Life
Pandemic disease, test and immunize
Son, Drug Addiction is Pandemic. I made this case in an earlier post. Assuming this is true – what are we going to do about it. Pandemics are not new to the world. The past one hundred years have seen medical advances that have eradicated many pandemic illnesses. I think of Smallpox and polio – […]
2Nov2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Pandemic disease, test and immunize | Continued
A Proud Man and His Family – 1950’s
Son, Your grandfather is a proud man. My mother stayed home to take care of the seven children – he worked two jobs to provide the basic necessities. He would never take a handout. Suggest government peanut butter and cheese to him and you might have a little squabble. I said that wrong – your […]
2Nov2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Enola Gay –
Son, A death yesterday footnoted one of the most horrific events in the history of man. The death was of Paul Tibbits, he was 92. Mr. Tibbits piloted the Enola Gay into destiny – He and his crew dropped the first atomic bomb used in warfare. The idea of using such a weapon and the […]
2Nov2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Enola Gay – | Continued
“Thank God for Dead Soldiers”
Son, The distorted logic used by some is maddening. It is hilarious when poked at by the likes of Mark Twain who said, “I left the South and they lost the war.” Two separate events connected by insanity. Humor is found in the ludicrous and the absurd – Mark Twain understood this. This failure of […]
1Nov2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Drug Addiction is Pandemic
Son, There is a pandemic in America – and around the world. It is the scourge of drug addiction. Modern medicine, let’s say the last 200 years, has developed some of the most powerful pain killers and anesthetics ever imagined. These have served our populace well in the development of modern medical practice – and […]
1Nov2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Drug Addiction is Pandemic | Continued
Blunt Abortion
The Governor of Missouri is Matt Blunt, son of a Missouri Congressman of a similarly appropriate name. The headline in today’s paper is “Blunt task force examining abortion affects on women.” How appropriate. This is a good article – good because it slants in my direction. Apparently Governor Blunt has formed a task force of […]
29Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Blunt Abortion | Continued
Police Pursuit – Losing Humanity
Son, This has been a sad week for me. As you know I have worked in the social service industry, after retiring from a career in information systems and finance. It is one of those thing us ‘baby-boomers’ do – giving back something that was given to us. The social service field is really tough. […]
27Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Police Pursuit – Losing Humanity | Continued
The Language of Poverty
Son, There is a wonderful article in this morning’s local newspaper. The headline is “The Language of Poverty.” It is written by a local reporter and it is well done. The subject matter and the source of information both inspirational. I will probably quote much of the article here and it can speak for itself. […]
27Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Extreme Moralists
Son, Everything is extreme. Everything is George W. Bush, “You are either with us or against us.” Even the two opening sentences of this post are all or nothing. We are in an age of the ‘extreme moralist.’ I am talking about both left-wing and right wing, and the fringe causes that no one wants […]
27Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Extreme Moralists | Continued
A Bag of Slime –
Son, A day or two ago I wrote a piece I called “Bloggers – Op-Ed on Steroids.” My notion was that bloggers, including myself, are uninhibited writers – absent the politically correct urine and vinegar. Bloggers come right out and speak their mind with no editorial over site. I continue to believe there is an […]
27Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on A Bag of Slime – | Continued
Blogging – Op-Ed on steroids
Son, This world of blogging is fascinating. Large audiences can be reached with the push of a button. Bloggers rarely report the news – rather we just comment on the news. Sometimes the word ‘comment’ does not quite describe what is really happening. Blogging has become a vent for the anger of a frustrated populace. […]
26Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
“gang” fights and small town living
Dad, In a previous post, you mentioned defining gangs in our home town, or, rather, the resistance to defining a “gang”. I remember once when I was young and impressionable (“the good old days”), I was hanging out with some friends one night in the parking lot of the Godfather’s Pizza in our home town. […]
26Oct2007 | bryan | Comments Off on “gang” fights and small town living | Continued
Al Gore – polarizing Global Warming
Son, You recently did a post that featured a video by John Stossel. The video was clearly against the concept that man is contributing to Global Warming. You and I talked before you created this post and you and I both agreed that this is not a time for finger pointing – it is a […]
25Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
So Dumbledore is Gay – So What?
Son, J.K. Rowling has done it again. She has successfully presented a social atrocity in a very human manner. Last week she was asked if Headmaster Dumbledore of the Hogwarts School of Wizardry was gay. She replied, “Yes.” Then followed with something like – that will probably get people angry again. Why? The answer is […]
24Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Define “Gang”
Son, There was a shooting last week in your home town, where I live today. Two rival groups of people gathered on opposite street corners, taunting and trash talking. Someone fired a gun. The police report that several more shots were fired from both crowds. No one was injured, although there were bullet holes in […]
23Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Define “Gang” | Continued
Blogging – an artform
Son, Art has influenced human endeavor since the first cave man scratched his charred stick on the cave wall. This spark of imagination, ignited by primitive desire, generates the energy of human change and growth. Homer wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey. The Hebrews wrote the Pentateuch. The Ancient Greeks knew the value of art […]
23Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The fearists of Climate Change…
Dad. I watched the video that you sent. I am adding it below for those of us who are not you and me. As I said in a previous post, I respect Al Gore for what he has accomplished, and I encourage everyone to do his or her part to live responsibly. This video points […]
23Oct2007 | bryan | 6 comments | Continued
Health Care Costs – you get what you pay for
Son, I was just watching the History Channel. The program was on ‘dangerous cargoes.’ One of the cargoes they showcased was ‘radioactive pharmaceuticals.’ Well, I guess that would qualify as dangerous. But the costs and benefits caught my attention. These radioactive pharmaceuticals are central to the ability to diagnose and treat a variety of cancers. […]
22Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Health Care Costs – you get what you pay for | Continued
War Profiteering – Republicans delight
Son, Our local newspaper is decidedly Republican. Their choice of syndicated columnists and their regular headlines reflect this bias. It is not as if they are trying to hide anything – their editorial page is very clear about their bias. And they are righteously proud of it. The loss of the meritorious values of the […]
22Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Making mulch – saving the planet
Son, This awareness of Global Warming is a real pain in the neck. At every turn I am reminded that I must be more resourceful. Life was so much easier when blundering around in ignorance. So, here is my current problem, I receive a great deal of junk mail. What are you gonna do? I […]
22Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
George Will – hold your conservative horses
Son, I like to read George Will’s column. I love the way he uses words; he is a true craftsman in the art of writing. His intellect is obvious. And I almost never agree with his message. His column of today, Sunday, October 21, is especially lost in his attempt to attack liberals. Mr. Will […]
21Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Rush Limbaugh – the need for acceptance
Son, The human condition of social acceptance has overridden basic moral values. For centuries governments, churches, and the literary/art community have served to help define a set of moral standards, to articulate them, to promote the clarity of civilized man. There is purpose. As social creatures by nature and nurture, we all have a need […]
20Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Rush Limbaugh – the need for acceptance | Continued
Traits of Self Control
Son, I continue with my series on behavior – I remain inspired by the efforts of Bill Cosby. Again – I found some old literature, not of my origin. This paper is like many others, it has been copied and recopied – it has served others. Perhaps it has more life. Self Control: 1. Has […]
19Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Traits of Self Control | Continued
Reckless Attitude Indicators
Son, I continue my diatribe on behavior, inspired by Bill Cosby. Many of us venture out into the world with fundamentally reckless attitudes that get us into trouble. The real dilemma is that the reckless attitude itself denies that it exists – that is a reckless attitude. I found some literature on this – again […]
19Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Reckless Attitude Indicators | Continued
Rules of Dysfunctional Families
Son, To follow-up on my last post I will present some of the rules of dysfunctional families. This is not advocacy – just observations. This is not original with me – I found it somewhere, copied many times over, worn and crooked print on old paper. Rules Projected in the Dysfunctional Family 1. Judge others […]
19Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Inspired by Bill Cosby
Son, Bill Cosby is a funny guy. Funny humorous, not funny wacko. He has taken up the mantle of leadership for his ‘brothers.’ Mr. Cosby is on a crusade to help raise the African-American community to a higher standard of living – higher standards of family values, of education, of responsibility, and of economic prosperity. […]
19Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Inspired by Bill Cosby | Continued
Excellent Blogging
Son, So we have been talking, and I wrote a post this morning, about where to take our blog. It occurred to me that we should be aware of fundamentals of excellence in whatever we do. Last summer (2006) I attended the National Rural Institute on Alcohol and Drug Abuse at the University of Wisconsin […]
19Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Excellent Blogging | Continued
Tornado Alley
Son, My home town is on the fringe of Tornado Alley. You grew up here. Now the tornadoes that come through here get to you about five or six hours later. Technology advances, we are more able to predict bad weather, and we are more aware of the need to pay attention to the forecasts. […]
19Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Tornado Alley | Continued
The bloggers market, finding a niche’
Son, You and I have had some success with this blog. First and foremost to me is the opportunity to talk with you every day – no father is more blessed. We started this thing so others could join in our father and son chats. It may be difficult for some to believe – but […]
19Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Water For Elephants
Dad, I just finished reading this book. It is one of those books that leaves you a little empty when it is over because you won’t get to spend time with those characters anymore. I wish that I would get a postcard from them. “Water for Elephants” is a beautiful story and an impressive bunch […]
19Oct2007 | bryan | 1 comment | Continued
Gas Grills and intentional living
Dad, I was having a conversation with my friend who was in town for a visit this weekend. We were discussing my gas grill. I bought a gas grill because I did some research on the most responsible way to cook meals. When you use your oven in the summer time, often the heat from […]
18Oct2007 | bryan | 4 comments | Continued
Psychcentral – help for troubled people
Son, We have had some comments this week from someone at an internet place called Psychcentral. I have just been to their site – I was even attracted by one of their blogs and wrote a comment to some poor desperate soul. I am impressed with Psychcentral – they have a great service. I know […]
18Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Blogging Ethics – Internet Ethics
Son, Historically, the common denominator of civilized man has been the rule of law. Without law we have anarchy. Without law we have chaos. Without law it is every man for himself. The internet is governed only by the laws or limitations of technology. The internet is a vast and open frontier. People like to […]
18Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Bush – acclimated to WAR!
Son, President Bush is scaring me. He had a news conference today and he said, “If you are interested in preventing World War III then you should be interested in Iran not having nuclear weapons.” He has said, “We’ve got a leader in Iran that says he wants to destroy Israel.” Is a threat against […]
17Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Dick Cheney, misunderestimating power
Son, I wrote in another post on Dick Cheney’s view of the power of the Presidency. I was essentially reporting and summarizing a program on PBS Frontline. twelve hours have passed and some thoughts have bubbled to the surface. Dick Cheney has been around a long time. He was present in the Nixon Administration and […]
17Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Dick Cheney, misunderestimating power | Continued
Dave Ramsey, meet Joel Osteen
Son, We have talked several times about Dave Ramsey, monetary guru of Christianity. I have been wandering around the Dave Ramsey Web site and I see a great deal of information on debt management, how to get out of debt, and how to stay out of debt. This man is important in America today. I […]
17Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 12 comments | Continued
Cheney’s Law – Frontline on PBS
Son, The power of the presidency. Vice President Dick Cheney has been working for three decades, often behind closed doors, to validate the President as the ultimate and last authority over the executive branch. Some of his friends claim that he has changed since September 11, 2201. The commentator on the PBS program Frontline reports […]
17Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Cheney’s Law – Frontline on PBS | Continued
cloth diapers…
Dad, My wife and I have flirted with cloth diapers for a long time. We had some that our mother-in-law gave to us when our daughter was born, but all we had were the safety pins and old plastic diaper covers from about the middle of last century. After having a dirty diaper in my […]
17Oct2007 | bryan | Comments Off on cloth diapers… | Continued
United Way – uniting community?
Son, There are many social service agencies in all communities that compete for the limited local dollars available. The imperative of local communities is that they respect the dollars donated and use these dollars wisely. The United Way was formulated, I think in the 1960’s, to offer the synergy of cooperation among social service agencies. […]
16Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
life with no TV (or TV with no life)
Dad, As you know, my wife and I don’t watch much television. In fact, we have only one small TV and it is only connected to the VCR and DVD player in our bedroom. Our living room has no television, and the chairs are arranged so that when you are sitting in that room you […]
16Oct2007 | bryan | 3 comments | Continued
Parenting – the baby wipe metaphor
Son, I just read your great post on making your own baby wipes. You and your wife are examples of what parenting should be. The baby wipes are but one manifestation of parental love – that outward sign of parents who put real energy into their children. Parenting takes energy. Good parenting comes to life […]
16Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Parenting – the baby wipe metaphor | Continued
Abortion – conflicting messages
Son, I just saw President Bush on TV stating that he believes, “…health care should be private because medical decisions should be between the patient and their doctor…” Whoa – Where did I hear that before? I don’t think the President was aware of what he was saying. President Bush just presented the fundamental argument […]
16Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
home made baby wipes…
Dad, My wife and i have been making our own diaper wipes for a few years now. I love that they have no alcohol in them, and that we don’t have to buy packaged wipes and throw away the wrapper every time we run out of wipes. They are also biodegradable and can be flushed. […]
16Oct2007 | bryan | 2 comments | Continued
President Bush – inspiring talk
Son, I am watching a live broadcast of President Bush talking in a town-hall style format. He is on a roll and is actually doing a pretty good job. I don’t seem him like this very often. He just said, with force, vigor, and even some charisma, (I can’t type fast enough so I’ll have […]
15Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Collecting on Soviet Debt – adventures in email
Son, Do you like the title. It is a come-on. Wal Mart would call it a loss leader. Anything to get the customer in the door. So this is really about getting someone to come look at us, and I’ll try to work in something about the Soviet Union to validate the title. It struck […]
15Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Collecting on Soviet Debt – adventures in email | Continued
Writing, Blogging, Journalism
Son, I am trying to get this sorted out in my own mind – so I’ll just think out loud right here. Writing has many forms, creative, essay, informative, technical, and business to name a few. Each form has a function. With creative writing we expect to see plenty of colorful adjectives expounding on the […]
14Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
KU Fans – don’t know any!
Son, The KU Jayhawks are on a roll. Downhill. They are picking up steam but their train isn’t pulling any freight. They ain’t nobody. They haven’t played nobody. No freight, no load, no body. I don’t know any KU Fans but before I run into any, and they will becoming out of the woodwork like […]
14Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on KU Fans – don’t know any! | Continued
European immigrants wanted to own property
Son, The idea of owning property is a value brought by the early illegal European immigrants to this country. Jamestown was founded on trade – the idea of making money. By the time of the European migration to this continent all of the land in Europe was taken. If land was not inherited, it could […]
13Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on European immigrants wanted to own property | Continued
Revelation – Oracle of the Bible
Son, I have been mildly amused at the seriousness with which some take the Book of Revelation in the Bible – the oracle of Christianity. Earlier manuscripts called it The Apocalypse of John. Apocalypse is sometimes translated Revelation in English. It begins, The revelation of Jesus Christ, unto his servant John… It is a book […]
13Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Revelation – Oracle of the Bible | Continued
Blogging – Breaking Rules of Journalism
Son, We are in a time in history of rapid change; and some folks don’t like it. They don’t like it because change often requires challenging, if not breaking, established rules and protocols. Bloggers are struggling to get the respect of the professional journalist community. I think that is a mistake. I am not interested […]
13Oct2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued