Rent a dog?

Here's a novel idea for those people who don't have enough time to own a dog full-time. Like job sharing, you can be a "master" at your convenience.
While it's a laudable idea in some respects -- namely it helps the animals who aren't adopted outright -- it really makes me wonder about the motives of a part-time owner. The fun thing about having a pet, particularly a dog, is the bond you create with the animal over time. The dog becomes part of the family.
Can that really be done part-time? Makes me think of these dogs as an accessory item.

Is this the end or the beginning?

Sexual abuse charges leveled at priests seem to be ho-hum news these days. The latest is a current crop of accusations in our local archdiocese. It's embarrassing to be a Catholic these days. The priest jokes are endless.
If these accusations are true, it's sick, sick, sick.

Good thing it's been quiet...

...in the tropics. No hurricanes in the forecast and no threat of tropical storms. The entertainment -- and the fury -- has been over at the center where now a congressional hearing will look into the firing of Bill Proenza.
From the stories I've read, it's hard to tell whether Proenza is an outspoken leader who decided to speak his mind to his waffling, inept superiors or if he's a hothead who's created a crisis where there isn't.
But consider the long and troubling history of the Bush Administration's quashing any dissension or scientific inquiry that doesn't fit into its narrow view of life. Maybe Proenza is onto something, and something big.

Need a vacation -- how about you?

I'm one of the few people in my immediate circle who is either not on vacation or not planning one. I'm saving my time to take off when my twin granddaughters are expected to be born -- in September.
Yet, I desperately need some R&R. Time to putter. Time to not think. Time to tune out.
Is it time to call in sick?
Mental health day coming up?

Is it the heat?

Three cities in Broward County make the hit parade of top cities for Splitsville among married couples. Nothing to brag about, but plenty of explanations given nonetheless.
I liked the quote from a guy who says he is not surprised by the figures. He claims impatience explains the divorce rate -- as well as other horrible habits, such as our road rage.
And anyone who is married or has been married knows that patience is necessary in a relationship. Lots of it.

Do we really need tuition hike?

I've got two more sons and a niece to send through college, so I'm no big fan of tuition increases. However, Florida state universities have lagged behind on several factors as a result of inappropriate funding. The governing board aims to change that as well as pump up tuition to meet universities' needs.
Go for it. We must keep pace with other state university systems.

Can the problem really be solved?

At least once a day I read a story in print or online about immigration. This one points out the impossibility of rounding up those who have been ordered deported. It also makes the point of how it would be totally useless to even THINK that we can deport the 12 million illegals.
People will continue coming to the good ole USA as long as this is the land of milk and honey. Opportunities here are better than anywhere else -- no matter what our critics say. Our best bet is to help the countries and their peoples OVER THERE, so they can find jobs and a future in their homelands.

This should make you laugh

Read this story about the robber who tried the strangest of disguises. It'll make you laugh all morning.
In my book, that's the best way to start a Monday morning. Better even than money from the bank.

Don't drive -- tomorrow or on the Fourth

If you're thinking of getting behind the wheel tomorrow and July 4, read this story first about the most dangerous days to be driving. Turns out holidays and the hours around the holidays tend to be the worst for drivers. No surprise there. So many people I know push the envelope before and after festivities.