It was great to have my brother Jack in town last week end. We stay in touch through the family and friends instagram postings and he is a subscriber to my weekly message. His son lives in Boise and more importantly, Liv and Jacko, a few of his grandchildren are here. Jack is a retired Dentist who built a fantastic practice in our home town of Pocatello. We septuagenarians have lots of memories, some of them are clear and likely accurate, others may have blurred a bit. We debated which of the five boys had the highest IQ, I was quite sure it was me because like the former President, the loser of the last election, I clearly remember stuff “person, woman, man, camera, tv”, for which I got extra points. Jack clearly remembers the college football team from Utah State. He should they were very good and he has lasting scars from his four years of body bashing. I clearly remember the clients I served at the Owl Billiard den during my college bar tending days in Utah. It is a family tradition, started by our father, Ed, that we love word definitions, puns and clever plays on words. A good laugh is excellent medicine.
So in our discussion, Jack was relaying his story about taking the kids to the Boise Aquarium. Usually they have small rays in a tank that you can safely reach in and touch. That was the springboard to my Friday theme. Jack’s son Matthew lived in Hawaii and when not working, enjoyed all forms of ocean activities. One night, in the light of one of the Hotel bays they went swimming with the Giant Manta Rays. Does diving into total darkness from a boat at night give you pause? The rays have the largest brain to body size of any fish, they are smart and generally gentle. Imagine a manta ray with a wingspan of 29 feet weighing up to 5300 pounds as your swimming companion. I have held a snake, landed on Denali, skied the Monashee’s, and snorkeled with the sea turtles but all of my life adventures pale in comparison. No surprise, the Giant Rays are an endangered species. The planet and all of its inhabitants are at risk.
The 208 News broadcast spent some time the last few days on the non sense about the dangers and existence of Critical Race Theory in our public schools. One of the Superintendent of School’s candidates says it’s is happening and gave the example of the Coeur d’alene school district. A thorough investigation of the facts prove him badly misinformed. For the record, I do have a “Critical Rays Theory”. If you have seen Moana, you will know that the all wise Grandmother’s soul lived on in a giant ray and kept a watchful eye as her granddaughter restored the heart to the Goddess of the Land. My theory embraces celestial navigation, the sea, is heartwarming, and inspirational . The other theory had been manipulated and twisted to be hateful and paranoid. Demand a candidate who provides a “ray” of hope for the education of our children.
Tune in next week for a double birthday celebration, Margie and Katie turn different ages.
The only critical race in our world should be getting the Ukranian people all possible support in a timely manner. The battle for their sovereignty is in the best interests of all of the Allied Nations. Take good care. Mike