."
• Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life, 2097 Larpenteur Ave. W, near Cleveland Ave., St. Paul. $$ "Depicting a prosperous pioneer-era farm complete w/resident animals, this complex includes . . . a sod house, a Dakota tepee & a bark lodge."
• Indian Mounds Park, E of the downtown business district, overlooking the Mississippi River, St. Paul. FREE " . . . believed to have been constructed as a chieftain burial place more than 2,000 years ago . . . among the interesting discoveries made during the mound excavations was a death mask--a skull covered w/red clay meant to evoke an image similar to the living person's face."

NOTES

1. I have tried to focus on attractions that appeal to cultural, historical, natural, & religious tastes . . . & avoid mundane, bourgeois attractions like zoos, amusement parks, & shopping districts. Which reminds me . . . 
2. The TSA still has an "red flag" alert in force for M.O.A., due to persistent threats of demonstrations from P.E.T.N. *. I can tell you from personal experience w/some members of the Hill Family familial connections . . . these people are not to be trifled with! Now where was I . . . 
3. Cultural attractions are color-coded BLUE. Historical attractions are color-coded ORANGE. Natural attractions are color-coded GREEN. Religious attractions are color-coded FUCHSIA.
4. In choosing attractions that would appeal to those religious persuasions most representative of our diverse families, I went w/Lutheran (Swedish variety), Russian Orthodox [My Granda Jo told me that the Handel's had some Russian ancestry.], Roman Catholic, & Native American. [It's my blog . . . I don't owe anyone an explanation.]
5. Back to the issue of mundane vs. unique attractions. I guarantee that you will be unlikely to find any of these attractions anywhere other than the Greater Metropolitan Twin Cities locale.

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Norwegians.

SAVE THE DATE . . . NO HARD FEELINGS!

I'm sure I speak for all of us [Most of us? Some of us? A few? Me?] when I tell you how thrilled I/we was/were to receive the "Save the Date" card from Megan & Chris. Even more thrilling, they chose January 7 for their holy matrimonial ceremonial.

That's my birthday!

Unfortunately . . . & I'm sure this was an honest mistake . . . a mere oversight amidst all the excitement . . . apparently the following announcement was omitted.

PACK YOUR BAGS for the 64th Birthday Celebration of Paul Leckband!

January 7, 2017 @ Samoan Sam's Discount Luau Buffet & Snorkeling Rentals

Adjacent to Makena Estates Maui

Formal invitation to follow. *

* I assume.

frightful friday: full of chock(?)

Public Service Announcement:  Once again, I feel honor-bound to let you know that if you are reading my blog via the Norfolk Daily News web site, it is highly unlikely that you can use any of the links included in today's entry . . . and there are a plethora of links. This also holds true for any highlights, colors, special fonts & font sizes, & bullets. I've tried to provide enough details so that you can at least find the sources I've referenced along with the links. [Those of you who read my blogs via Facebook should have access to all the features.]

G.O.M.E.R. * Returns

* Grumpy Old Men & Their Elucidating Rants

RANT TOPIC #1:  Settled Science

Link from Jonah Goldberg's column: "Who Are the Real Deniers of Science?"

• JG is my favorite partisan pundit.
• There's no reasonable reason why he can't be your favorite, too.
• I found [and read in its entirety!] this column while browsing the Drudge Report on FRI 5/20.
• The time stamp on his column is/was 5/20 12:00a. I was browsing @ 6:00 p.m.

RANT TOPIC #2:  Transgender Issues

I would like to think that most [Some? A few?] of my readers are open-minded to the possibility that there is more to this issue than meets the eye . . . Just like I'd like to think that most [Some? A few?] of my readers understand that I am not a hater.
      Please, please, please check out this link re: transgender issues I found & read it in its  entirety while browsing National Review Online (NRO) on TUE 5/24. The column is dated 5/23. This column transcends the politics which . . . in my humble opinion . . . have completely overwhelmed the nature of the debate. It's written by David French. 

Political Potpourri

Re:  "She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named"

Tagline from Drudge Report (5/27): "Sworn testimony: SWSNBN doesn't know how to use a computer . . . "  [Sure . . . & MSNBC is "fair & balanced."]

I would be the last person . . . the LAST person, I tell you . . . who would suggest that the main stream media would, after reaping the benefits of all the media-worthy moments that HWSNBN has provided for them during the course of the primary season, turn from treating him as newsworthy icon to a cringe-worthy icon . . . so I'll let two of my favorite partisan pundits do the suggesting for me. Here's a link from Brent Bozell & Tim Grahan about the 'Shameless N.Y. Times' which I found via the Drudge Report on SAT 5/21, originally posted on 5/17. [FYI, I took the time to read this column . . . & so should you.] *
* You can probably also track down this column by checking out the Media Research Council web site.

QUOTE:  "SWSNBN" is unpopular because she's inauthentic & a very bad & brazen liar." If it's one minor fault I find in my favorite partisan pundit's columns, it's his inability to cut to the heart of the matter. For example I submit the aforementioned quote, which I found in his column, "Tales of the Real Hillary: An Ongoing Series," originally posted 5/24 on NRO, via Drudge (5/27). Here's the link.  

Re:  "He-Who-May-Be-More-Relevant-Than-I-Have-Believed"

Tagline from Drudge Report (5/27):  "Bernie Backers See FBI as Answer to Prayers . . . "  [Am I missing something? In all of my extensive research, I can't recall seeing anything about HWMBMRTIHB's backers praying about anything.] *
* This sounds gratuitously self-righteous.

Re:  "He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named"

There is a reason . . . There are MULTIPLE reasons . . . why JG is my absolute favorite partisan pundit. Here is a link to his column, dated 5/21, that I found via the Drudge Report on SAT 5/21. It represents much of my current ambivalence re:  what I will do with my vote in November. I absolutely read every word of this column, even while being mightily distracted by my dearly loved 6-year-old grand-daughter, while sitting in the living room of my dearly loved Worley-familial connection in Lincoln, NE, last weekend. [We were waiting for EVERYONE * to get up & get ready, since I offered to treat breakfast @ Hy-Vee **.]
* I'm not mentioning any names . . . Sarah!]
** Purveyors of pretty decent biscuits & gravy . . . ranking right up there with . . . believe it or not . . . Casey's. ***
*** I don't care whether you believe it or not. I like Casey's biscuits & gravy.  

Re:  A Liberal Tea Party Movement?

No, that's not what I'm suggesting . . . It's a comment from a column written by my favorite partisan pundit, * which I found & read while browsing the Drudge Report this morning. The column was posted 5/25 on National Review Online. Here's the link. I highly recommend if for no other reason than . . . There is no place like Nebraska . . . & Ben Sasse is mentioned in this column. 

Re:  My favorite partisan pundit

If it seems like I've included an unhealthy reliance on this pundit's columns for my blog this morning, well, just remember, as always . . . it's my blog. You are always more than welcome to comment . . . You are always more than welcome to start your own blog.

Mental Health MON . . . Special FRI Edition

I didn't get around to publishing my usual Mental Health MON entry on MON 5/23, so I'm including some . . . 

REASONS TO BE DEPRESSED? ANXIOUS?

Taglines from Drudge Report

• "Burgers contain human DNA . . . (5/11)" [And to think that yesterday I bought 8 hamburger patties from Hy-Vee, so I could get 8 free brats . . . 4 bacon-cheddar & 4 pineapple.]
• "82% of law professors are Democrats . . . (5/27)" [I'm going out on a limb to suggest that what happens in most of their classrooms doesn't matter, since most of their students are outside, protesting a variety of important causes, such as, "Hey, college presidents, protect us from global-warming deniers, because global-warming is, like, really, really, really scary, & we have no idea what the 1st amendment is, because 92% of our government teachers in high school were Democrats" . . . I'm just sayin'.]
• "Eye pain, severe headaches? You may have 'tech hangover' . . . (5/27)" [Once again, I'm not too worried about any students remaining in those law professors' classrooms. They either fall into this category, or they aren't paying attention because they are focusing on their smartphones or iPads or iPods or whatever.]
• "Sun disintegrating? NASA spots monster hole . . . (5/27)"  [God promised that He would not destroy the Earth with a world-wide flood again. I don't recall any promises re:  a disintegrating Sun.] *

* Lucky you! You get a bonus Theological THU feature on frightful FRI.

There Is No Place Like . . . Look for Your State [or Country]!

There Is No Place Like . . . "Whimsy"SPECIAL EDITION

CALIFORNIA?

Tagline from Drudge Report (5/11):  "STUDY: L.A. top city for road rage . . . " [Do I like "picking on CA? Have I held on to this item since May 11?]

From Omaha World Herald (5/22):  "More plumbing issues in Oakland. There were plumbing issues in the visitor's dugout at the Oakland Coliseum before the start of SAT's game against the NY Yankees. Several maintenance workers spent nearly an hour trying to fix a backed up toilet while a member of the Coliseum staff mopped up the standing water seeping into the dugout . . . " [At least it happened in the Yankees' dugout . . . Sorry, Steve Taege.]

Another tagline from Drudge (5/24): "Falling toilets snarl traffic on LA freeways . . . " [Anything I would have read following this tagline would only have been a letdown.]

CHINA?

Another tagline from Drudge (5/21):  "China denies shipping marinated human flesh in cans to be sold as food . . . " [Yes, I could have put this in my recurring Food for Thought Feature . . . but remember . . . It's my blog!]

FLORIDA?

Also from OWH (5/20):  Nile killer crocs found in Florida. Step aside, Burmese python--you may no longer be Florida's scariest invasive species. Researchers have confirmed that 3 Nile crocodiles were captured near Miami, & they say it's possible more of the man-eating reptiles are still out there, although no one can say for sure . . . "  [I'm counting the days till the next Sister Bash and/or Hill Family Reunion in FL.] *
* Although I've staked a legitimate claim to a familial connection to the Hill family [SEE a previous Hill Family Summer Reunion Exclusive Blog, ** if you can find it.], which ranks me slightly lower than a Sister or Brother but WAY higher than a camp follower, I doubt if I have a vote. **
** CAVEAT! This is not a link! Besides, if you are reading today's blog from a link off the Norfolk Daily News web page, it wouldn't do you any good even if it was a link, since apparently you can't get a link from their web page . . . or special fonts, colors, highlights, etc. ***
*** But I still love the NDN, read the hard copy every day, & highly, HIGHLY recommend both their hard copy & web site . . . Please don't take the link to my blog off your web site! ****
**** And I just remembered . . . I have a niece who lives in Miami . . . PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR JOCELYN! Be careful where you go jogging!

GREAT BRITAIN?

From Norfolk Daily News (5/20):  Mortarboard throwing banned over risks. A British university has been accused of overreacting for banning graduating students from tossing mortarboards into the air on health & safety grounds . . . " [Just one reason among many why I like to think of the "mother country" as just . . . Britain . . . or maybe "Barely-Above-Average" Britain.]

INDIA?

Also from OWH (5/24):  "Insect waste threatens marble surfacea at Taj Mahal . . . "

• [And I just crossed a visit to the Taj Mahal off my bucket list . . . 
• Don't feel too sorry for me. It was down around #38.]

IOWA

Also from OWH (5/20):  "Sinkhole forces closure of street in Fort Dodge, IA. A sinkhole opened WED night in Ft. Dodge, forcing closure of a street that partly disappeared into the maw . . . It's unclear what caused the cave-in, which appears to be 20 ft. deep . . . Repairing the hole is likely to be more complex than filling it w/soil . . . " 

• [I've been "by" Fort Dodge," & I think a stop to see this sinkhole might be more appealing to me than a stop to see a historical marker.
• There's an excellent chance that you WON'T see "maw" showing up as a favorite word in my blogs anytime soon.
• Do I like picking on IA? Does our Fearless Leader like arms deals w/countries that have abysmal human rights' records? *]

* Sorry. That was political commentary, which I have pledged to TRY to limit to my frightful FRI blogs. I apologize IF I offended you.

Also from OWH (5/20):  "Firefighters rescue naked man from business's chimney . . . " [I actually read this article but didn't feel like re-publishing it here before I've had breakfast this morning.] **

** And in case you're curious, I have a coupon from Big Apple Bagels:  a 99 cent coffee w/any other purchase. It reminded me that I used to love their dark roast French Silk(?) coffee, so I think I'll check them out this morning to see if it's still available.

MASSACHUSETTS!

Also from NDN (4/15):  "Friendly calf. A calf that spent several days on the loose in (Dartmouth), MA, is now a companion for a blind cow that recently lost a pig playmate . . . " [Can you tell I'm doing some triage on my gargantuan pile of newspaper clippings this morning?]

NEW YORK?

Also from OWH (5/18):  "Plan would ban declawing of cats in NY. New York would be the first state to ban the declawing of cats under a legislative proposal that has divided veterinarians . . . " [If this was my frightful FRI blog, I would make a mean-spirited, snarky, politically incorrect but wholly {holy? *} justified comment in this space re:  the rights of cats vs. the rights of the unborn.]
* Yes, this seems like a gratuitously ** self-righteous comment, but, sigh, once again I must remind you that this is MY blog.
** Another favorite word I've been waiting to use.

SOUTH DAKOTA?

From Sioux City Journal (5/18):  "Mayor's proposal for Corn Palace murals geta lukewarm reception. A proposal by Mitchell Mayor Jerry Toomey to change the murals on the Corn Palace tourist attraction only every other year is receiving mixed reviews. The city pays about $157,000 each year to re-decorate the building's exterior . . . " [A spokesperson for P.E.T.D.C. * asserts that the money could be better spent on performing "claw transplants" on cats who are victims of cruel declawing procedures.]
* People for the Ethical Treatment of Declawed Cats 

NEBRASKA!

Also from NDN (5/18):  "Main Street Books. Chad & Bonnell Bochum recently opened Main Street Books in downtown Norfolk. The store offers a wide selection of books from a variety of genres, as well as books by international & local authors. [Relax . . . this doesn't include me . . . yet.]

• [I am an obsessive reader. But today's blog does NOT fall under the category of Mental Health MON . . . 
• . . . And I love bookstores, although I fear to visit any bookstore these days, because you should see the gargantuan * collection of books that I have acquired which have yet to be read . . . but that's another topic for a future Mental Health MON blog. **
• I wish these people the best & look forward to visiting Main Street Books . . . 
• . . . For which I have received no remuneration for this promotional consideration.]

* My word of the day. [I know what you're thinking . . . What happened to "plethora?"

** In case you're wondering, this week's Mental Health MON blog went on a hiatus. ***

*** Another favorite word

From Lincoln Journal Star (5/19):  "Costs to find NU chancellor released. Executive search firm paid $122,500 . . . " [Seriously . . . what?! I've made offers like this before in my selfless attempts to save taxpayers--& that would include me--money. I would GLADLY conduct what I'm sure would be an equally effective "executive" * search for a fraction of this cost. **]
* After all, I used to be an "executive" director.
** Another incentive for the State to consider my offer. Because I am currently on a medical disability & cannot accept any remuneration of any kind, my entire fee . . . oh, let's say 10% of what the State paid . . . would be donated to a charity. ***
*** How about, even more apropos **** in my case, the Nebraska Gamblers' Assistance Program, of which I am a commissioner?
**** Yes, I am multi-lingual.

Also from OWH (5/22):  "What You'll See in the Vast New Exhibit. The Henry Doorly Zoo's * African Grasslands brings together 22 species over 28 acres, stretching from the zoo's south end to its farthest east point. [Before I continue, it's only fair to tell you that I am hopelessly biased about this zoo . . . I have visited this zoo many, many times . . . I have taken my own children & grand-children to this zoo many, many times . . . & I've visited some of the zoos in your locales . . . Sorry, I pity your zoos.]

• "Meerkat [Remember "Meerkat Manor?" I LOVED that show.]
• "White-throated monitor lizard
• "Reticulated giraffe [Not just any giraffe. OUR zoo has "reticulated" giraffes.]
• "White rhinoceros [Seems racist.]
• "White stork [Ditto.]
• "Rock hyrax ["Hey, Hyrax! You rock!!]
• "Klipsringer [Not to be confused w/early GOP presidential candidate Elmer Klipspringer.]
• "Spur-winger goose
• "African elephant
• "Egyptian goose
• "Ostrich [What . . . We can't afford a reticulated ostrich?! Where's Warren Buffett when you need him? SEE comment below.]
• "Plains zebra
• "African pygmy goat  [Uh, I believe the PC-term is "African 'right-sized' goat.]
• "Impala
• "Helmeted guinea fowl [According to my sources, he needs to be helmeted because he has anger-management issues.]
• "Pink-backed pelican [Not associated w/any politically-charged movement. I'm just sayin'.]
• "Bongo [Also according to my sources, this animal has self-esteem issues because of its name. Reader suggestions are welcome.]
• "Cheetah
• "African spurred tortoise
• "African lion  
• "Sable antelope"

* Are you a zoo hater? All I can say is . . . I pity you.

Also from OWH (Sorry--I neglected to reference the date):  "Elephants named at last--one a nod to Warren Buffett . . . The zoo asked donors to name its elephants. They chose Warren, Lolly, Claire, Kiki, Omma & Jayei . . . " [African elephant: "I don't care if he's a billionaire. If it's all the same to you, I'd prefer a more regal sounding name, like 'The Trunk.'"]

Sven + Ole's? Gone! & More Excursion Options

Hill Family Reunion 2016 Exclusive *

* Public Service Announcement:  Once again, you are unlikely to reap the benefit of all the special features of my blog, which include special headings, fonts, colors, highlights, links, etc., if you are reading this entry via the Norfolk Daily News website. If you read my blog from the Facebook link, you get all the special features . . . I think. **

** And I will continue to remind you that I LOVE the NDN . . . subscribe to it . . . read it faithfully every day. ***

*** And if I am out-of-town, my wife or our daughter typically collect the NDN from our front step & store them inside where they are immune from the ravages of wind, rain, snow, hail, tsunami's.

**** FYI:  It's possible that I may be the only LHS principal who can boast on his resume' that he has experience canceling school because of a tsunami alert.

Sven & Ole's Bait & Tackle Shop and Luxury Wedding Emporium . . .    Sad News to Report

Despite INTENSE efforts from my F.R.S.A. *, all attempts in recent weeks to re-establish contacts w/Sven & Ole's have come to naught. I am reluctantly forced to conclude that this legendary enclave, which "we" have tried so hard--& here-to-fore somewhat fruitlessl--to establish a firm link of communication to--may have been lost in the forest-range fire that ravaged the Mesabi range in northern MN a few weeks ago. Since this is/was a tragedy, I will speak no more about it & hope that we can all move past it.
* Family Reunion Surveillance Associates

More Excursion Options *

* Source:  "AAA Tourbook North Central (2015) **
** I HIGHLY recommend AAA as a source for road trip & vacation planning. ***
*** I receive no remuneration for this blatant "product placement."

Since Sven & Ole's no longer appears to be a viable option, I feel like I would be derelict in my duty if I did not--along w/my friends from F.R.S.A. [SEE reference above.]--do SOME heavy lifting for you  & reveal some more possible options for "day trips." CAVEAT:  Today's day trips are outside the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. I'm posting them this week because . . . 

1. This gives YOU more time to do your homework. Like I said . . . I am doing SOME of your heavy lifting for you . . . but NOT ALL . . . Time for my Associates & ME to quit being enablers.
2. This also gives you more advance notice to factor in the additional time, mileage, expense, effort, etc., of additional "road trips" during our limited time together . . . [Notice again . . . I have NOT included any mileage or travel times. MOST of you are capable of using Mapquest . . . Start location: "St. Paul, MN."]
3. I have chosen sites that I think appeal to the broadest spectrum of interest.
4. That's not entirely true. I've chosen sites that appealed to my personal sense of adventure, because, as always . . .  
5. It's my blog, so if you don't like the entirely unselfish sacrifice of MY OWN time & effort . . . do YOUR OWN Hill Family Reunion Blog . . . I DARE you! Here we go . . . 

AUSTIN, MN  

Spam Museum.  Cost:  Free. Notes:  It's all about the canned meat, NOT the "spam" that some of our more youthful immediate family [Remember--I recently documented that I have a familial connection, keeping me slightly below the rank of Sister or Brother but elevating me far above the rank of "camp follower."] & camp followers may not be aware of.

BEMIDJI, MN  

Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox. Cost:  Free. Note: The side by side statues " stand in a landscaped parking lot . . . near the shores of Lake Bemidji . . . Paul stands nearly 19' tall; Babe--who is indeed a bright shade of blue--stands about 10' tall & measures 23' from nose to tail. The side by side statues make a great photo-op. Personal note:  Been there! Done that! Lois & I can vouch for this site's high quality.

DULUTH, MN.  Requires several bullet points . . . *

* Lois & I last drove thru this exotic location over 35 years ago, so I can't vouch for the quality of any of these sites. 

• Shopping area:  "Retails in Downtown Duluth are connected by 3.5 miles of of enclosed skywalks . . . "
• The Aerial Lift Bridge . . . "spans the canal entrance to Duluth Harbor . . . " No cost.
• Great Lakes Aquarium . . . Cost: $16.50 ($13.50 age 62+; $12.50 students $13.50 w/I.D.; $10.50 ages 3-12; + $5 parking.)
• Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum " . . . features original handwritten documents & manuscripts covering such topics as art, music, literature, & science . . . " Cost: Free.

PIPESTONE NATIONAL MONUMENT, MN.  

Cost: $3/person (ages 0-15 free). Note: "Within this tract of 300 acres are the pipestone quarries where the red stone used to make ceremonial pipes is found . . . The visitor center shows a 20-min. orientation film & houses a museum . . ." Personal note:  Been there! Done that! Lois & I can vouch for this site's high quality.

ST. PETER, MN.

Treaty Site History Center. Cost:  $5 ($4 ages 65+; $3 ages ages 6-17). Note:  "The center focuses on regional history, w/particular emphasis on the 1851 treat between the U.S. government & the Dakota Indians. Personal note:  Lois & I can vouch for this site's high quality. 

I Blog . . . You Decide . . . Well, actually I decide.

Another PSA + More Exclusive Political Content + G.O.M.E.R. Returns + Our Fearless Leader's Legacy

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT re: links . . . headings, colors, bullets, special fonts, etc . . .  Once again I must warn you that if you are reading my blog via the Norfolk Daily News web site link, you most likely aren't getting any of the special features which my readers who use the link on Facebook are used to getting. But I continue to read the NDN faithfully . . . . especially after the editorial, "Bully in the White House," which appeared in the MON 5/16 edition, re: the "New directive to schools & colleges on transgender students overlooks issues of privacy & safety" . . . which I am saving for a political potpourri or G.O.M.E.R. feature in a future blog. *
* Be patient.

Read this link re:  global climate change which I found while browsing on Townhall (SUN 5/15). It was originally posted on 5/14. It should appear in my G.O.M.E.R. feature below, but I don't feel like moving it. [And it's my blog.]

Political Potpourri *

* I continue to restrain my incisive, exclusive, political reporting & commentary to my frightful FRI blog . . . for now.

Re:  "She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named"

Check out this link to a column written by Ann Coulter. I found it while scanning the Drudge Report on SAT 5/14. Yes, Ann is slightly(?) partisan. Yes, Ann can be a little "over the top." Ann can also be highly entertaining. In this column, published on 5/11, she asks the question which begs asking, "Should SWSNBN be considered a victim because of her husbands, ahem, peccadillos?" *
* Love this word . . . I've been waiting to use it forever. **
** "Waiting to use it forever." That's "hyperbole," also a favorite word . . . what one should come to expect from an English major, of which I am one.

Re:  "He-Who-Bears-a-Striking-Resemblance-to-a-Lutheran-High-Government-Teacher"

From Omaha World Herald (5/5): "Some sympathy (almost) for HWBASRTALHGT . . . What dominated on the last day of campaigning in Indiana--&, as it turned out, the final hours of the AHWBASRTALHGT candidacy--wasn't his speeches. Instead it was an encounter that he didn't have to have. With cameras rolling, HWBASRTALHGT crossed the street after an event to confront a dozen HWSNBN supporters . . . The exchange w/the HWSNBN supporters provided a vivid illustration of the reasons the conservatives HWBASRTALHGT was supposed to consolidate found him almost as unbearable as his colleagues. His utter conviction that he is smart & you are dumb, possessed of perfect debating skills &, above all, chosen by God to triumph over mere mortals." [I hate it when pundits beat around the Bush * . . . Tell us how you really feel!]
* This is NOT a gratuitous, political reference to either W. or H.W.

Re:  "He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named"

We received this campaign flyer just a few days in advance of the NE primary on TUE 5/10. It read [in part] "HWSNBN is the only candidate that will protect Nebraska in the White House. The HWSNBN Agenda:

• "Cut taxes for every Nebraskan & our American companies. [What about Americans?]
• "Renegotiate bad foreign deals that rip off American workers. [Inquiring minds want to know . . . How?]
• "Build the wall & stop illegal immigration. [What about a wall around our state to protect our wives & daughters from SWSNBN's husband?]
• "Protect our farmers & ranchers & every small business in America. [Inquiring minds . . . Wait . . . What?]
• "Stand up against cheaters like China & bring fairness to trade. [Non-inquiring minds don't care?]
• "Fix the VA for our troops." [I'm typing this on WED night. I didn't sleep well last night, ultimately woke up at 5:30a, couldn't get back to sleep & got up. Although it's true that I napped late this afternoon, I am typing this late at night, it's getting close to my bedtime, & I'm just not feeling the surge of emotional & mental energy it would take for further comments.] *

* Yet . . . contrary to all popular belief . . . I never did & haven't yet endorsed any candidate for any national political office . . . yet. **

** But inquiring minds can probably discern whom I would NEVER endorse.

Re:  "He-Who-Is-Still-Inevitably-Doomed-to-Fail"

• Also from OWH (5/10):  "Analysis: HWISIDTF plan would add $18 trillion to deficit . . . " [Unattributed comment from a campaign spokesperson:  "And this would be a problem because?]
• From Norfolk Daily News TV Week late laughs (5/13):  ""We're just 3 days away away from the big Democratic debate right here in New York, & both SWSNBN & HWISIDTF have been busy campaigning throughout the city. HWISIDTF even had some time to see the Broadway show 'Hamilton' w/his wife. Though it got awkward when HWISIDTF stood up & said: 'I knew Alexander Hamilton! And you're no Alexander Hamilton.'" [{1} As usual, I am not adverse to a shameless quip-steal; & {2} This quip from Jimmy Fallon almost made me laugh out loud.]

Back to:  "She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named"

• Also from NDN, column by Dick Meyer (5/10):  "Confessions of a SWSNBN-phobe. I have never liked SWSNBN. But I don't know exactly why. It has been such a long time. Something like half of all voters don't like SWSNBN either, according to years & years of polls. SWSNBN's enduring turn-off power is the sole reason so many Democrats fret that she could actually lose the election to the weakest imaginable Republicans--HWBASRTALHGT, HWSNBN, or a messiah immaculately conceived by a brokered convention." [If you are diagnosed w/OCD, like I am . . . albeit a mild case--not that it's any of your business--you should find this item especially unsettling . . . Excuse me while I go wash my hands . . . . . . . OK, I'm back.]
• Also from OWH, column by Doyle McManus (5/16):  "'Crooked' nickname just might stick. HWSNBN dispatched his Republican rivals by branding them with insulting but memorable nicknames: 'Lyin' Ted' Cruz, 'Little Marco' Rubio. As the general election nears, HWSNBN has settled on a label for the likely Democratic nominee:  'Crooked Hillary.'" [I decided that using actual names instead of acronyms in these last two sentences made more sense in the context of this item. Besides . . . it's my blog . . . & I don't really owe you an explanation.]

G.O.M.E.R. is Back! *

* Grumpy Old Men & Their Elucidating Rants

OUR FEARLESS LEADER'S LEGACY

• From my favorite partisan pundit's column via Drudge Report link (4/2):  "And that reminds me:  President Obama went to Cuba, where the government really is in charge of everything. While there, Obama said, 'President Castro, I think, has pointed out that in his view making sure that everybody is getting a decent education or health care, has basic security in old age, that those things are human rights as well. I personally would not disagree w/him . . . And the goal of the human rights dialogue is not for the U.S. to dictate to Cuba how they should govern themselves, but to make sure that we are having a frank & candid conversation around this issue. And hopefully that we can learn from each other." [Emphases added . . . I'm "letting" Jonah Goldberg do my heavy lifting in this rant.]
• Also from OWH (4/8):  "President says nominee fight is eroding democracy. President Barack Obama accused Senate Republicans on THU of jeopardizing the 'integrity of the judicial branch' by refusing to consider his 'extraordinary' nominee to the Supreme Court." [And Senate Republicans replied, "Shall we talk about jeopardizing the integrity of the legislative branch?" Thus endeth this specific rant.]
• Also from OWH (4/14):  "Obamacare hits more bumps in road. "Well, the hammer has fallen: The largest health insurer in the U.S. has started pulling out of selected Obamacare marketplaces. Five months ago, United Health Care, which had been singing sunny songs to investors about its bright future on the marketplaces, abruptly began crooning the blues . . . " [That's the bad news, but here's the good news:  If you, individually, are crooning the blues, & it turns out that you have a diagnosed mental health disorder, you can still keep your mental health provider! At a "slightly" higher cost . . . Well, maybe at a WAY higher cost. {This is still a rant, by the way.}]
• Also from OWH (4/17):  "Raul Castro presents grim portrait of Cuban reforms. Cuban President Raul Castro delivered a grim report on the state of the country on SAT, acknowledging that the communist bureaucracy he oversees has failed to implement most of the hundreds of changes launched 5 years ago to stimulate the stagnant centrally controlled economy . . . " [Dept of Imaginary Phone Conversations from 5 Years Ago:  POTUS: Listen, Raul, I have such a deal for you. RC: I'm listening. POTUS:  I'm prepared to end our completely immoral & unjust economic boycott of Cuba, lift economic sanctions, give Cuba access to almost limitless American resources, & all you have to do is promise a few improvements to Cuba's human rights record & some changes to stimulate your centrally controlled economy. RC:  What about your country's pathetic attempts to guarantee a decent education & health care & security in old age? POTUS: I can't disagree with that. RC: And what about your country's own stagnant economy? POTUS:  Hopefully we can learn from each other. RC: OK, have your people call my people. POTUS: I'll have my SOS get in touch. RC: No.] *

* A rant cleverly(?) disguised as a Dept. of Imaginary Phone Conversation Affectation ** IPCA ***

*** I will try not to use this acronym again. ****

**** Said the person in love with his own acronyms.

I've Got Bad News . . . Really Horrible News . . . But Wait!

Today's Scriptural Truth *

[God said], "And I will put enmity between you & the woman, & between your offspring & hers; He will crush your head, & you will strike His heel." Genesis 3:15

Today's Devotional Thoughts

Do these words sound familiar? They might, because they come from what has to be the most depressing chapter in the Bible. Just moments before, Satan--in the guise of a snake [No, I don't feel like debating the merits of the Harry Potter series . . . at least not now.]--had deceived Eve into eating the forbidden fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.

This was the fruit which God had EXPRESSLY forbidden Adam & Even to eat. At least Adam wasn't deceived . . . Uh, check that . . . Eve had HANDED the fruit to Adam . . . handed, mind you . . . not tricked Adam . . . not argued with Adam . . . handed the fruit to Adam . . .  & he apparently ate it w/o question, too.

They were immediately ashamed. They realized they were naked. [Duh.]  They realized they had sinned . . . God confronted them. Things go from bad to worse . . . very bad to very worst.

• Adam blamed Eve.
• Eve blamed the snake. 
• God cursed the snake.
• God cursed humankind.
• God drove Adam & Eve out of the Garden of Eden.
• The entire Creation--which God had recently pronounced "very good"--was subject to the utter despair of darkness, death, separation from God . . . 

Thanks, Adam! Thanks Eve!

But wait! Two important points here.

1. You & I would have done the same thing. God created our great-, great-, great- {ad infinitum} grand-parents with free will, & they din't pass up the devil's temptation--his lie--to eat the fruit & become like God.
2. Genesis 3:15 [Go back & read it again. Please.] is the first Gospel promise in the Bible.

The Enmity that God promises between Satan & the woman or humankind . . . that Enmity, whose heel Satan will reach out & attempt a pre-emptive strike on Golgotha thousands of year later? That would be Jesus, whose death on the cross we observe on Good Friday.

As for Satan? That same Jesus crushed him . . . And sin . . . And death . . . when the Father accepted His sacrificial death on the cross & raised Him from the dead on the first Easter Sunday.

As a life-long Lutheran * would say:  This is most  certainly true.
* That's me. **
** Don't feel bad if you're not a life-long Lutheran . . . You would or should say this, too.

Today's Prayer Thought

Say a prayer of thanksgiving for the miracle of God's grace & redemption through Jesus' redemption of humankind--greater than any power Satan has over us.

Addendum

This devotion was adapted from one I wrote for the Lutheran High Northeast Daily Announcements on 4/27/15. Our chapel theme in 2014-15 was "Walking in the Truth."

* Once again, if you are reading this devotional from a link on the Norfolk Daily News web site, you are more than likely NOT getting any special fonts, colors, bullets, links, etc., for reasons I can't explain. I talked to someone from the NDN on TUE 5/17 . . . maybe a solution has been found. ** If you read the devotional from a link on my Facebook account, you get all the features . . . & I use that word sparingly.

** And, PLEASE, don't read this as a criticism of my favorite, hometown newspaper, which I subscribe to & faithfully read every day. ***

*** And for which I receive no remuneration. I'm just sayin'. 

PSA + Millennials + Hawaii vs Nebraska

Whimsical WED

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:  It is very possible that if you are reading this blog via the link from the Norfolk Daily News web site, you are only getting text . . . No special fonts, no special headings, no colors, no bullets, no links. I am not saying this to criticize! I love the Daily News! If you are reading this blog via a link on Facebook, you should be getting everything. Whether that's an advantage or not I'll leave for you to decide. *
* And whether this is a PSA or EDA **, I'll also leave for you to decide.
** "Ego Driven Announcement.

There Is No One Like . . . 

Millennials?

Here is a link I found while browsing through National Review On-line (SUN 5/15). The writer is David French. It was originally posted on 5/14. He seeks to affix the blame for the fragility of millennials on . . . well, you'll have to check it out yourself. I'm not sure I can accept his premise.

There Is No Place Like . . . 

Hawaii?

Here is a link I found while scanning through the Drudge Report on SAT 5/14 re:  Hawaii, earthquakes, & tsunamis. The source is Hawaii News Now, originally published on 5/13 & updated on 5/14. [We moved to Hawaii in July, 1993, & lived on Oahu. I moved back to Norfolk in January, 1997. Lois & the kids moved back in June, 1997. *]
* Some of my children moved back more reluctantly than others. I don't want to mention any names for fear of embarrassing him . . . Oops.] **
** He's a millennial by the way.

Nebraska!

Driving home from Wisner, NE, last night, I was reminded of one of the phenomena of the spring agricultural season that I treasure about Nebraska . . . as I drove west on Hwy 275 & dusk approached, I was struck by the appearance of headlights where ordinarily one would never expect to see headlights . . . out in the middle of a farm field. Alien spacecraft? No . . . It was a farmer on his/her tractor, doing whatever farmers do in their fields this time of year. *
* Pardon my ignorance. I'm grew up in a metropolitan area. **
** Concordia, MO . . . Metropolitan hub of southern Lafayette Co., Missouri.

From Omaha World Herald (5/4):  "The same idea, but a truer portrayal of our Sower. About a month after its debut spurred a flurry of Internet chatter & some mocking from 'Saturday Night Live,' NE's new standard license plate has a new Sower. The Governor's Office & Rhonda Lahm, director of the Dept. of Motor Vehicles shared the more authentic design w/The World-Herald on TUE evening." [I just renewed my vehicle registration. It was a disappointment to find out that this is a year for new license plate stickers & NOT new license plates.}

From Norfolk Daily News (5/10):  "Is $44,000 too much for a speech on happiness? The person who brought us 'Nebraska Nice' said she was seeking extra spice at the 2015 state tourism convention when she spent $44,000 for a speech on the connection between happiness & success. But past state tourism officials said they never spent more than $10,000 on such speeches, & sponsors usually paid for them, not state taxpayers." [Ordinarily, I would say that no price is too much to pay for any speech about the connection between happiness & success, but I'll offer this. {1} I think I potentially could be an entertaining & informative, motivational speaker. {2} I'm willing to offer my services at a considerably more modest fee. {3} Contact the Editor of the NDN to see if he might be willing to have the Daily News serve as a corporate sponsor for my more modest 4-figure fee. *]
* Which I will donate to charity since, technically, as long as I am on a medical disability, I am not allowed to receive any remuneration of any kind.

Also from OWH (5/14):  Chamber offers way for drivers to let all know 'We Don't Coast'. For those who don't want the result of Plategate on their cars, here's a simple, 'classically clean layout.' Just in time for NE drivers unhappy w/their choices for license plates--funny-looking sower, anyone?--the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce on Friday unveiled a new specialty license plate w/a message:  We Don't Coast. There's nary a sower to be seen." ["Nary?" Who uses the word "nary" anymore? See, that's what I like about my daily, hometown newspaper vs what "He-Who-Is-Still-Irrelevant" would undoubtedly call a corrupt, media shill for the DNC front-runner, SWSNBN.] *
* In all fairness, I also subscribe to & read the OWH every day, & it does provide a full page of color comics every weekday. **
** But not "Pearls Before Swine" in its Sunday comics!

Dept. of Shameless Quip "Borrowing":

From OWH "Breaking Brad" by Brad Dickson (5/6): *

• "An audit of the NE Tourism Commission was quite critical. For example, take its new slogan, 'Visit Kansas!' It needs work."
• "THU night, a wildlife group planned to release 250 bats outside the Joslyn Art Museum, & the public was invited. How dare anyone criticize the NE Tourism Commission when we have these kinds of promotions?"
• "The new NE license plate design is said to be better than the last. There's a bar set a quarter of an inch off the ground."

* It seems especially to offer my own quips in response to these quips from a trained professional, so I will refrain.