Thoughts from the Middle of Nowhere

Sharptail grouse foraging for food during the light snow storm on Thursday. There were quite a few more in the area that I didn't get a picture of. I have never seen so many around during the winter. Maybe the coyotes will bother them and leave my calves alone.

Quarter designs roll out

The preliminary designs have not been officially released by the U.S. Treasury Department, but children's author Ken Thomasma, who is on the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, brought the final four design samples with him to the school for an assembly aimed at encouraging reading. The event was sponsored by the Arrowhead Parent Teacher Association.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer will make the final decision on which of the four Montana quarter designs will be minted, but according to a spokesperson in his office, he'll base his decision on popular vote and public input. The Montana quarters will be minted in 2007.

Here are the four designs.





The Governor "claims" he will base his decision on a popular vote. It looks to me like people will be able to vote here for which design they like.

Personally I don't particularly like any of the designs. If I had to pick one though it would be the 2nd design with the cow skull. My Darling Wife thought I was nuts. She says none of them would be her choice, they all represent the state poorly and are ugly, I tend to agree. The Governor will eventually tell us which one he chooses whether he goes by our vote or not.

I hate ugliness. You know I'm allergic to ugliness. Imelda Marcos

You are a student in High School involved in extracurricular activities and the rules tell you that you can't use, possess, buy, sell or give away alcohol, tobacco or drugs. You are also banned from gathering at any place where any of these illegal activities are taking place. These are the rules you are bound to abide by. So, when you are caught at a party with alcohol and tobacco present what happens? Your parents sue the school because their precious little angels were kicked off the team.

If you knew the rules going in and did not agree with them why didn't the parents protest the rule then instead of waiting until their kid was trapped by it? Why were the kids involved in the sports if they couldn't abide by the rules?

What ever happened to teaching your kids responsibility? Abide by the rules or suffer the consequences. What does this teach them down the road? If you don't like the rules, violate them then sue to change them? Bah! These parents little angels need to learn responsibility and take their punishment like men, not fight it like little weasels. What an example the parents set.

You must accept responsibility for your actions, but not the credit for your achievements. Denis Waitley