Opinion
A Common Bond
I’ve long felt a kinship with Worcestershire sauce. Similar to my surname, it’s a word you don’t see very often, so pronunciation can be a problem for both. I worked with a fellow who never got my last name correct, as it proved to be a tongue twister for him. “Wanaileous” was the best he could muster. My wife, a former elementary teacher, had a student refer to her as “Miscellaneous” rather than Mrs. Wilenius which was actually a close guess. So yes, Worcestershire and Wilenius have issues that Soy and Nelson do not.
Soundtrack of Life
Song reaches us in every aspect of life. It soothes a child to sleep or motivates an army into battle. It celebrates good times yet comforts us as we mourn. Research shows music reduces stress and improves memory. It decreases anxiety and boosts creativity. Songs sung together even unite us in a sense of common brotherhood – not an easy thing to do nowadays. It’s unlikely there is a pill that can do all these things.
Notes from all over
Cook / Tower / Orr / Surrounding Communities in the summer we have mosquitoes ready to carry someone away. In the winter we have some of the coldest temperatures in the country. If we are “lucky,” there is enough snow for snowmobiling. A lot of people will say, “Oh my, what a horrible place.” I had friends up from Chicago, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Denver over the last couple of weeks. To a person, “OH, MY GOD, it is so beautiful up here.” It’s kind of unfortunate and fortunate that more people don’t get to experience it.
Notes From All Over
I spent last week in the BWCA. We used LaTourell’s Outfitters on Moose Lake. Bob does a phenomenal job. Normally we would paddle for two hours up Moose Lake and then head off up into Wind, Splash or Ensign. This year we decided to take a shuttle boat and then head into Splash. I felt guilty getting a lift, but not after we did it. We were setting up camp about an hour and a half after we left Latourell’s. We went to an island that we had been to once so we set up camp quickly and went fishing. Three big walleyes to start the day -- everyone caught one but -- yeah, me. Meal number one was walleye and beans; it was fantastic. We stayed up late playing cards and catching crawdads, having a few cocktails. Not a bad start to the trip.
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it” – George Santayanna
Last Sunday I was in Krakow, Poland. I visited Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration camps. That was quote was posted on our visit. Almost 2,000,000 people visit the museum annually. During my tour there were hundreds of visitors throughout the museum. It was silent except for the tour guide. People didn’t talk the entire time. Kids behaved no one was running around being loud and obnoxious. I cannot ever remember being on a tour that was so sobering and somber.