As you know, my wife and I both drive cars powered by 85% ethanol. It is a cleaner burning fuel made from corn. It is made in Missouri and benefits the local economy. The proceeds from its sale do not bankroll terrorist sponsoring regimes in the middle east. It has a higher octane rating than super premium gas. It is 15-20% less efficient than gas, but costs 20% less. Currently, E85 costs $.65 per gallon less than regular unleaded. So what possible argument could anyone have against its use? There are a few, which are invalid when you look at the facts.
Ethanol is blamed for higher prices for corn-based products at the grocery store. According to the USDA, 2.1 billion bushels of corn went into the making of ethanol last year. However, 3.5 billion bushels went into the production of sweeteners (ask your dietitian where corn syrup fits into the food pyramid), starch for making plastic containers, and consumable alcohol. Ask yourself one question: Which is better for our country- energy independence or unhealthy sweeteners, souvenir beer cups, and whiskey? What's worse is that 5.6 billion bushes of corn are used to fatten up beef and pork for slaughter each year. How many starving people around the world could we feed if Americans would eat a few less hamburgers and pork steaks every week? By the way, cows can eat grass and hay just fine and hogs can eat anything, so why do we divert so much of this "endangered" corn crop to feeding these creatures? Answer: The world-wide drought caused by global warming which in turn is caused by burning petroleum-based fuels is creating arid conditions that inhibit the growth of hay and other natural feed stocks for livestock. Simply put, if we burned more renewable biofuels, we could reduce global warming and thereby reduce the need to feed livestock corn.
There is another category entirely ignored by the media. Pet food. As you know, I sell nothing but the very best dog and cat food at my store, Treats Unleashed. One distinction all of our foods have is that they are corn-free. Why is that a good thing? Because corn is a protein that carnivores like dogs and cats have a very difficult time digesting. They were never meant to eat grains in the wild. Corn causes allergies in pets and also digestive upsets and kidney problems. So why is it in pet food? Because it is cheap and makes the laboratory analysis indicate a high protein percentage, even though it is virtually indigestible to dogs and cats. What kind of an impact does this use of corn have on prices for food at the grocery store? I can't say for sure but it has to make an impact according to this statistic by the USDA and the Iowa Corn Growers Association: "Because sweetener, starch and alcohol production doesn't use all of the corn kernel, the 3.5 billion bushels that went into those products also provided 29.4 million tons of animal feed and 3.3 billion pounds of corn oil." Source: USDA, industry statistics.
29.4 million tons of corn went to animal feed and another 3.3 billion pounds went to corn oil. I think that would make a significant impact on the price of food at the grocery store, don't you? But there's one more thing the spin doctors of the Big Oil industry aren't talking about: Virtually every single item for sale at virtually every single store in this country was delivered in the back of a diesel-burning truck. Oil. Plain and simple. Diesel costs over $4 per gallon right now and will continue to go up. Don't blame ethanol for higher food prices. Until tractor trailers run on biodiesel made from soybeans and until corn is no longer used to make our soda sweeter and our animals fatter, we will continue to see prices rise at the grocery store.
Don't blame ethanol- embrace it.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Anger & Resentment
"If those who are like wanton children
Are by nature prone to injure others,
What point is there in being angry--
Like resenting fire for its heat?"
-Bodhicaryavatara
According to Buddha, we alone are responsible for our emotions. Outside forces do not determine our mood. Our reaction to external things is what causes us to suffer. What sense does it make to curse the rain for being wet? It is what it is. Resenting things for their nature is a waste of energy. Instead, we should accept things for what they are and focus on their positive qualities. Instead of resenting fire for burning us, we should be thankful that it keeps us warm in winter. Instead of resenting rain for washing out a camping trip, we should reflect on the life that a good rain will sustain. Instead of being angry when someone close to our hearts hurts us, we should remind ourselves why we love them in the first place. Then, negative feelings are replaced with positive ones.
Are by nature prone to injure others,
What point is there in being angry--
Like resenting fire for its heat?"
-Bodhicaryavatara
According to Buddha, we alone are responsible for our emotions. Outside forces do not determine our mood. Our reaction to external things is what causes us to suffer. What sense does it make to curse the rain for being wet? It is what it is. Resenting things for their nature is a waste of energy. Instead, we should accept things for what they are and focus on their positive qualities. Instead of resenting fire for burning us, we should be thankful that it keeps us warm in winter. Instead of resenting rain for washing out a camping trip, we should reflect on the life that a good rain will sustain. Instead of being angry when someone close to our hearts hurts us, we should remind ourselves why we love them in the first place. Then, negative feelings are replaced with positive ones.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Online Class Reunion
I love the internet. Not just for the porn, either. I love it because I have re-connected with so many old friends lately via email, myspace, and my blog. I have always had the good fortune of making friends easily. Let's face it: women want to be with me- men want to be me. Kinda like Tom Selleck or James Garner. (That's for you, Briscoe.) I digress. Anyway, I just think it's cool that technology has given us the opportunity to stay in touch. In a way, this is even better than a class reunion. Let's face it: class reunions are awkward. We're forced to remember the names of people we haven't seen or thought of in years. We have to put on a happy face to make people think our lives are perfect. And after a full evening of checking our watches every five minutes, we eventually say our good-byes thanking God Almighty that it will be another ten years before we have to do it all over again.
Not so with the internet. We can email each other whenever we want. We only have to talk to the people we really wish to. We can be crude. We don't have to get dressed up. We can just be ourselves. And, a has-been class-clown can bombard all of you with constant reminders to read his blog in a desperate plea for attention, 18 years after the glory days officially ended. And you'll click the link to that blog because you know that the knucklehead sending you all those messages will still say or do almost anything in order to get a reaction from his friends even after all these years. Be it inspirational or pathetic, that's just how I roll, homies.
So, let's all stay in touch. Feel free to post comments on my blog. Steal email addresses of old friends when people like me send out mass emails. Drop those folks a line once in a while. We can start our own "Class of '90 Online Reunion". (We won't discriminate if you weren't in the Hannibal High School Class of 1990, but don't be surprised if all of the sudden you get a bone-rattling slap on the thigh followed by the immortal words Dave Arthaud spoke as an outsider enjoyed an inside joke a little too much, "What are you laughin' at? You ain't one of us!")
Not so with the internet. We can email each other whenever we want. We only have to talk to the people we really wish to. We can be crude. We don't have to get dressed up. We can just be ourselves. And, a has-been class-clown can bombard all of you with constant reminders to read his blog in a desperate plea for attention, 18 years after the glory days officially ended. And you'll click the link to that blog because you know that the knucklehead sending you all those messages will still say or do almost anything in order to get a reaction from his friends even after all these years. Be it inspirational or pathetic, that's just how I roll, homies.
So, let's all stay in touch. Feel free to post comments on my blog. Steal email addresses of old friends when people like me send out mass emails. Drop those folks a line once in a while. We can start our own "Class of '90 Online Reunion". (We won't discriminate if you weren't in the Hannibal High School Class of 1990, but don't be surprised if all of the sudden you get a bone-rattling slap on the thigh followed by the immortal words Dave Arthaud spoke as an outsider enjoyed an inside joke a little too much, "What are you laughin' at? You ain't one of us!")
Sunday, April 13, 2008
My Mom, etc...
For those of you who didn't hear, my mom had brain surgery on Thursday. Successful brain surgery. After checking the follow-up MRI, the doctor said he was confident that he got the whole tumor out. Just hours after the operation, Mom was sitting up in her chair in ICU, eating a full dinner and cracking wise. On Friday, she was moved out of ICU to a regular room. Her condition changed hour by hour. At times, she was looking and sounding like her old self. At other times she leaned toward her left side, couldn't walk on her own, and suffered temporary paralysis on the left side of her face. All those symptoms have since gone away for the most part, so it appears that she is on the road to recovery. In fact, she got to go home yesterday. Blake is staying with her for a few days before he has to go back to Baltimore. If she still isn't back to 100% by then, she will come stay with us in our home until such time as she can manage safely on her own. Of course she is so stubborn that she is just sure that she can manage on her own right now and is growing increasingly tired of her sons "bossing her around." We told her this may be our only chance to torture her, so we better make the most of it while we can. It really is amazing that a person can have their skull sawed open, a chunk of their brain removed, and then be home watching NASCAR on TV two days later. (No, that is not a commentary on watching NASCAR.) Thanks to all of you who have sent along well-wishes, warm thoughts, and prayers. It means a lot to all of us.
In other news, it is fun to hear people's various reactions to the news that I am "retiring" from my job. Here is one email I got from a very dear friend from my childhood, Matt Ferguson:
"Travis,
I love you man.
I’ve had a couple of really shitty weeks and along comes bloggdaddy to cheer me up. Lately life has been, well a lot like what my Texas friends might say, “ like wipen’ yer ass with a hula hoop, …the shit just never ends.” Congrats on your successful run at the store. I wish you a wonderful retirement."
Another comment from my friend Jeff Arrigo: "Travis, You really do rock, dude. I mean it."
Yet another person commented, "I think you're making a mistake. You have the easiest job in the world. I'll trade you jobs for a day anytime."
Another comment left me quite amused. "So he's fine with letting his wife make all the money? I guess he doesn't care about being a man."
Well let me tell you: A real man is secure enough in his manhood to allow his wife to be the principle breadwinner.
A real man takes time off from work to look after his seriously ill mother.
A real man takes time off from work to spend quality time with his kid.
A real man realizes that because day-care for his child during summer vacation would cost $100 per week ($400-$500 per month) and fuel for driving to and from work would be another $250 per month, that over half his income would be spent on those two things, and because he and his wife have sacrificed for years to become debt-free, they no longer need two incomes to make ends meet.
A real man lives his own life without concern of what other people think. And that pretty much sums me up, don't you think.
Thanks again for all your love and support, everyone.
In other news, it is fun to hear people's various reactions to the news that I am "retiring" from my job. Here is one email I got from a very dear friend from my childhood, Matt Ferguson:
"Travis,
I love you man.
I’ve had a couple of really shitty weeks and along comes bloggdaddy to cheer me up. Lately life has been, well a lot like what my Texas friends might say, “ like wipen’ yer ass with a hula hoop, …the shit just never ends.” Congrats on your successful run at the store. I wish you a wonderful retirement."
Another comment from my friend Jeff Arrigo: "Travis, You really do rock, dude. I mean it."
Yet another person commented, "I think you're making a mistake. You have the easiest job in the world. I'll trade you jobs for a day anytime."
Another comment left me quite amused. "So he's fine with letting his wife make all the money? I guess he doesn't care about being a man."
Well let me tell you: A real man is secure enough in his manhood to allow his wife to be the principle breadwinner.
A real man takes time off from work to look after his seriously ill mother.
A real man takes time off from work to spend quality time with his kid.
A real man realizes that because day-care for his child during summer vacation would cost $100 per week ($400-$500 per month) and fuel for driving to and from work would be another $250 per month, that over half his income would be spent on those two things, and because he and his wife have sacrificed for years to become debt-free, they no longer need two incomes to make ends meet.
A real man lives his own life without concern of what other people think. And that pretty much sums me up, don't you think.
Thanks again for all your love and support, everyone.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Letting the Cat Out of the Bag
A few weeks ago I promised my blogging faithful a major announcement on April 5th. Well, I decided to throw you a bone a day early. On May 22, 2008 I will begin my second "retirement." Yes, I will be resigning my position as manager of Treats Unleashed in order to begin a new chapter in the Book of Blog Daddy.
"Sales at the store have never been better. What the hell are you thinking?" That is a valid question. In March, our store enjoyed its second highest sales month in its nine year history (including December holiday sales totals). In the two years that I have been manager, monthly sales have nearly doubled. Remarkable, to be sure, but I can hardly take all the credit. I am blessed to have the best sales staff in the store's history. One person in particular has blossomed into a star employee. Kim Gay, my assistant manager has been with the company for three and a half years. She is familiar with all facets of the business and has been an indispensable part of my success as manager. She is also graduating from Mizzou in May, and will therefore be available to work full time as the new manager of Treats Unleashed. She will pick up right where I leave off and the store will continue to grow under her leadership.
"So you trained your replacement. What other reasons do you have for quitting?" I'm glad you asked. First and foremost- family. I want to be readily available to be there for my mom, who continues to battle cancer. In fact, she is having surgery next week to remove the larger, more stubborn tumor in her brain. We are confident that it will improve her quality of life, although it is a little scary when one talks about "brain surgery". Regardless, I won't be constrained by obligations to work this summer if she needs me. Also, Alex and I will get to spend his entire summer vacation together. We have already filled up the calendar with fun activities for both of us to enjoy. On Mondays, we will go to Albert-Oakland Park in Columbia for a round of disc golf followed by a dip in the swimming pool. Each Tuesday we will head to the Columbia Public Library and then to a city park with a playground- visiting different parks each week. Wednesdays are reserved for fishin' trips. Thursdays are for visits to the driving range or golf course followed by a trip to the Ashland City Park. Fridays are a wild card day that could include fishing, camp outs, family movie nights, float trips, etc. Weekends will be reserved for family bike rides, little league games, deck parties, and fishin' trips. We are also planning three major road trips this summer. On Memorial Day weekend, we will all drive out to see Blake and Meredith in Baltimore. In June, we will go to Chicago for Bethany's triathlon. On Labor Day, we will trek to Omaha for the Keller Family Reunion. (We hope gas prices go down between now and summer but we won't hold our breath.) Of course I will document these many adventures right here on this blog, so be sure to check back every day this summer for updates.
Hitting the wall. I have worked at Treats Unleashed/Doggie Empawrium for over five years now. Yes, I took a year or so off to stay at home with Alex before he started school, but I did cover for the girls at work when they needed some extra help on occasion- so I never really left. Five years is a long time for a free spirit to be tied to one occupation. I'm ready to move on. I feel like I have taken the store to the next level and now is a good time to hand over the reins to Kim. She was born for this line of work. She has three Chihuahuas whom she spoils rotten. She relates well to the store's clientele. She is young, energetic, and eager to prove herself. The store will be in good hands with her at the helm. "What will you do next?" you may ask. I'm not sure, but I am thinking about being a substitute teacher in the Southern Boone school district. It would give me a flexible schedule, unlimited time off for family, and a complete change of pace from what I have done in the past. We'll see.
Fate. On February 22, our family went to town for some Chinese food. On the way home I remarked to Bethany that there were exactly three months till my last day of work. An interesting factoid but nothing more. After eating our dinner, we broke open the fortune cookies. Mine read, "Remember three months from this date. Good things are in store for you." (Take a minute to let that sink in.) By some amazing cosmic phenomenon, when I observed earlier that evening that the date was exactly three months until my last day of work, I was actually holding that unopened fortune cookie in my hand. Coincidence? You be the judge. I call it fate. And because the fortune emphasized good things, I decided that on May 22, I would not only begin my "retirement" but I would also buy a lottery ticket using the numbers on the back of the fortune. I don't see how I can lose.
So there you have it. The cat is out of the bag. Blog Daddy the poet/philosopher will be back where he belongs very soon- unemployed. Stay tuned.
"Sales at the store have never been better. What the hell are you thinking?" That is a valid question. In March, our store enjoyed its second highest sales month in its nine year history (including December holiday sales totals). In the two years that I have been manager, monthly sales have nearly doubled. Remarkable, to be sure, but I can hardly take all the credit. I am blessed to have the best sales staff in the store's history. One person in particular has blossomed into a star employee. Kim Gay, my assistant manager has been with the company for three and a half years. She is familiar with all facets of the business and has been an indispensable part of my success as manager. She is also graduating from Mizzou in May, and will therefore be available to work full time as the new manager of Treats Unleashed. She will pick up right where I leave off and the store will continue to grow under her leadership.
"So you trained your replacement. What other reasons do you have for quitting?" I'm glad you asked. First and foremost- family. I want to be readily available to be there for my mom, who continues to battle cancer. In fact, she is having surgery next week to remove the larger, more stubborn tumor in her brain. We are confident that it will improve her quality of life, although it is a little scary when one talks about "brain surgery". Regardless, I won't be constrained by obligations to work this summer if she needs me. Also, Alex and I will get to spend his entire summer vacation together. We have already filled up the calendar with fun activities for both of us to enjoy. On Mondays, we will go to Albert-Oakland Park in Columbia for a round of disc golf followed by a dip in the swimming pool. Each Tuesday we will head to the Columbia Public Library and then to a city park with a playground- visiting different parks each week. Wednesdays are reserved for fishin' trips. Thursdays are for visits to the driving range or golf course followed by a trip to the Ashland City Park. Fridays are a wild card day that could include fishing, camp outs, family movie nights, float trips, etc. Weekends will be reserved for family bike rides, little league games, deck parties, and fishin' trips. We are also planning three major road trips this summer. On Memorial Day weekend, we will all drive out to see Blake and Meredith in Baltimore. In June, we will go to Chicago for Bethany's triathlon. On Labor Day, we will trek to Omaha for the Keller Family Reunion. (We hope gas prices go down between now and summer but we won't hold our breath.) Of course I will document these many adventures right here on this blog, so be sure to check back every day this summer for updates.
Hitting the wall. I have worked at Treats Unleashed/Doggie Empawrium for over five years now. Yes, I took a year or so off to stay at home with Alex before he started school, but I did cover for the girls at work when they needed some extra help on occasion- so I never really left. Five years is a long time for a free spirit to be tied to one occupation. I'm ready to move on. I feel like I have taken the store to the next level and now is a good time to hand over the reins to Kim. She was born for this line of work. She has three Chihuahuas whom she spoils rotten. She relates well to the store's clientele. She is young, energetic, and eager to prove herself. The store will be in good hands with her at the helm. "What will you do next?" you may ask. I'm not sure, but I am thinking about being a substitute teacher in the Southern Boone school district. It would give me a flexible schedule, unlimited time off for family, and a complete change of pace from what I have done in the past. We'll see.
Fate. On February 22, our family went to town for some Chinese food. On the way home I remarked to Bethany that there were exactly three months till my last day of work. An interesting factoid but nothing more. After eating our dinner, we broke open the fortune cookies. Mine read, "Remember three months from this date. Good things are in store for you." (Take a minute to let that sink in.) By some amazing cosmic phenomenon, when I observed earlier that evening that the date was exactly three months until my last day of work, I was actually holding that unopened fortune cookie in my hand. Coincidence? You be the judge. I call it fate. And because the fortune emphasized good things, I decided that on May 22, I would not only begin my "retirement" but I would also buy a lottery ticket using the numbers on the back of the fortune. I don't see how I can lose.
So there you have it. The cat is out of the bag. Blog Daddy the poet/philosopher will be back where he belongs very soon- unemployed. Stay tuned.
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