The New Normal

So my wife recently went through the ritual of going to Wal-Mart, grabbing the school supply list from the display at the front of the store for my 8-year-old's class, and began her trek through the school supplies.

This year, something new was on the list: two reams of paper.

What? Paper? Seemed an odd request, but an obvious one, given the school district's financial woes.

At a little less than three bucks apiece, the two reams weren't that big of a deal. I don't mind spending the money, but I wonder where it's going to stop. In addition to reams of paper, my two older kids had significant fees just for the basics to get into school. Certainly more expensive than in previous years.

I think the schools are a lot like Congress. Once they start taking, they won't stop, even if their financial situation improves. I have no doubt that two reams of paper for my elementary-age children is now a permanent fixture on their school supply list. Same story for the higher fees for middle and high school. Welcome to the new normal.

Gall Stone Cleanse Recipe

I had a listener ask about a gall stone cleanse recipe I used a couple of years ago that seemed to work for me.

Here you go: http://www.relfe.com/gall_stone_cleanse.html

Happy to help!

Rory Poop 2010

Ok, so take a look at the logo for Rory Reid's current campaign to become Nevada's governor. Something is conspicuously missing. I'll give you five seconds...

1...2...3...4...5 -- OK time's up!

The last freakin' name!

This campaign is completely doomed to fail. Earlier this summer Rory dropped "Reid" from his campaign because it's become a cuss word, of sorts, especially in Nevada. If his name were Rory Poop, he'd have a better chance of winning than if he used the "R-word" for his last name.

Is it not a paradox that Rory, who under normal conditions would stand any kind of a chance because of who his dad is, actually doesn't stand a chance... because of who his dad is.

His campaign, really, is "You should vote for me because I'm Harry Reid's son, but I don't want you to know that I'm Harry' Reid's son."

Rory is trailing by double digits against a conservative Hispanic candidate. (And that, Harry Reid, is one example of why someone of Hispanic heritage would want to be a Republican. So they can beat your son in the governor's race.)

Note to self: If I have to conceal my last name when running for office, perhaps I shouldn't be running for office.

Thursday's Neal Larson Show

So on today's show I'll challenge the idea that anyone who wants illegals deported is racist.

Plus, what did you think of the ruling yesterday overturning the will of the people of California?

We'll talk about that, plus a little preview of an alternative idea for Memorial Drive in Idaho Falls.

Join me noon to one!

What do do with downtown

Looks like the Idaho Falls city council is moving forward with a plan for downtown that will eliminate over 200 parking spots along Memorial Drive, but provide added parking elsewhere.

An alternative plan is being put forward by local businessman and downtown property owner Lyman Martin.

Thought you might want to take a look. Here's a link to the PDF file.