Author: iexposedus

Welcome to Marshall Texas

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Welcome to Marshall Texas
( beware of uncontrolled packs of dogs)

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By Ron Munden – January  5, 2024

Over the past two years I have seen real progress in Marshall – particularly in the downtown area.  I am happy to see the 30-40ish people step up and ”lead the charge.”

Of course Marshall, like most small towns, still has its share of problems.

In the last couple of months I have seen many complaints about “out-of-control packs of dogs” posted on social media.  Complains about these dogs killing cats, attacking other animals and Marshall citizens feeling unsafe walking the streets of Marshall.  

Normally I don’t believe much that I see posted on social media but when I saw well respected people expressing their frustration and helplessness about this problem, it got my attention.  I contacted these people.  I was quickly convinced this is a real and widespread problem.  Also, from these people’s perspective nothing is being done about the problem.

Why does Marshall have this problem?

In my opinion the root cause for the problem is Marshall has too many irresponsible dog owners.  They don’t control their dogs and they refuse to spay and neuter their animals. So these people contribute to today’s problem and they ensure that the problem will persist into the future.  At least in the short term, you can’t expect these people to be part of the solution.

I expect by now many people are saying “Make the Animal Control Office do its job.”  Animal Control is doing their best but the office is grossly understaffed.  The office has three people.  Towns the size of Marshall often have staffs at least three times that size. Let’s not forget Marshall’s population is about 23,000 people.  As I recall the total population of Harrison County is about 60,000 people.  Marshall’s animal control office is responsible for the entire county.  If you seriously think 3 people can solve this problem, I suggest adding the tagline, “Dog Pack USA” to the Marshall welcome sign.

Marshall citizens are frustrated and feeling helpless  for good reason.  Some have mentioned poisoning and/or shooting these pack animals.

I am against that solution.  Poisoning  often gets the wrong animal. While I personally would have no problem shooting a pack of dogs terrorizing a neighborhood. I don’t think it’s a practical solution in the city. 

I don’t have any magic answers but I do have one.  Who is the person responsible for fixing this problem?

The person responsible for fixing this problem  and being held responsible if the problem is not fixed is the City Manager.

I do not know Marshall’s City Manager.  I have never talked to him.  My comments are not directed at the person.  They are directed  at the position of City Manager.

My approach to problem  solving is based on 32 years of working for the Navy.  I have seen it work.

The Navy tradition is:  The person in charge of an organization is responsible for fixing every problem in the organization.  He cannot delegate responsibility. He cannot wash his hands of the problem.  He owns the problem.  As leader of the organization,  he can direct everyone in the organization  to work on the problem.  He can assign task leaders.  He can do many things.  What he can’t do is transfer ownership of the problem to another person.  By virtue of his position he owns the problem.

So there is no question about who the citizens of Marshall should contact.  It is the City Manager.  If a citizen is truly concerned about this problem they should call the City Manager, send him a letter, write him an email,  and attend the next City Commission meeting.  Let your body be seen and your voice be heard if you wish to speak.

If the City Manager already has a plan of action and a timeline for the plan, he should share it with the public now.  The people I have spoken with are unaware of a plan.

If there is no plan of action, the City Manager should Chair a small task force to develop a plan of action with dates and share the plan with Marshall’s citizens within two weeks.

As a footnote:

More than 50% of the animals that end up in Marshall’s shelter come from people living in the County, not the City.  The County contributes $30,000 to support the shelter.  That is a fraction of what it costs to run the shelter.

Perhaps, the County should increase their funding for Marshall’s shelter.  Or if  the County can operate a shelter more efficiently, they could operate their own shelter and the City’s shelter could be restricted to Marshall citizens only.

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75688

Leigh Water Supply

Leigh Water Supply and Its Difficulty With U.S. Mail 

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By Ron Munden with Art Smart

I’ve used the Capital One Bank’s bill payment system for about four years.  Generally the system works well.  There have been three exceptions during this period.  All three exceptions have involved Leigh Water Supply.  In each case Leigh Water claims that they received the check from my bank after the due date.  In each case Leigh Water has charged me a $15 late fee, even though Capital One mailed them the checks five or more days before the due date.  Each time Leigh Water tells me they can’t control the mail system.

Since I pay 20 or more bills using this system and 19 of the payees receive my payments in 2 to 3 days after the bank mails the check, it is clear the U.S. Postal Service is deliberately slowing down the delivery of my checks to Leigh Water.  I feel so sorry for Leigh Water.

Don’t cry for me Argentina.
Don’t cry for Leigh East Texas.

Leigh Water Supply has the highest late fee of any company pay.  The fee is not a percent of the payment amount.  Leigh Water charges a straight $15 if the bill is one day late.  So if you have a $60 water bill,  one day after the due date you have a $75 water bill.  That is a 25% increase in your water bill and it cost Leigh Water nothing.

So the slower the mail system the more money Leigh Water makes.

I am very lucky, $15 means very little to me.  I am sure that this is not true for every person that gets its water from Leigh Water Supply.

Since Leigh Water has little incentive to fix its problem with the Post Office, I am here to help.  More later.

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A Very Sad Story

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A Very Sad Story 

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By Ron Munden 

June 12, 2023 – The day Hunter’s time ran out.

On the morning of June 7 my wife took Hunter, our new dog, to a local vet because he could not put any weight on his right-hind leg.  The vet said they would need to do x-rays to determine the problem.  We were told that we could pick him up after 5pm that afternoon.  Sometime after 5pm we returned to see the vet.  A vet tech gave us the news that Hunter’s leg was out of the socket.  She said to take him home and keep him in a crate.  She also said that the vet had sent the x-rays to Dallas for consolation.  The vet would call us when they knew more.

We carried Hunter home, put him in his bed in an enclosure.  Every four hours we carried him out to pee and poop. With difficulty Hunter did both.  Hunter was a trooper even though he was in pain. 

We were surprised when we did not receive a call from the vet on Thursday.  Even more surprised when we received no call on Friday. Of course we received no call on the weekend.  When we received no call on Monday morning Deloris called the veterinary office and asked for the vet.  Instead she got a vet tech that told her that the case had been referred to a vet in Dallas and nothing could be done for Hunter in Marshall.  Not wanting to put Hunter through any more.  We ask for an appointment to have Hunter put down.  

Hunter is gone but not forgotten.  This afternoon he was put to sleep.  I stayed with him to the very end – the sticking of the big needle into the heart.  Thankfully he was asleep and felt nothing.

It is strange, over the years we have had to put many animals to sleep, but this was the saddest time.  Perhaps it is because Hunter was so young and the others were all old.

I am thankful that Hunter went peacefully.  Once I told the vet that more talk served no purpose Deloris left the room.  She was emotionally drained after almost a week of watching Hunter in pain.

At this point the vet and the vet tech left to prepare for the procedure.  It was just Hunter and me. There was a blanket on the exam table.  I layed Huner on his side on the blanket with his good leg on the blanket.  I massaged his head and chest.  In a few minutes he relaxed and he fell asleep. For the next 5 minutes or so he laid there showing no signs of stress.

The vet tech returned.  When she administered the first shot he gave a little whine once but put his head back on the blanket.  The tech said the shot would take about 10 minutes to take effect.  I continued massaging Hunter and he just laid there peacefully.

After 10 minutes the vet tech came in to check.  A minute later the vet came in with a syringe filled with a greenish-blue medication and a 3-inch needle.  She asked if I wanted to leave before the shot – I said “no.”  She warned that there might be a final gasp when the liquid was injected into the heart.  They positioned Hunter on the table for the shot.  I held Hunter’s head as the vet administered the drug.  Hunter did not move when the needle went in or when it was removed.  Hunter would suffer no more pain.  I left to pay my bill.

This 20-pound three-month old stray puppy with a bad leg showed up at our doorstep on May 19, 2023 so we only had Hunter for less than 30 days.  During that time we spent almost $1000 in vet bills.  I don’t regret giving Hunter a home or even spending the money on him.  Hunter was a good dog.  He never growled at any person or animal, never peed or pooped in the house and alway had a wagging tail.  Even after his final injury he hobbled around the yard doing his business and then waiting for me to carry him back into the house.

I know that Hunter knew he had found a loving home – sadly for  a very short time.

I do sit here second guessing myself.  Could I have done more for Hunter?

Seeing Hunter in pain took an emotional toll on Deloris.  She can’t stand to see any animal in pain.  Every day got more difficult.  It had almost been a week of waiting to hear something from the local vet or the Dallas vet – the phone NEVER rang.

Finally, I decided that I had to have Hunter put down.  All vets know how to do that.

RIP Hunter – you were a good dog.

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Here’s Why You Need Professional Images For Your Brand

Here’s Why You Need Professional Images For Your Brand

When it comes to crafting a brand’s narrative, professional photography is an invaluable tool. It can bring consistency, clarity, and creativity to a brand’s visual identity. Plus, with the right photographer, you can create beautiful marketing materials with the finished images using Adobe Express tools. In this blog post courtesy of East Texas Exposed, we explore why professional photography is an indispensable component in any successful branding effort.

A Pro Can Evoke A Feeling

When you work with a pro photographer for your branding needs, you get more than just technical proficiency. You also get the creative eye of a true artist who understands how to craft compelling visuals that capture the essence of your brand. With their help, you can create stunning brand images that evoke emotion and help make a lasting impression on potential customers and clients.

You’ll Get The Benefit Of Their Tech Experience

Professional photographers have spent years studying their craft and perfecting their skills, so they can deliver beautiful images that are technically proficient with sharpness, accurate color correction, and proper lighting techniques. This ensures that the final images look amazing on all devices, from smartphones to desktop computers. Plus, they know how to use digital editing software to further refine the images for maximum impact on marketing materials.

Make Sure Your Branding Looks Consistent

When it comes to making sure your branding is consistent across all platforms, professional photographers are essential, as they know how to use their expertise to achieve this goal. They understand how important it is for brands to maintain consistency when building recognition among potential customers or clients. This means that every photo they take will be cohesive in color and style.

Receive A Tailored Approach

The best photographers don’t simply show up on the day of the shoot with cameras in tow; instead, they take time before each project to discuss what type of imagery will best reflect your brand’s values and goals moving forward. This tailored approach allows them to capture exactly what you need from each photo session while adding their own unique aesthetic touch. This means that your branding visuals will stand out from your competitors.

Make Beautiful Marketing Materials Using Adobe Express Tools

Once the photoshoot is complete and you have digital copies of all the photos, Adobe Express tools can be used to create beautiful marketing materials such as flyers, posters, or banners. These tools provide access to templates that will save you time and money, and there are a variety of things you can make. Here are just a few:

  • Thinking of giving your business branding an overhaul? Just getting started with creating a visual identity? Create an eye-catching logo in just minutes using the templates available. This is a great way to build a professional-looking branded image that helps you stand out from the crowd.
  • Make a custom Twitter video that tells your followers about a new product or service. You can add music or voiceovers to customize the final result. The best part is that you don’t need previous experience to create a beautiful video, and the process is quick and easy.
  • Have an Instagram shop? Make an eye-catching post with a stunning image and clear text. You can customize your post using brand colors or your logo so that followers know immediately that it’s you.
  • Make a Coming Soon Poster with the best image from your shoot. This is a great way to inform customers about a new product or project. You can customize the image by choosing from a variety of fonts and designs.
  • Professional photography has become an essential part of any successful branding strategy in recent years as more people rely on smartphones and other devices for their purchasing decisions. With the right images, you can widen your audience and elevate your brand at the same time. Talk to your photographer about your vision so that you’re both on the same page.
  • Want to get in touch with East Texas Exposed? Reach out via the contact form today.

How Did I End Up Here?

Looking Back

How Did I End Up Here?

By Ron Munden with Art Smart

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Introduction

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In recent years, I have found myself waking up in the middle of the night, my mind racing back to certain moments in my past. It’s as if my subconscious has become a storyteller, recounting events that took place long ago. Sometimes it’s my first day of grade school, other times it’s my first day of work at a Naval Shipyard. Regardless of the event, my mind becomes fixated on the details and replays them over and over again.

Last night was no different. I lay in bed, telling myself to get some sleep, while my mind continued to ramble on for what felt like hours. But then I had an idea – maybe if I wrote down these stories, I could finally put them to rest and get the sleep that I so desperately need.

This morning, over a cup of coffee, I made a list of the 18 events that my mind insists on recounting in the middle of the night. And with that list, a plan began to form. I decided to write a chapter about each event, in the hopes that getting them down on paper will help me let go of them.

I’m not sure if this project will work as a sleeping pill for my mind, or if I’ll even be able to complete it. But I do know that I’m going to try. And while I’m aware that people often write grandiose passages when they write about themselves, I promise to be as honest and authentic as possible.

It’s worth noting that I’ll be writing from memory, without the aid of notes. And considering that these events span over 70 years of my life, there will likely be some inaccuracies. But with that being said, I’m ready to take on this project and see where it leads me.

So, with a deep breath and a fresh cup of coffee, let’s get started.

– Ron Munden

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The Marshall Barber Shop

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The Marshall Barber Shop 

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By Ron Munden 

Up until recently when I heard the words “barber shop” my thoughts raced back to Cotton’s Barber Shop.  Cotton’s was a large barber shop just off the Square in Marshall Texas.  My grandfather took me to get my first haircut in that shop.  I got my last haircut before I left for college in the same shop as well as all the haircuts through the yearsI lived in Marshall.

While at Austin College I went to a 3-chair barber shop just off campus.  This was the “in place” for all the jocks.  I went there every two weeks and paid $1.25 to keep my half-inch “do” just at the  right length.

Somewhere along the way I gave up going to barber shops and began going to the beauty salon. I forgot about the barber shop experience.

Fast forward to 2020 and COVID.  I decided to give up getting a haircut for a few months and wait to COVID to be behind us.  I waited and waited.  My hair got longer and longer.

In January 2022 I decided I could wait no longer.  I needed to get a haircut.

By a stroke of luck, I saw a post on facebook about Laura’s barber shop.  With a little research I found the official name for Laura’s shop was Marshall Barber Shop.  I found the phone number and scheduled an appointment.

At the first appointment Laura told me she was not a hair stylist, she was a barber.

She is right.  She is a barber.  When you walk into her shop you know that you are in a barber shop.  For the first time in years I saw a real barbers chair.  It had been over 50 years since I had sat in one but it was a good fit.  At that first appointment I realized this was not the hair stylist experience.  Little things like having your neck shaved with a straight razor.  It was like being back at Mr. Cotton’s place.  I like being back in a barber shop.

Of course what makes Marshall Barber Shop really special is Laura Dunham.

She is an accomplished barber but more importantly she is the nicest person that anyone could hope to meet.  She enjoys serving people. She does not limit her work to her shop.  If one of her clients can’t come to her, she will go to them.  

She is upbeat and kind.  I have never heard her say a negative word about anyone.  That is a rarity in Marshall, the US or the World these days.  After a haircut at Laura’s you feel good. 

I’m glad I found Laura and Marshall Barber Shop.  It’s a great place to get your haircut.  If this sounds interesting to you, you should pick up the phone and give Laura a call and book an appointment.

Remember it’s Marshall Barber Shop – 903-926-4014.

Footnote:

In late October my wife, Deloris, had Deep Brain Stimulation surgeries.  They completely shaved her head for the procedures. 

The two surgeries are behind her and her hair is growing back in.  She got her first haircut at Laura’s last week.  I like Deloris with short hair and I hope she will keep it that way.   So if she keeps it short.  Maybe Marshall Barber Shop will have two Munden customers.

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Art Smart – December 2022

Art Smart’s Articles for December 2022

Art Smart is a regular contributor to EastTexasExposed.com and iExposed.us.  Each month we submit a blog article that contains a link to some of Mr. Smart’s articles contributed during that month.

Caddo Lake in the Winter

By Art Smart

Caddo Lake, located in Northeast Texas and adjacent to the Caddo Lake Wildlife Refuge, is a stunning destination in any season, but it is particularly beautiful in the winter. With its cypress trees, Spanish moss, and calm, still waters, Caddo Lake has a serene, almost otherworldly quality in the colder months.

As you take a leisurely walk or drive around the lake, you’ll notice that the trees are adorned with hoarfrost, giving them a magical, almost fairy-tale like appearance. The air is crisp and refreshing, and the silence is broken only by the occasional birdcall or the crunch of leaves underfoot.

But Caddo Lake isn’t just a place for peaceful contemplation. It’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. The Caddo Lake Wildlife Refuge, which spans over 7,000 acres, is home to over 300 species of birds, including egrets, herons, and woodpeckers. It’s also home to beavers, otters, and even the occasional alligator.

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The Don CeSar – A must visit

By Art Smart

The Don CeSar, also known as the “Pink Palace,” is an iconic resort located on the beautiful St. Pete Beach in Florida. This luxurious property is a perfect choice for a romantic getaway, offering stunning oceanfront views, a secluded beach, and a variety of amenities and activities to choose from.

One of the highlights of the Don CeSar is its award-winning spa, which offers a wide range of treatments and services to help you relax and rejuvenate. Whether you’re in the mood for a massage, a manicure, or a facial, the spa has something for everyone.

The Don CeSar is also home to some of the best dining in the area. The Maritana Grille, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves gourmet cuisine inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. The hotel also has a variety of other dining options, including a poolside bar and a casual café.

Click here to read the complete story

Sea Ranch Chapel

By Art Smart

The Sea Ranch Chapel is a breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful place located along Highway 1 in Sonoma County, California. Nestled between San Francisco and Mendocino, this isolated chapel is the perfect place to stop and take a moment to reflect and meditate during a long drive.

As soon as you approach the chapel, you’ll be struck by its stunning exterior architecture. The building is constructed from cedar shingles and glass, which creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The chapel is surrounded by beautiful, lush green trees, which provide a sense of privacy and seclusion.

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The Ginocchio

By Art Smart

The Ginocchio Building in Marshall, Texas was a longstanding fixture in the downtown area, with its distinctive red brick exterior and ornate architectural details. For years, it had been a source of pride for the community, with many locals reminiscing about the times they had spent there as children. However, over the years, the building had fallen into disrepair and was in desperate need of a renovation.

Enter Allan Loudermilk, a local businessman with a passion for restoring this historic building. When he first laid eyes on the Ginocchio Building, he knew he had to take on the challenge of bringing it back to its former glory.

With the support of the community, Allen set to work on the renovation, determined to do whatever it took to restore the building to its former splendor. He spent countless hours researching the building’s history and carefully planning out every detail of the renovation.

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Ferndale — The Victorian Village

By Art Smart

On December 20, 2022, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Ferndale in Humboldt County in California. This was very sad news. I have visited Ferndale many times and have fond memories of its unmatched architecture.

Ferndale, known as the “Victorian Village,” is a small town with a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. It was founded in 1852 by New Englanders who were drawn to the area by the abundance of natural resources and the possibility of a new life on the West Coast. These settlers established dairy farms and raised livestock, which became the mainstay of Ferndale’s economy for many years.

As the town grew and prospered, a number of Victorian-era buildings were constructed, giving Ferndale its unique character and charm. Today, these beautifully preserved buildings serve as a testament to the town’s history and are a popular attraction for visitors.

One of the most iconic buildings in Ferndale is the Ferndale Museum, a Victorian-era building that was once a livery stable. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Ferndale’s history, from its early days as a dairy farming community to its present-day status as a popular tourist destination.

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For more articles and photographs visit oud websites:

EastTexasExposed.com

iExposed.us

CORONAVIRUS INFO PROVIDED BY DR. JIM HARRIS – 12/14/2022

CORONAVIRUS INFO PROVIDED BY DR. JIM HARRIS – 12/14/2022

FROM THE MARSHALL NEWS MESSENGER:

FROM HOPKINS SUGGESTIONS:

1. EPI UPDATE The WHO COVID-19 Dashboard reports 643 million cumulative cases and 6.62 million deaths worldwide as of December 8. Global weekly incidence remained relatively stable last week, decreasing 1.3% compared to an increase of 16.8% the previous week. A total of 3.04 million cases were confirmed the week of November 28. Weekly incidence fell over the previous week in Africa (-64%)*, South-East Asia (-27%), Western Pacific (-10%), and the Eastern Mediterranean (-4%). The Americas (+14%) and Europe (+4.5%) regions experienced increasing weekly incidence. Global weekly mortality decreased from the previous week, down 17%.

*The WHO dashboard notes that data from the Africa region are incomplete.

UNITED STATES

The US CDC is reporting 98.8 million cumulative cases of COVID-19 and 1.08 million deaths. Incidence for the week ending November 30 remained relatively stable over the previous week, falling to 303,101 cases from 306,856 cases for the week ending November 23. Weekly mortality fell significantly for the week ending November 30, with 1,780 reported deaths compared to 2,634 deaths the week ending November 23. The decline could be a result of delayed reporting due to the US Thanksgiving holiday.

2. MASK USE The US CDC is once again encouraging people to wear masks to help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, as hospitalizations rise due to the so-called “tripledemic” of COVID-19, RSV, and flu. The nation appears to be at the start of another COVID-19 wave, with hospitalizations reaching a 3-month high last week. Hospitals are already feeling strain from earlier-than-normal increases in RSV and flu cases and hospitalizations. The US is experiencing the highest levels of hospitalization from flu that it has seen in a decade this early in the season. Experts warn that holiday gatherings present a prime opportunity for respiratory viruses to spread and urge people to take precautions, including mask use, physical distancing, testing, and increased air ventilation. While it is unlikely that widespread mask mandates will return, masking in crowded areas can lower the risk of infection and help decrease the burden on overwhelmed hospitals. 

One more reason to don a mask during the colder months could be to help keep your nose warm. A study published this week in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests that exposure to cold temperatures hinder immune responses in the upper respiratory tract by killing nearly half of the virus and bacteria-fighting cells in the nostrils, allowing viruses or bacteria to evade this initial immune response. 

3. Authorities are urging indoor masking in major cities as the ‘tripledemic’ rages (NPR) Public health officials are revisiting the topic of indoor masking, as three highly contagious respiratory viruses take hold during the holiday season. Over the past few weeks, a surge in cases of COVID, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus — known as RSV — has been sickening millions of Americans, overwhelming emergency rooms and even causing a cold medicine shortage. The triple threat has been called a “tripledemic” by some health experts. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted this past week that the simultaneous combination of viruses has been straining healthcare systems across the country.

4. Wrangling Over the International Pandemic Pact Has Begun (Think Global Health) Health officials met this week in Geneva to discuss a rough draft of a pandemic treaty, an international plan to avoid another disaster on the scale of COVID-19. This is the first of many drafts to come, in a process that began with a decision made in December 2021 by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 194 member states to develop something like a treaty—perhaps an accord, agreement, or other ‘instrument’—to govern the global pandemic response. The project is spearheaded by the WHO and is slated for completion in May 2024.

FROM THE ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE;

Nirmatrelvir Plus Ritonavir for Early COVID-19 in a Large U.S. Health System

”…In the EPIC-HR (Evaluation of Protease Inhibition for Covid-19 in High-Risk Patients) trial, nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir led to an 89% reduction in hospitalization or death among unvaccinated outpatients with early COVID-19. The clinical impact of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir among vaccinated populations is uncertain….The overall risk for hospitalization or death was already low (1%) after an outpatient diagnosis of COVID-19, but nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir reduced this risk further.

”(During the study period, 12 541 (28.1%) patients were prescribed nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, and 32 010 (71.9%) were not. Patients prescribed nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir were more likely to be older, have more comorbidities, and be vaccinated. The composite outcome of hospitalization or death occurred in 69 (0.55%) patients who were prescribed nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir and 310 (0.97%) who were not (adjusted risk ratio, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.75]). Recipients of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir had lower risk for hospitalization (adjusted risk ratio, 0.60 [CI, 0.44 to 0.81]) and death (adjusted risk ratio, 0.29 [CI, 0.12 to 0.71]).”

FROM BECKERS:

1. Variants: Based on projections for the week ending Dec. 10, the CDC estimates that BQ.1.1 accounts for 36.8 percent of cases and BQ.1 accounts for 31.1 percent of cases nationally. All other lineages are decreasing in proportion this week compared to last week.

2. As of Dec. 7, a total of 1,080,472 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the United States.

 3. About 64 percent of sites across the country are reporting moderate to high virus levels in wastewater. Of these sites, 38 percent are reporting some of the highest levels for those sites since Dec. 1, 2021.

4. About 27 percent of sites are seeing a decrease in virus levels and about 65 percent are reporting an increase.

FROM A READER WHO HAS LITERALLY TRAVELED THE WORLD:

Newsletter: You’re done with masks? That’s too bad, because COVID isn’t done with us

FROM YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST:

Will trust in science survive the pandemic?

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Ode to a Fallen Leaf

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Ode to a Fallen Leaf 

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By Ron Munden 

As winter approaches, trees drop their leaves.  Several years ago I read an article in a nature publication that explained why it is important for leaves to fall from the trees and cover the ground.  They make a compelling argument that people should allow leaves to remain on the ground throughout  the winter to ensure a healthy lawn in the Spring.

Each Fall when our yard workers come and begin the celebration known as “Leaf Blowing” I think back to that article.

This Sunday morning the workers gathered to begin the blowing of the leaves.  This happens every two weeks for a two or three month period.  This week it was a hard fought battle between the trees and our workforce.  As quickly as the workers could clear the leaves from a patch of ground the trees deposited another layer into that space.  By Monday it was difficult to find any area that was still free of leaves.

Why do we do this?  As stated above everything I read  says that Mother Nature wants the leaves on the ground for the entire winter, not two weeks.  Every two weeks I ask myself why I spend $80 to have something done that I think is bad for the environment.  My only justification is that I am doing my small part to redistribute wealth in this society.

That is the justification I give but it’s not the real reason.  The truth is we practice this celebration of “leaf blowing” because the Jones down the road do the same thing and we just can’t let the Jones outdo us. 

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Old Habits Do Die Hard

Looking Back

1972

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Old Habits Do Die Hard 

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By Ron Munden 

Each morning I start the day with a bowl of cereal, a cup of green tea and a morning write.  I jot down notes about the previous day and a quick plan of the day.  Today, my notes included the design for a new computerized indexing system. Tomorrow it will be something different.

As I was writing today I realized some things just don’t change. 

In 1972 the Navy sent me to a time management class in San Francisco.  The instructor showed us his note keeping system.  He promised the class if we used this system consistently, we would save lots of time and be better managers.  When I returned to the Shipyard the following Monday, I started using his system.  

I used government supplied “green books”.  These were 8 inch by 11 inch hard-bound books about ¾ an inch thick.  I recorded my first note in 1972 and continued using the system until my retirement from DoD on December 31, 1998.

During those 26 years, I recorded my thoughts, daily observations and most importantly a note that recorded the date, time , subject and summary of every meeting I had during the day. I filed every completed notebook in xerox boxes used to hold the reams of paper used by our xerox machines.  When I changed jobs at DoD, all these boxes moved with me to my new office. 

In 1998 when I retired from DoD, one of my last acts was to have all of the 20+ cases of greenbooks loaded into a dumpster.  I did keep  the last three years for future reference.

The instructor was right.  The system had saved me hours of time, allowed me to answer questions that I was asked about meetings that I had held 3+ years earlier and helped me plan future projects.  I do think the system made me a better manager.

When I moved to the private sector I continued using a modified version of the system used at DoD. 

Today, I sat in the kitchen using another slightly modified version of the system used in  1972.  I have been out of the business world for 20 year but I still function the same way.  Old habits do die hard.

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75688