Considering the chores of youth

Staff Soapbox

Tuesday, 04 October 2011 16:36

Long ago, but not so far away, I was a kid once. Seeing other kids taking their turn to grow up makes me think of it.

I remember when I see kids riding their bikes, or walking around town. They probably don’t think a man with a white beard is a little boy, but I can assure all of you, the little boy that is me still lives inside.

I don’t know what chores the boys now have to do, but a little more than a half-century ago on a farm southwest of Topeka, my brother and I had to get the cows every night for milking.

I know I was doing this by age 8 because I did that before I drove the old John Deere “B” at 9 in the hay fields for the men to pick up bales to load the wagon.

We were always accompanied by our friend and guardian...

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Cat refugees bring joy to household

Staff Soapbox

Tuesday, 06 September 2011 15:38

At our house, we have a new twist on the classic fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” But for us it’s “Black Beauty and her Seven Kitties.”

Although it wasn’t in our game plan this summer to help a momma cat raise her seven kittens, it just happened.

Our son, Joey, was even kind enough to loan us his office space upstairs so this large feline family could be safe and out of harm’s way from predators outside, and our own two cats inside.

It’s a strange arrangement, but only temporary, until we can find everyone a proper home so they can have a loving family of their own.

Actually, the kittens have been enjoying their accommodations. Joey’s collection of books have doubled as a mountain range for the kittens...

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Here’s how I would work the budget

Staff Soapbox

Tuesday, 02 August 2011 19:55

In Jerry Engler’s first national budget determination, Congress has to pay back all of our Social Security funds it took for other purposes over the years.

Then, they put it in a secure, untouchable account where they can’t mess with it for any other reason. They don’t talk about cuts to Social Security and Medicare anymore lest someone mistake them for pontificating liars.

Then, in further consideration of the mess they have been instrumental in creating, Congress cuts the pay scale for its members, and takes away their pension system to put them on the same Social Security program with the rest of us.

They follow this with similar cuts in pay and benefits for the president and the Supreme Court.

Air Force One is sold to...

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Many occasions to celebrate in July

Staff Soapbox

Tuesday, 05 July 2011 18:30

Ever wonder how certain bizarre or unique holidays originated? Just for fun, I decided to check out the month of July and found six unique or bizarre monthly observances and 31 other strange holidays.

Included in the monthly observances were National Blueberry Month, Anti-Boredom Month, Unlucky Month for Weddings, National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month.

Of course, those observances seem tame compared to some of the other holiday celebrations.

For example, on July 2 some people may have recognized, “I Forgot Day,” but then again, maybe we didn’t remember it.

Another catchy, weird holiday was “Compliment Your Mirror Day.”

According to information about this date, we are asked...

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