Facing the facts

:-( Any bailout plan with a "lottery" in it

Amid all the talk of who should get what in terms of rescuing/bailing out/defending our shallow-breathed economy, some are proposing lotteries for $25,000 car vouchers. Lotteries are supposed to be played for fun, not human survival. If you have any doubts, ask one of the 85,000 losers in last year's lottery for coverage under the Oregon Health Plan.

:-O Boycotting Kellogg's over Michael Phelps

Kellogg's dropped Phelps like a flaming waterwing after he was caught on camera taking a hit off a bong. Now, the Marijuana Policy Project is asking friendlies to boycott Kellogg's. Really? Regardless of your personal bent, the guy is hawking cereal to kids. Kellogg's can do better. And no one with the munchies is going to shun the box of Froot Loops in the kitchen.

:-) State pride

Oregon celebrated its sequicentennial (150th) birthday in February and area residents turned out en masse. Celebration ceremonies drew a crowd estimated at more than 10,000 that consumed 3,100 hot dogs, a cake cooked to feed 3,200 and 180 gallons of ice cream. It's a great time to wear that Oregon pride on your sleeve.

:-O Catholic confessions

The Vatican released a report last month claiming men and women sin differently. For men, lust tops the list, pride does in the fairer sex. The claims are based on study of confessions by a 95-year-old Jesuit scholar. Um, aren't confession s supposed to be private? And where's the list of confessions by priests? Catholics and former Catholics all over the country would love to have access to that one.

:-) Buying local

The future of the American economy is cloudy at best. Corporations are shedding jobs like snakes with a bad rash. Fear seems to be getting the better of hope. (Crap, this was a smiley face, wasn't it?) The easiest thing to do is make better choices with the dollars we have to spend. When buying, buy local. We are the ones we have been waiting for, remember? Let's start doing our part.