Columns

The Village Naturalist The term “gender” has been in the news a lot, with the question of just how many genders are there? Gender is not sex. Here is a quote from the National Institute of Health on the difference between gender and sex.

For too long, victims of child sexual abuse have faced persistent harm as their worst moments are viewed, shared, and monetized online, often without a meaningful way to force content removal. Existing criminal law was not always sufficient to hold commercial websites that knowingly profit from this illegal content accountable.

Not All Criminals Are Stupid Long-term parking - Some people left their car in the long-term parking at San Jose while away, and someone broke into the car. Using the information on the car’s registration in the glove compartment, they drove the car to the people’s home in Pebble Beach and robbed it.

From the Collection of Pat Young Did I Really Read That Right? “Toilet out of order: please use floor below.” In a laundromat: “Automatic washing machines: please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.” In a London department store: “Bargain basement upstairs.” In an office: “Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken.” In an office: “After tea break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board.” Outside a second-hand shop: “We exchange anything — bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?” Notice in health food shop window: “Closed due to illness.” Spotted in a safari park: “Elephants, please stay in your car.” Seen during a conference: “For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day care on the first floor.” Notice in a farmer’s field: “The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges.” Message on a leaflet: “If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.” On a repair shop door: “We can repair anything.

Charles Schaeffer, who now resides in the Nebraska Veterans Home, was presented by his 58 consecutive years membership certificate by Callaway American Legion Post Commander Wayne Witthuhn. Charles was one of the first 20 members of the Callaway Post.

Cindy and I spend every noon watching the weather and news on the T.V. On top of the T.V. is a digital clock and we’ve gotten into the habit of watching for specific numbers. We watch for 11:11, 12:21, and 12:34. Just recently we added 1:08 to our list. Why? What is special about 108? I’m glad you asked.

This session, the legislature took a strong stand to protect Nebraska families from the deadliest threats facing our communities. Two critical public safety measures I championed have now become law, delivering real results where it matters most.

Every Nebraska rancher who has moved a herd of cattle across a public highway understands the momentary confusion that can occur when a vehicle crests the hill, and there's brief uncertainty about what may happen next. We live in a world where common sense is simply not as common and more and more drivers have little to no understanding of cattle.

The True Cost of Raising a Child I have seen repeatedly the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It’s nice, really nice! The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle-income family (this was several years ago).

The 109th Nebraska Legislature concluded Friday, April 17, with two key outcomes: passing a balanced budget and upholding the Governor’s vetoes. I was able to get 11 bills passed this session including LB 1195, which provides a direct benefit to counties across Nebraska.