A very rough description of the Experimental Method is the attempt to hold extraneous variables constant so the independent variable of interest is the one that changes. If the outcome changes the scientist infers the variable of interest is the cause. In laboratory research, control of variables is much easier Read more…
I am writing today’s blog before election day results are complete. With all of the boarding up of businesses, gun purchases, and National Guard alerts, I join many others in praying for peace. I tried to think of something happy and good to write about in the middle of all Read more…
Scary Times: COVID, Hurricane Zeta, and Halloween are scary times indeed, but the divisions in our country are the most frightening to me. By this time next week, the election will be drawing to a close. No matter who wins I expect the extremes to act with violence and consequently Read more…
I have very thoughtful readers. I thank those who took the time to respond to both the hunger issue and the social justice issue. The responses were intelligent and respectful. COINCIDENCE alert: Last Thursday as my blog on hunger was being posted to you, Jeny and I sat down to Read more…
Expenditures reflect priorities. I did some research for a poem. I want to share what I found because some of it surprised me. This is a busy time of the year for sports — World Series, the NBA, WNBA playoffs, the Stanley Cup college football, volleyball and other college sports; Read more…
Praise for teachers: When our oldest son Scott was in the second grade, I attended a Parent’s Day class at Fairview Elementary in Normal, Illinois. I clearly remember my first thought was — this is chaos!! I also remember thinking—I could never teach elementary school children. After a few minutes, Read more…
Anniversary: Early October is always a tough week for us. October 2, 2001, as our nation was coping with 9/11, I received a call from our son-in law, Shawn. Our daughter Dawn was killed when a trash truck ran a stop sign and hit her on her way to work. Read more…
Good news this week: Jeny had her heart catherization and she was given a clean bill of health. She has a very manageable genetic heart condition with a very unmanageable name. In Mobile, we have the yard clean from the hurricane. The beach house needs only minor repairs. Shane lost Read more…
Update: Several of you asked about Jeny. Her procedure is postponed until Monday because of Hurricane Sally. Neither Jeny nor her doctor are overly concerned about her heart. She has a place on her heart to be investigated. It may be genetic and will not affect her quality of life. Read more…
The pastor of our small church has shingles. I was asked to give the sermon on Sunday. My creative juices are needed on that task so the blog is on the back burner for this week. We allow a few people to attend our service and we still stream it Read more…