Conservative Musings

Is your home being polluted by paper?

We have environmental groups for everything these days.  Greener fuel, emissions reduction, save the water, save the animals, the new "climate control" (which used to be global warming until they figured out that people were going to think it was weird when the planet got cooler, not warmer). 

Well, where is the group for getting rid of the largest polluter of them all - JUNK MAIL?  Does anyone have any idea how much useless paper we generate in this country alone?  While the Colonel and I try real hard to make sure we put that stuff in the trash can (yes, I know, we should recycle it...whatever) before it comes in the house, some of it still creeps in.  I find it everywhere and would someone please tell those companies who drive by and stuff our paperbox to please save themselves the trouble.  I don't want another piece of paper.  We have all this technology.  How about this idea.  Anyone putting out advertising could put their ad on their own website and if we want them, we will find them.  If they are intent on putting out something else, perhaps we could have an "ad site".  Companies could put their "junk mail" stuff on the site and if we wanted it, we could go look at the website and print it out, if WE wanted it.  That way, they would feel like they were doing their part and we could (shhh - don't tell them) ignore it. 

-Lady Colonel

Chic-Fil-A founder shows mercy with consequences

Chic-Fil-A's founder's home was vandalized by three female teenagers causing over $30,000 in damages.  He did not want them to have to go through the court system because he felt this would not make them better citizens but possibly make them worse.  So, he devised a punishment for them so they will not end up with a record.  Truett Cathy has spent many years with youth from being a Sunday School teacher and helping young people through a foundation called Winshape.  Winshape supports programs that help young people succeed and influences their lives in positive ways.

For these young truants, the punishment was "a 1000 sentences of “I will not vandalize other people’s property”, no TV and video games for six months, reading a “good book” for three hours a day and submitting weekly written book reports to him for 13 weeks."

I applaud Truett Cathy for this approach and for his many accomplishments in remaining faithful to his calling.  Truett Cathy's business, Chic-Fil-A still remains closed on Sunday so that employees can spend time in church and with their families.  Two things he feels are very important. 

-Lady Colonel

While We're Talking About Dogs

The American Kennel Club lists the top dogs based on popularity.  The top ten for America are:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Bulldog

My dear golden retriever didn't fair so well in the Louisville listing, coming in 8th locally:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Boxer
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Poodle
5. Miniature Schnauzer
6. German Shepherd
7. Dachshund
8. Golden Retriever
9. Bulldog
10. Shih Tzu**

**Tied with # 9

-Colonel Steve

Men and Women

At a previous church, Lady Colonel and I headed up the part of the marriage ministry for those who were thinking of or were about to get married.  One of the things we discussed was the differences in women and men.  Not so much physically, but how they think.  As in their brains.

I was sent this link recently from another marriage ministry.  What he can say in humor is so right on!

http://marriageresourcecenter.org/videogallery/4/med/VideoWidget8.htm

-Colonel Steve

The Truth Project

Tomorrow night at our church, I will be attending the 1st in a 12 part series entitled The Truth Project.  Being the intellectual I am, the "teaser" trailers shown recently during our services intrigued me.

I think of that word a lot when I think of modern life and politics.  Truth.  It seems to mean something different to everyone I meet.  Like people parsing the meaning of what "is" is, different people seem to describe a different meaning of truth for themselves.

Truth.  What does it mean?  And what is it?  Can it really be different things to different people?  Sure, people are free to believe in different things, but does that really change what truth really is?

So maybe I should have been a philosophy major rather than an engineering major.  But in the major I chose for my life, truth was something that most definitely had to be defined.  It couldn't change from one engineer or scientist to another.  Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit at sea level, always.  Not just when someone believes it.

I truly think (and yes, this is a belief) that those around us are really searching for truth.  Truth in the people they meet.  Truth in politics.  Truth in everything around them.  Sadly, they are not finding those answers in many places today.

What about you?  Have you seen truth anywhere in your daily life?

-Colonel Steve

Train, Planes, and....OK, Just Trains

As a kid, our family made a trip through Pennsylvania, where one of our stops was at Roadside America train layout in Shartlesville, PA.  You can see one guys pictures of this layout here.

Today, Lileks brings up another train layout up in Minnie-so-cold.  (Watch the video in this second link.)   Cool!

-Colonel Steve

Busy, Busy, Busy

In case anyone out there is still reading us, Colonel Steve and I are still alive.  I don't post very often anyway but the past couple of weeks have been crazy because of a deadline at work.  I know Colonel Steve has been extra busy at his job, too.

So, our apologies to all.  Hopefully we will soon be posting on things other than how busy we are!

--Red

Not Always Money!

When someone rich dies with or without a will, usually it's the riches that's battled in court.  Or maybe the kids.  How about a golden retriever?

A man who had not written a will left a $2 million estate, but the most hotly contested item in court has been his golden retriever, Alex.

The four-way dispute over the 13-year-old pet was so intense, an attorney was appointed to represent the dog's interest. On Monday, the judge decided the man's divorced parents should split custody, The Commercial Appeal reported.

"At first glance, the petition seems almost frivolous, but after speaking with all parties, it is evident that this is a highly emotional issue for all involved," said Alex's attorney, Paul Royal, in his report to the probate court.

(HT: Below the Beltway)

-Colonel Steve

Goodbye, Johnny Hart

Johnny Hart, the cartoonist behind B.C., was found dead of a stroke yesterday.  He was at his storyboard.  His Christian faith was often the subject of his comic.  Today he was able to celebrate his Savior's resurrection together with Him in heaven!

--Red

80 years and counting....

Paul Harvey regularly mentions couples who have been married 75-plus years.  The Associated Press mention one couple from my adopted hometown of Madisonville that might just get a mention by Paul.

Bill and Lorine Troop have celebrated 80 years together.  Now well into their 90's, they share a room in Madisonville's NHC HealthCare.  Their love has continued in spite of the ailments that brought them here.

Currently, they are 3 years shy of the 2007 Guinness World Record of 83 years of marriage.  Something tells me they stand a great chance of making that, as well as Bill's 100th year of life.

(HT:  World Magazine Blog)

-Colonel Steve