On Top of the Minnesota State Capitol

The Cannon at Fort Snelling

https://youtu.be/Pj0we1s1YZk

Guns Need Titles Like Automobiles

If you own a car, you have to have a title for it. It doesn't matter if it is new from a dealer, or you bought a 12-year-old-beater from uncle Frank, you have to have a title. But with a gun (i.e. a tool created exclusively to kill or simulate killing—as in target practice), I can buy one from anyone's uncle Frank; no questions asked. This seems odd to me. I don't believe for a minute, that a law making titles mandatory would be able to account for all of the privately owned (or possessed) firearms. Nor do I believe that a title would be the first step in the government taking anyone's guns away. It would, however, make people accountable for their own guns. Yes, I agree we should keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. But how are you going to do that when they can buy one from a private party with no background check?

So far, Doing Nothing has only resulted in continued and increasing gun violence and death. Isn't it time to at least try to do something? As "you" stand there clutching your gun, don't you feel bad for the children being gunned down in their schools?

For me personally, the only time I was ever threatened by someone (chasing my car and) brandishing a gun at me, it was a legal permit holder and the police gave him his gun back. After all, he told them he didn't pull it. He also told them that it was on his car seat because it hurts him when he is driving when it is holstered. The knife in the car door handle was legal too. He is also adamantly opposed to any gun regulations. Simply put, since I drove into a police station parking lot instead of a back alley, he didn't shoot me—so he can roam freely—at least until he kills someone with his (also legal) extended clip.

Pooping in a Bucket May Add Years to Your Life

Pooping in a Bucket May Add Years to Your Life
UnAssociated Press
May 18, 2018

An unscientific study by two guys from Toledo is raising eyebrows around the scientific community. It seems that pooping in a bucket, rather than in a toilet or on the floor, can actually add up to a decade to your lifespan! No one is sure how it works, but the study came out in writing and it was double-spaced, so it has to be true! People around the country are "jumping on the bandwagon;" as bucket sales have skyrocketed by 423% since the report first hit the New Bedford Journal of Medicine.

WCCO Radio at the Minnesota History Center

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Kim Jong-Un Threatens to Skip Summit with U.S.

Kim Jong-Un Threatens to Skip Summit with U.S.
UnAssociated Press
May 16, 2018

Kim Jong-un has now threatened to skip his planned meeting with Donald Trump, unless he is given 12 cases of Oreos by Noon tomorrow. When asked if he would send the cookies, Trump responded,

 "We're working on it right now. We have our best people working on it. Because, he... ah... Kim has good taste."

Grilled Chicken

Baltimore Oriole

This Baltimore Oriole was visiting my mom's humming bird feeder...

The Principal's Magic Wand

The principal told me (by phone) that she "doesn't have a magic wand." This, because I asked if an incident at school had been addressed so that it wouldn't happen again.
"Well I don't have a magic wand," she said, "so I can't tell you that it won't happen again."

Now I'm reasonably sure, that she knew what I meant, and if she didn't and it happens again, we will be sitting face to face the next time I talk to her. I don't appreciate that kind of patronizing language during a serious discussion addressing child safety.

Vegetable Garden

I put the vegetables in early this year in spite of a blizzard and a foot of snow just 22 days earlier. Now I just have to hope the nighttime temperatures remain relatively warm.

Interstate State Park - Taylors Falls

Along the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin is Interstate State Park. My wife and I hiked the River Trail into Taylors Falls,; where we had a good lunch at the Chisago House Restaurant. Then we visited the Glacial Potholes and hiked back to our car. The trail is moderately difficult. If you are in shape and used to hiking it is no problem. It is probably not suitable for young children (unless you intend on carrying them!) or elderly people. The views are fantastic!

10 Years

My wife and I have been married for 10 years!

Turkeys

This urban Tom Turkey was showing off for two hens this morning. He wasn't happy about me walking by...

Bench

Of course I was upset when our bench was stolen five years ago. So when the opportunity arose for me to get a free (though well worn) bench, I took it.

And now the circle is complete.