Veterans Day weekend is upon us here in the United States; nominally we pause on November 11 each year to remember and honor each of the 22 million men and women served in the Armed Forces of the United States. There are 22 million living veterans in the United States. Each has their own history, […]
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Frugality, Fish, and Public Trust
Just when I thought I was finished writing about the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) along comes a new piece of news. In my last two posts I gave my opinion on BPA’s funding the update of a laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam. The free show runs during the summer tourist season; the costs […]
Frugality, Public Trust, and Money
In my last post I offered my opinion that spending US $1.6 million to upgrade a free laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam was inappropriate. (Frugality, a Laser Light Show, and Food Stamps). In addition I opined that responsible parties at the Bonneville Power Administration and Bureau of Reclamation just don’t get it. This […]
Frugality, a Laser Light Show, and Food Stamps
As soon as I begin to believe I’ve seen or heard just about everything I’m proven wrong again. A recent Oregonian carried the announcement that the Grand Coulee Dam was updating its laser light show for a US $1.6 million dollars. The 36 minute show is projected against the water as it rushes across the […]
Food Stamps, Cotton, and Brazil
The US House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee has approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 (HR 6083) and sent it to the full House for approval. This is the much awaited farm bill that will guide spending on crop insurance and subsidies, SNAP (food stamps), forests, and the US Department of […]
So Clever – Radar Station B-71
A few years ago my wife and I went on a bit of a meandering vacation to visit the Redwoods, Nevada City, Reno, Park City, Yellowstone, and the Stonehenge Replica in the Oregon Gorge. While staying at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast near the Klamath River (ReQua Inn) we went sightseeing and exploring on the back […]
Somalia
On Friday, June 8, 2012, National Public Radio’s Morning Edition broadcast the news (originating with the BBC) that Somalia now had a dry cleaning business. And oh so tongue in check noted that the various warlords and al-Qaida-linked militants probably didn’t need a dry cleaners over the years in this failed state. Ms. Montagne suggested the […]
Humanity and Heroism
As the repugnant stain of genocide spread, the people of Denmark rose up to protect their Jewish citizens and guests. They hid them and organized their escape to sanctuary. The action of the Danes saved nearly the entire population of Danish Jews from certain annihilation. This concerted action saved over seven thousand Jews from the […]
