What's on your mind?

Where are the lightening bugs this summer, Steve? Aren't they usually everywhere by now? I don't think I've seen any this summer.

I've noticed the same thing we have a few in the evenings, my pug would sit for hours on the porch and watch the lighting bugs last year, now there aren't enough of then to hold her attention this summer.

Good observation. They should have been out in force by now. I thought it might have just been our part of the space-time continuum but apparently not.

It has been noticed three years ago in other parts of the country and the environment seem to be the best answer. Not global warming, but pollution, human "progress" and pesticides.

In some locations they think they are starting to see an increase again, so lets hope for the best. I have fond memories of them as a child, although I can't say I was the best steward of the environment (or them)back then.

I collected my fair share.

Here is a site that discusses them in more depth. I have not had a chance to peruse it but it looks good. By the way, they are know by another name in other places. http://www.firefly.org/

What are some of your favorite family activities in the Shelbyville area?

We have a few lightening bugs, but not many. Last year the kids spent every night out catching them - but this year maybe once a week.

~~~~~~

Here's a question, and I hope it doesn't start any fights but, do you think the US will end up like Greece and other countries within the next year or so??

Both will have their own post. Actually, the question about family activities might get interesting as well.

Don't be disappointed if they do not get lively discussion right away. Folks have seen the blog area quiet down and we need to get them involved again.

I appreciate your thoughts and if you know some folks who should be commenting, WAKE THEM UP!

Something that seems to light up the boards is always something to do with the Muslims and Somalians in this area as well as anything having to do with the homeschool situation.

Or maybe a question about how many are actually driving the speed limit on 231 since it was lowered down to 50mph?

I do the speed limit, since I was pulled over last week or so for doing 65 because I didn't notice that the speed limit had changed. All I got was a warning, thankfully.

As for the US becoming a Bankrupt Third World Country - I couldn't agree more. The only way we are going to survive is to cut some of the entitlement programs. People have relied on this country to provide them with everything for way too long. As I grew up learning and I have taught my children: If you can pay for it with cash; you don't need it. This country pays out more than it gets in revenue thanks to freeloaders and abusers on food stamps, receiving SSI checks and so on. The abuse of the system has gone on and no one seems to care to stop it. I understand that there are many people who need help, BUT if you are able to work - you have transportation, able to communicate, and move in any way - then you can work and do not need SSI. There are people who get SSI checks because they are overweight, released from prison, junkies, etc. These are people who do not need to be taking our tax money and wasting it.

I am not a christian, but I agree that it seems that the US does not care to stop any form of terrorist such as the Muslims/Islamic. I believe in freedom to practice whatever religion you want. BUT if it harms one or many, then it should no longer be protected. I remember watching Glenn Beck months ago and he was laying out the background of Obama and stated that some of the people that Obama surrounds himself with are wanting the One World Ruler and the first agenda is to crash every money market and build it over. Connecting everyone with the same denomination of money and putting everyone on a level playing field. Then the Ruler of the World could save everyone basically. Everyday I see them becoming a possible reality. With Greece, Portugal, Italy and the US failing, what is to come?

Don't even get me started on the change of speed limit on 231. 50 mph? Give me a break! I never saw that coming...pretty soon, all the way to Murfreesboro. What a speed trap! Ack!

I'll post this one about private information.

How does everyone feel about the notion of the government being able to take your child away if they are overweight?

I think that this is something that seriously scares me because this is just another way that the government is trying to take over our lives. There are some children who are obese and it is no fault of their own. But there are children who are obese because the parents do not understand that children can not eat all of the American fast-food without cruel results. And parents no longer go outside and exercise or play with their children. Now, everyone stays inside stuck to the TV or video games or cell phones. My children and I eat out once every 3-4 months. And they play outside, depending on the weather, at least everyday. Not counting their exercising that I require during our homeschool.

Every other commercial on TV is for some kind of junk food - McDonald's, Snickers, Burger King, Skittles. No wonder the American people are hooked on fast food and junk food - it's thrown in our faces every minute of the day.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/the-no-kids-allowed-movement-is-spreadi...

The Brat Ban Movement

What do you think about this new movement of banning kids from places such as the theaters, restaurants, airplanes, and even grocery stores?

I understand the view of trying to enjoy something without screaming kids or disrespectful kids. The problem is that not all children are that way. I have 3 and I have taken them to the theaters, restaurants,etc when they were younger and never had any problems.

But you know when you go to the stores there are always parents who spoil their kids and then you hear the kids screaming and crying because they want something and the parents actually said no. But you, as a visitor to the store, just ignore it and go on. Even before I had kids, I swore that I would never let my kids act that way. And since I raised them correctly, they have never acted that way. So I don't see the problem of allowing children in certain places as long as they are respectful and can behave. But we have witness a woman bringing a new born baby to a theater to try and watch a movie. The problem was that we were all watching Resident Evil Afterlife. So there are going to be scary scenes and loud crashes,etc. Which of course the baby started screaming about 20 minutes into the movie.

But I do not think that a law should be placed to state that kids are not allowed certain places. I do think that it should be up to the owner of the restaurant,etc. But it should also be judged by cases and not grouped together.

As for the signing of the marriage and "getting permission" to divorce. I know that all too well. I regretted getting married the day after I did. But I couldn't get it annulled since we already had kids together. And since TN is a state that requires counseling and other bs, I haven't been able to afford to get a divorce yet. Maybe someday.

As for smokers, I am one who likes the separation of smokers and non. Because my youngest has pretty bad asthma and so she cannot be around smokers. But on the other hand, before my children were born, I was a smoker. So I can see both sides of the fence. But when I did smoke, I didn't do it around any children (which I see parents doing it everyday - not realizing how they are killing their children).

I like the scroll thingy. All this "computering" and my eyes get pretty tired.

I am not sure the local folks have much to do about the speed. They can request but the State makes the decision.

We made a request in Bell Buckle some years back and the State over-reacted. It took a while to get that modified.