All about me

Everyone is doing graphs these days -- a common one shows how much money Obama has added to the debt compared with other presidents. I've seen one showing how long the Afghanistan war is compared with our other wars. Here is mine:

Man, I have to get me one of these:

I have a friend facing a medical emergency, so my blogging will be spotty for the next few days. Take care of yourselves and be kind to friends and family.

Mixed-feelings time:

An Indianapolis museum and Fort Harrison State Park in the capital are teaming up for a Vietnam Experience Re-enactment on July 17 and 18.

The program co-sponsored by the Museum of 20th Century Warfare will recreate American units opposing Vietcong forces in a public battle. Hobbyist re-enactors will be dressed in authentic or recreated uniforms and use Vietnam-era equipment and weapons to drill, exercise and simulate combat.

Oh, swell:

INDIANAPOLIS — State officials expect more backyard fireworks shows this year because budget problems have forced many municipalities to cancel large professional fireworks displays.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal's office says it's issued nearly 200 fewer fireworks permits this year compared to last year.

I agree:

Last week we asked you to share your favorite to-do list manager, we rounded up the most popular responses, then you voted for your favorites.

This news from Hoosier Ag Today requires a celebration, I think:

After some very tough years, the beef business in Indiana is coming back. According to Purdue, Indiana has seen a 50% decline in cattle operations in the state over the past 20 years.

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Exciting news on the "So you think you have free will?" front. A new study shows that kids respond to sneaky sales pitches:

Popular cartoon characters are influencing the taste preferences of very young children, and not in a positive way, a new study suggests.

Happy Father's Day a l early. Here are some recipes you might want to try for the big cookout (the blackberry barbecued ribs are intriguing). And below is a Father's Day column about "rampant nowism" I wrote back in 1991. I used a shortened and modified version for Saturday's editorial page, but I think the long version holds up pretty well 19 years later.

Eighty percent of success, Woody Allen said, is just showing up. William Boeckmann seems destined for a successful life:

Boeckmann, 19, is a 2010 graduate of Homestead High School. In his 13 years of education, Boeckmann has achieved a rare accomplishment: He never missed a day of school.

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