Nothing for the birds to sing about, either

While the PETA staff writer is correct about the dangers to feral cats roaming free, the prey of these feral cats is a big concern for animal lovers as well .

[me in st paul]

Mr. Norby - you are right. (My son is in sports) I went to school in Finland. School was for academics (and they were way ahead of the American HS I had come from in math, languages and many other things). Sports, arts, music, etc were available after school through other programs.

[Whatever]

Yeah, but how are you going to teach your kids bad sportsmanship without sports?

[Mellers]

Donald Ostertag-right on!!! Well said.

Climate change debate aside, I believe we had more freeze/thaw period this winter than past winters. My sister hit one in the rain on the freeway and nearly blew out her tire but damaged it to the tune of $280. If we have more freeze/thaw periods during winter, more people will have to pay more money for car maintenance.

[Mellers]

My last paragraph was for the Robynne Curlee letter of more potholes.

[Gndydncr]

Great letter, Peter Cudworth of St. Paul. Al is a redux of Jesse. Scott Dahl of White Bear Township needs to realize that Al has repeatedly demonstrated that he is just not with it. The Dems need to pick someone else.

Donald Ostertag of Oakdale asks,“Does anyone really think he (John McCain) should be the one to answer the Red Phone at 3 a.m.?“ No, probably not, but neither should the other two. Be sure to write in “Fred Thompson” come November.

Matt Hetzel of St. Paul continues to trot out the tired old myth that the only way to improve roads and to replace bridges was to raise the gas tax. Truth is that the state had plenty of money to do all that. It just meant that the state would not have been able to spend the money on art museums, bike paths, and other frills. So you see, the gas tax was not for roads and bridges – they would have taken care of regardless. It was to preserve the funding for the frilly stuff. Bike and walking paths are recreation, not transportation. No guarantee that they will ever get used.

[GB Fan]

me in st paul wrote:

Mr. Norby - you are right.(My son is in sports) I went to school in Finland. School was for academics (and they were way ahead of the American HS I had come from in math, languages and many other things). Sports, arts, music, etc were available after school through other programs.

I'm sorry but I must disagree with both of you. Sports, like every other program extra corricular activity are critical to a well rounded education. When taught properly, they teach teamwork, work ethic and a number of life's lessons noticibly absent from academia like how to win and lose.

Winners and losers are a toough concept to grasp for academia. They are intent on level playing fields. So much so, that more and more resources are didcated to leveling that playing fiel. We constantly hear about needed resources for early ed, ESL programs, food programs, tutoring programs, etc.

Kids who join sports (or other equally important activities) are often the same kids that excel academically, are the future volunteers, are peer tutors. In many cases, these activities provide an opportunity for post secondary education that otherwise would not be available.

Funding for sports is not causing teachers to be laid off. Sports have faced the same cuts that every popular program faces because motivated people stand ready to pay for and subsidize coaching staffs, equipment and fields. These kids work for their own funding and opportunities. I know, my wife and I gladly spent many hours and $$s supporting our daughter's sports and activities.

School districts have a spending priority problem. Spending increases in the schools have far outpaced any other economic index. There's no shortage of money. First, they make threats to cut popular programs and busing for kindergartners. Next, they use their newly acquired funding for over priced administrators, search commitees, program managers, aids to programs designed for maximum employment opportunities for the union membership and of course propoganda spewed forth by Education MN.

The neat thing about kids in sports (or drama or chess club or art or student gov't) is they somehow find a way to suceed despite efforts to level the playing field.

[Scott]

Gndydncr wrote:

Great letter, Peter Cudworth of St. Paul. Al is a redux of Jesse. Scott Dahl of White Bear Township needs to realize that Al has repeatedly demonstrated that he is just not with it. The Dems need to pick someone else.
Donald Ostertag of Oakdale asks,“Does anyone really think he (John McCain) should be the one to answer the Red Phone at 3 a.m.?“ No, probably not, but neither should the other two. Be sure to write in “Fred Thompson” come November.
Matt Hetzel of St. Paul continues to trot out the tired old myth that the only way to improve roads and to replace bridges was to raise the gas tax. Truth is that the state had plenty of money to do all that. It just meant that the state would not have been able to spend the money on art museums, bike paths, and other frills. So you see, the gas tax was not for roads and bridges – they would have taken care of regardless. It was to preserve the funding for the frilly stuff. Bike and walking paths are recreation, not transportation. No guarantee that they will ever get used.

Have you ever been on the Greenway in Minneapolis? Bike paths, walking paths, light rail are all a necessary part of the transportation mix.

And by the way, it needs to be part of the governments mission to carry on the cultural history of our world...meaning art museums are not a frill.

[A citizen]

I will, maybe, consider biking, hiking, light rail and busing to work when all the politicians and Gore-bots do so.

[Bill Crandall]

Whatever wrote:

Yeah, but how are you going to teach your kids bad sportsmanship without sports?

Screw sports; send them all through the military like other countries do. Works for the Swiss!

[Disgruntled Outstater]

GB Fan wrote:

<quoted text>
I'm sorry but I must disagree with both of you. Sports, like every other program extra curricular activity are critical to a well rounded education. When taught properly, they teach teamwork, work ethic and a number of life's lessons noticeably absent from academia like how to win and lose.

This is the job of PARENTS, not the tax payers.

Our local district is not replacing their one and only Chem/Physics instructor due to "cost cutting." At the same board meeting it was decided to build a new track.

[Gndydncr]

Scott wrote:

<quoted text>
Have you ever been on the Greenway in Minneapolis? Bike paths, walking paths, light rail are all a necessary part of the transportation mix.
And by the way, it needs to be part of the governments mission to carry on the cultural history of our world...meaning art museums are not a frill.

I am not familiar with the Greenway.

Pathways are not used for transporting commerce so they have benefit for only those that use them directly. I don't begrudge the pathways but when a choice comes between building a new bridge or a few thousand more miles of pathways, I have to vote for the bridge. Politicians don't like to make choices like that so they have to fanagle a way to find enough money so that they can have it all. Hence a tax on gasoline for no other reason than another source to increase the revenue pool. Their "it's for bridges" snake oil pitch is an easy sell because us rubes who live outside the capitol building will fall for it hook, line, and sinker (and we did, or at least most of us did... I think).

I also understand the benefit of cultural opportunities within society. I also believe there are many wealthy individuals and private foundations with a heart for those sorts of things that would fund it if the government didn't. However, its always easier to spend a few bucks to threaten politicians with a large block of reluctant voters than it is to engage in some private fund raising activities. The private sector will never part with their money until the public sector gets backbone enough to say they won't. Giveaways buy votes.

[GB Fan]

Disgruntled Outstater wrote:

<quoted text>
This is the job of PARENTS, not the tax payers.
Our local district is not replacing their one and only Chem/Physics instructor due to "cost cutting." At the same board meeting it was decided to build a new track.

I think we're on the same side here. I grew up in a rural WI town that cut trig, calculus and other advanced math classes. Back then, I had to take these courses via correspondance (pre Internet). As a student I wanted those classes. I appreciate the fact that they did not cut football, basketball and track. The coaches I had in these sports taught me many things not found in books yet just as important. Work ethic, toughness, how to recognize/cope obsessive, win-at-all-cost personalities without comprimising my integrity.

This is a spending priorities issue for the school district. At least your kid has the Internet with virtual access to some great teachers.

My suggestion would be to look at the sacred cows of special programs within your district. I think you'll find an overpaid administrator, numerous fancy positions that require more pay while not delivering more product, many lame attempts to blame a Republican for budget cuts.
Finally, how many teachers are dedicated "main-streaming"? What is the student teacher ratio for these special needs kids? What is the student teacher ratio for the so-called normal kids?

[WJH]

Gndydncr wrote:

<quoted text>
I am not familiar with the Greenway.
Pathways are not used for transporting commerce so they have benefit for only those that use them directly. I don't begrudge the pathways but when a choice comes between building a new bridge or a few thousand more miles of pathways, I have to vote for the bridge. Politicians don't like to make choices like that so they have to fanagle a way to find enough money so that they can have it all. Hence a tax on gasoline for no other reason than another source to increase the revenue pool. Their "it's for bridges" snake oil pitch is an easy sell because us rubes who live outside the capitol building will fall for it hook, line, and sinker (and we did, or at least most of us did... I think).
I also understand the benefit of cultural opportunities within society. I also believe there are many wealthy individuals and private foundations with a heart for those sorts of things that would fund it if the government didn't. However, its always easier to spend a few bucks to threaten politicians with a large block of reluctant voters than it is to engage in some private fund raising activities. The private sector will never part with their money until the public sector gets backbone enough to say they won't. Giveaways buy votes.

Gndydncr, I used the Greenway just last Saturday, hooked up with the St Louis Parkway trail and rode to Hopkins, had some coffee at the depot with a group of friends. Greenway even now has a brand new bridge getting you over Hiawatha. Great trail but seriously I don't expect you to pay for it. I personally feel that state taxes collected from the sales of all bicycles and bicycle accessories should be dedicated 100% to these projects. To me it's only fair. As more people who use these trails and buy bicycles, more revenue is generated towards more of these projects. This is the same principle I hold automobiles and light rail to.

We should all pay our way for what we use.

[WJH]

Mellers wrote:

Donald Ostertag-right on!!! Well said.
Climate change debate aside, I believe we had more freeze/thaw period this winter than past winters. My sister hit one in the rain on the freeway and nearly blew out her tire but damaged it to the tune of $280. If we have more freeze/thaw periods during winter, more people will have to pay more money for car maintenance.

Have you ever wondered about the possitive effect when we have a warmer milder winter? Less natural gas used and less carbon emitted, more efficent running automobiles, possibly less pot holes and the additional oil products required to repair them. Also I can leave my car at home more often and ride my bike to work.

[Red Fox]

could this be more proof of global warming????

[Mellers]

WJH wrote:

<quoted text>
Have you ever wondered about the possitive effect when we have a warmer milder winter? Less natural gas used and less carbon emitted, more efficent running automobiles, possibly less pot holes and the additional oil products required to repair them. Also I can leave my car at home more often and ride my bike to work.

More freeze/thaws is NOT NORMAL. Freezing until April is "Minnesota normal." Okay, for once I'm stating my opinion as fact, but I don't recall even in my youth any melting periods. Construction companies are able to work an entire MONTH longer so I'm not alone in my perception.

What you say is true; our winter lows are much higher, according to Mark Seeley. That doesn't mean the highs are much warmer, though.

[Mellers]

Red Fox wrote:

could this be more proof of global warming????

Yes, it's more proof of Global Climate Change. I'll be truthful; I worry less about the increase in global temperature, not that it's any less impacting with predicted increases, but because we're already seeing year-to-year problems with radical climate problems. How many tens of thousands died in Europe last year with their drought/high heat? Why did MN have many counties in a drought condition and requested federal aid next to MN counties asking for federal aid for flooding?

Again, I recommend anyone genuinely curious about this stuff to go see a Mark Seeley presentation. I liked the Inconvenient Truth movie but I'm really a believer in what Mark has to say.

[WJH]

Red Fox wrote:

could this be more proof of global warming????

You got that right Joe Soucheray

[WJH]

Mellers wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes, it's more proof of Global Climate Change. I'll be truthful; I worry less about the increase in global temperature, not that it's any less impacting with predicted increases, but because we're already seeing year-to-year problems with radical climate problems. How many tens of thousands died in Europe last year with their drought/high heat? Why did MN have many counties in a drought condition and requested federal aid next to MN counties asking for federal aid for flooding?
Again, I recommend anyone genuinely curious about this stuff to go see a Mark Seeley presentation. I liked the Inconvenient Truth movie but I'm really a believer in what Mark has to say.

I saw the Inconvenient Truth also but I remain completely unimpressed. Guess I just spent too much time outdoors to realize that weather and climate are always changing. Not really a whole lot we can do about it. Floods, droughts, heat, cold, it's always been with us and always will be.

[Mellers]

WJH wrote:

<quoted text>
I saw the Inconvenient Truth also but I remain completely unimpressed. Guess I just spent too much time outdoors to realize that weather and climate are always changing. Not really a whole lot we can do about it. Floods, droughts, heat, cold, it's always been with us and always will be.

I liked it but am not impressed by it. Mark Seeley made a much more lasting impression than Gore did.

I agree we've had lots of major changes. 3 things made me really make a decision (and I'm a fence rider about most issues; I can see both sides of nearly every debate!)

1. North and South Pole ice melting. Climate change seems to impact the poles quicker/faster than the rest of the globe. If those melt, well, let's hope they don't.
2. Plant species are being found further north than ever before. Plants/trees don't move on a whim.
3. Some always-migratory birds are either not flying as far south or don't leave until much later, or some are no longer leaving the state at all. I've seen robins in January, for example.

http://www.naturecanada.ca/climate_change_bir...

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteer/janfeb01...

By the way, WJH, even though you've nearly always been respectful towards me, I want to thank you for continuing to do so, especially regarding this topic. I'm posting much less frequently around here (I notice other regulars no longer posting) because people are finding it easier to trash one another than debate one another.

Thank you!