Two of my favorite things are fireworks and thunderstorms. Two of Cooper's least favorite things are fireworks and thunderstorms. Go figure. Cooper is our big orange dog - the one that barks at anything and everything relentlessly. I often marvel at the fact that none of the neighbors have wrung his neck yet as he [...]
North Dakota Legislators – WWJD?
Far be it for me to underestimate the challenges inherent in being a legislator. I understand that it is a cumbersome task that carries with it a tremendous mantle of responsibility. Legislators need to represent their constituents while also remaining true to the platform upon which they were elected. Legislators are constantly having to compromise [...]
I worry about this…
A trend that I have become increasingly aware of is the usage of headphones by those exercising, walking, or spending any solitary time. This concerns me because when the headphones are in the users lose one of their senses they would typically be able to rely upon for situational awareness. I see this all around [...]
Disgusting.
I recognize that even though I have lived in North Dakota for 16 years now, I am not a native. As such, there are still some things that I do not understand. I come to you dear readers for some clarity on a matter that I find disgusting, but that seems to be fairly common [...]
And the birdbrain is…
I am sure that in a world filled with factoids that there must be some data on the bird species that are fairly unaware of the threats they face. I am willing to bet, even though I have never read a single thing about this, that robins are on that list (better off than turkeys, but not [...]
Freedom is not free.
USA Today's website has a powerful story and video about USMC Cpl. Ronny "Tony" Porta that I think should be mandatory reading and viewing for every American who wants to maintain citizenship in this country. At the age of 20, Tony was in a Humvee in Iraq that was struck by an IED. Tony lost his [...]
My heart is a tiny piece of coal…
One of the things that college faculty become well-acquainted with are excuses. After teaching for a few years you recognize that the same old excuses come up again and again. I don't pay too much mind to excuses. My students know there are limits to my flexibility and my patience. They know that I will [...]
THE NEW FORTY 