I hate getting sick and staying out. Blach! But it happens to the best of us. So, here is something from the hallowed halls of Don’tRushMeDom. Hope to see you next week.
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I save up reader e-mail and once in a while let you, the reader, write my column for me. No better time than now. First up is Clarkston-area thinker/ranter, Dave Cleveland.
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Taxes are the American Way
? A car company can move its factories to Mexico and claim it’s a free market.
? A toy company can out source to a Chinese subcontractor and claim it’s a free market.
? A shoe company can produce its shoes in Southeast Asia and claim it’s a free market.
? A major bank can incorporate in Bermuda to avoid taxes & claim it’s a free market.
? We can buy HP Printers made in Mexico.
? We can buy shirts made in Bangladesh.
? We can purchase almost anything we want from 20 different countries, but heaven help the senior citizen who:
A. Dares to buy their prescription drugs from a Canadian pharmacy. That’s called un-American!
(Think the pharmaceutical companies don’t have a powerful lobby? )
And B. Complains about having to pay income tax on their Social Security benefits, which has been true since 1995.
The original FICA law promised that would never happen. Our seniors lose as much as 40 percent of their benefits because our government decided in 1995 (tie breaking vote in the Senate made by Al Gore by the way) they would tax Social Security benefit checks as income; a benefit, by the way, that has already been paid for with their (and our) tax dollars (FICA withholding tax and Payroll tax for employers). What a country!
Only in America do we come up with the concept of taxing an already existing tax on the one group of people in our country who can least afford to have that done to them (the retired senior citizen).
Maybe these are issues that should come up in the next election instead of the other pie in the sky promises that are usually made.
Regards, Dave Cleveland
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At times, I have heard folks discuss how they want to die. Most folks chuckle and throw out, ‘Peacefully in my sleep.? Some simply say, ‘Quickly and painlessly.? I have heard, ‘In battle.? I even heard, ‘By drowning in a vat of beer.? I have never heard of death by hamster.
Personally, I don’t like thinking, let alone talking, about death. It is not in my scope of interpersonal communication topics. I mean, I feel bad when folks die. I feel sad when someone I know, and love, dies. I feel pained when I learn of people being killed in a disaster or in war.
I just don’t think or dwell on it. There is too much to think about when it comes to life and the land of the living. There’s a wife to love. Kids to raise, bills to pay, home repairs to be made . . . you get the picture.
Well, dangblabit! Death never was a part of my thinking until this darned story. Here’s more from the Globe article:
‘The only other known incident of LCMV-infected organs causing a death occurred in Wisconsin in 2003.
‘Humans become infected with the virus when they come in contact with rodent urine, feces or saliva. In healthy people, LCMV usually only causes flu-like symptoms.
‘But organ recipients get drugs that suppress their immune system to help prevent organ rejection. The downside, officials said, is that they are more vulnerable to infectious disease. Officials would not identify the donor or victims, citing privacy laws.?

While Don ponders Life’s great mysteries he didn’t write a column this week. So, while he gets in-touch with his inner grouch, here one from the archives, October 2010. And, hey whatever happened to the bedbug problem?
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For a while now I’ve been reading about the increase of ‘undesirables? in the states south of us. And, since it really didn’t pertain to us in Michigan, I figured, ‘what the heck, it’s their problem.?
But the more I read of the invasion of these darker, reddish-brown skinned unwanteds, the more I thought we needed to beef up protection of our southern border. I wanted all vehicles inspected. I wanted all people and pets crossing the border, north, checked to make sure they were not harboring these undesirables. Alas, they were only thoughts; I didn’t share them.
Now it is too late. They are already here. Even in Michigan bedbugs are back. (What? Did you think I was talking about illegal aliens. No, I wanted the border between Michigan and Ohio put on high-alert. And, as far as I am concerned, I blame Ohio for our current bedbug problems.)
Last month, the Detroit Free Press reported ‘around the metro area, bedbugs are biting . . . calls for help rise 180 percent over a year.?
Hot damn, and pass the DDT, please.
Have you seen a picture of a bedbug? They are disgusting little blood suckers and they give me the heebie-jeebies — which by the way, is an American slang term coined by comic-strip cartoonist W. DeBeck around 1905, meaning a condition of extreme nervousness caused by fear, worry or strain. Thought you might like to know that.
Whilst I have never had an experience to meet a bedbug, I still rank them right up the ‘Gives Don the Willies? list with headlice (Bailey Lake Elementary outbreak of 1972) and Rahm Emannual (his eyes ook me out). Yep, like most folks, to me bedbugs were something I heard about when as a kid, and is what I say to my kids at bedtime, ‘Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite — and if they do, bite ’em back.?
Not anymore.
Let me quote the Freep article: ‘A bedbug outbreak this month (August) at the Riverfront apartments in Detroit and a federal conference Wednesday (August 18) on bedbug problems in the state of Ohio are symptom of something bigger — a worsening nationwide bedbug explosion . . . bedbug calls rose 180 percent in Metro Detroit . . . officials in Ohio, dubbed the nation’s worst bedbug state (see I told you it was their fault) . . .?
Get this — in three months, an infestation of two adult bedbugs can grow into an infestation of 302 bedbugs. And, by exercising some multiplication skills (or finger dexterity on the calculator) in another three months that infestation would explode to 45,300 bedbugs. And in another three months — 6,908,250 of apple seed-sized blood suckers could be scurrying over you while you sleep.
Is there something crawling up my back?
The State of Michigan has a 118-page pamphlet about the bedbug, which you can read and or download on-line. here are some more fun facts about your friendly Cimex lectularius — the bedbug.
1. Bedbugs are thought to have evolved from cave-dwelling insects in the Middle East that fed on bats and eventually started feeding on humans instead (great). Human bedbugs were noted in Greek and Latin literature. The the insects rapidly spread throughout Europe with human populations.
2. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed.
3. Bedbugs go through five nymphal (immature) stages after hatching from the egg and before molting one final time to an adult. They require at least one blood meal at each stage.
4. Adults may live for more than a year!
5. Females must mate to lay eggs. Mated females lay eggs singly, cementing them to surfaces in crevices and protected areas away from but near a host sleeping area. (So they not only suck your blood while you sleep they are doing the horizontal bop, too. That is just so wrong.)
6. They feed for 3-15 minutes and then leave the host. It is rare to actually find bed bugs feeding. Once in their protected hiding spots, the blood meal is digested. During this process, they will defecate, leaving reddish brown spots that are characteristic of bed bug infestations.
7. They have a wide humidity tolerance range but tolerate dry climates better than humid, and have been known to survive without blood meals for up to a year
8. At present, because of the stealthy habits of the bugs and their remarkable abilities to tolerate environmental fluctuations and host availability, it can be difficult to eradicate them once established. (Simply wonderful.)
Don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel itchy.
And, damn Ohio, damn their bedbugs, too!

15 years ago – 1992
‘Springfield, Independence permits down only slightly? Township planners were expecting a good year for development, especially in Independence Township. Springfield Township had a total of 91 permits in 1991, versus 102 in 1990. Independence Township had 448 in 1991, versus 280 in 1990. Most of the growth was in manufactured housing.
‘Fire station starting to take shape? A public service center for Independence Township was close to final approval. The 3,000-square-foot building would be located on Ortonville Road. The DDA was also considering expand the fire station on Citation Road.
‘Council OKs M-15, Clarkston Road traffic light? The Clarkston Village Council approved a new signal at the intersection. The project would also include widening Clarkston Road. Council member Douglas Roeser voted against the proposal, concerned about a resident living at the intersection.
?’Lucky? boys safe after plunge in ice Lake Oakland? Three Independence Township boys escaped serious injury despite two of them falling through the ice. Fire officials said usually warm weather made the ice thinner than usual.

25 years ago – 1982
‘PTO holds out to keep Sashabaw El? The proposed closing of the nine-room South Sashabaw Elementary School caused quite a stir among the community and the school’s PTO. The school administration claimed the closing would save the district around $45,000 annually amid declining enrollment and state funding. The PTO read a statement of concern at a meeting with the superintendent and more than 100 attendees. About 260 first- through third-graders attended the elementary school at the time. If South Sashabaw were to close, administrators said, North Sashabaw Elementary school would change from a kindergarten and fourth through sixth grade school to a K-6 building.
‘Clarkston mourns death of student? A junior at Clarkston High School, was shot and killed by her father, before he turned the .25 caliber pistol on his wife and himself. The wife was listed in serious condition at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Pontiac. The White Lake Township Police Department theorized the murder/suicide stemmed from the recent divorce.

50 years ago – 1957
‘Parents re-enact their school days? Clarkston High School held its ‘back to school? night. More than 450 parents were taken through their children’s school day.
‘Mailers advised by postmaster? Clarkston residents were advised to use postal zone numbers as much as possible.

15 years ago – 1991
‘Woman survives collision with train? An Independence Township woman was thrown from her vehicle and into a metal electrical box after the truck she was driving collided with a train. The crash occured at about 1:50 p.m. on Dec. 3. Witnesses reported that the crossing’s flashers were working, and that the river was not wearing a seatbest. She was thrown through one of the truck’s windows and flew about 50-60 feet before striking the electrical box. She regained consiousness at the scene and was listed in stable condition at the hospital.
‘School board to finalize bond issue next Monday? School officials were about a week from finalizing a bond proposal to construct a new elementary school and renovate other school buildings. The bond packagewould be about $7.8 million.
‘Village ousts counsel of 14 years, hires Ryan? The Clarkston Village Council voted to replace the law firm of Campbell, Keenan, Harry, Cooney, and Karlstrom to Tom Ryan. Officials said they hoped the move would increase efficiency and save money.
‘Student hit by car on way to bus stop? An 11-year-old boy was hit by a car while walking with two friends down Whipple Lake Road to the bus stop. The car was cresting a hill and could not stop in time on the icy road. The boy was treated and released. No tickets were issued.

25 years ago – 1981
‘Game lights still doused? The Independence Township Planning Commission tabled a proposal to build a new video-game arcade. The developers’plan called for 42 video machines in an indoor mall. Planners questioned whether it was big enough to be considered a mall, and also if it had enough parking.
‘Fire causes extensive damage? Four fire trucks responded to a farmhouse fire on Andersonville Road on Dec. 14. About a quarter of the house was destroyed. The fire was believed to have started in the business.
‘Road commission rejects lower speed limits? Oakland County Road Commission rejected the Springfield Township Board’s request to lower speed limits on local roads. A traffic study found that the average speed on Davisburg Road was 46.5 mph in a 35 mph zone, and 52 mph in a 50 mph zone. The township wanted the speed limits reduced to 35 mph.

50 years ago – 1956
‘Local girl wins D.A.R. award? Suellen O’Dell was presented the General Richardson Chapter, D.A.R. Good Citizen Award. She was president of the Science Club and Racket Squad at Clarkston High School.
‘Brighten your home for Christmas? The Waterford Township Junior Chamber of Commerce launched its first Christmas Lighting Contest. The theme was ‘Our Brightest Christmas.? All Clarkston and Waterford homes were eligible for the contest.

15 YEARS AGO
1991
‘Burned man called hero? – A Clarkston-area man was called a hero after he suffered burns at an industrial building while preventing the fire from spreading. He was carrying a pail full of an acetate-water mixture when static electricity ignited it. Even while being burned, he did not panic. He set the bucket down, turned off power, and helped put it out.
‘Don’t forget to vote Tuesday? – On the ballot for the Nov. 5, 1991, election was a proposal to allow Oakland County to sell $500 million in bonds to begin a solid waste management system.
‘School fights disease with rubber gloves? – Clarkston school employees were issued latex gloves in an effort to prevent infection by communicable diseases.

25 YEARS AGO
1981
‘Village residents quietly greet law? – Clarkston Village held a public hearing on an ordinance requiring residents living in the historic district to get a permit before remodeling, making major repairs, or demolishing any homes or out-buildings. The hearing was calmer than expected. The ordinance proposal took two years to get to this point. The planning commission was to consider the ordinance next.
‘Insurer demands apology from village council? – Clarkston’s insurance company objected to suggestions by the council that it was gouging the village. Council members said it was a misunderstanding.
‘Council outlaws park parking? – The Clarkston Village Council voted to ban streetside parking at Depot Park. This was to be the first of many efforts to curb teenage activity in the park.
‘M-15 car count underway? – Clarkston Explorer Scouts and volunteers counted 3,000 cars in an hour and a half on M-15 through town. The study was commissioned because of a proposal to widen M-15 to five lanes south of the village.

50 YEARS AGO
1956
‘Clarkston Proud of Athletic Field? – The Clarkston High School Athletic Field on Waldon Road was completed. School groups and community organizations raised funds for the lights. The classes of 1955 and 1956 donated the scoreboard.
‘Pine Knob Elementary Building Progressing? – The steel decking for the school was being erected. A steel strike caused a long delay, but it was hoped that it would be finished by Christmas.
‘General Election? – On the ballot for Nov. 6, 1955, was an amendment requiring that anyone running for the state legislature must be at least 21 years old and not have been convicted of subversion or of a felony involving a breach of public trust.

15 YEARS AGO
1991

?$11 million township budget OK’d? – The Independence Township Library and the police fund both received more funding in the 1992 budget. This would allow police to add two officers. The library, which was still under construction, was to use the funds for more books. The township Parks and Recreation Department’s budget was cut by about 10-15 percent.

‘Springfield board approves $1.88 million budget? – The township board approved the 1992 budget of $1,882,154, an increase over the past year. Department budgets, including police, fire, parks and recreation, cable TV, and Shiawasee Basin, all increased.

‘New group studies school? – Local residents formed the Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility in Government group to find ways to fund school improvements using existing budgets. The group was formed in the wake of failed bond issues that would have provided $85 million for new schools and building improvements.

25 YEARS AGO
1981

‘Average 1981 tax bill totals $1,879? – The county, school, and local taxes were tabulated and the typical Independence Township resident was to pay $1,879 in taxes. The typical tax payer had property assessed at $40,000, with a market value of $80,000. The taxes were shown to have increased by $288 from the year before.

‘Fire fighters sign one-year contract? – The Independence Township Board ended 10 months of negotiations and signed a one-year contract with Independence Township Fire Fighters Local 2629. The contract included a 11.3 percent salary increase.

50 YEARS AGO
1956

‘Eleven-year-old gets bronze cross? – Barbara Blue, 11, was awarded the Bronze Cross by the national executive committee of Girl Scouts, U.S.A. She earned the award on July 8, 1955, when she saved her 6-year-old brother, Harry, from drowning.

‘Localite rides in Nixon special? – Mrs. Floyd Andrews was an honored guest on the Dick Nixon Campaign Special. The vice president was campaigning by train through Michigan.