Res Ipsa Loquitur

While in high school a friend learned how to fly a Piper Cub. He offered to teach me to fly, free of charge. "Sure" I said, without a second thought. When young, one doesn't think of danger or risk.

So I told my Dad that I would like to fly. He didn't answer. In a moment he said, "Come with me".

We drove downtown Iowa City in the Packard and stopped at our insurance man's office. Dad told Charlie of my desire to fly a private plane. Charlie pulled out a large book and showed me how much more it would cost to insure my life if I flew a private airplane. The numbers jumped at me.

I chose not to fly. The facts spoke for themselves--res ipsa loquitur !!

Morticians Stiff Monks

Covington, La. Five years ago, Hurricane Katrina gave the Benedictine monks at St. Joseph Abbey a new calling.

After the storm pummeled much of a pine forest, they had long relied on for timber and income, the monks hatched a fresh plan: They would hand-craft and sell caskets.

But now, the local funeral directors are trying to put a lid on the monks' activities. The state funeral regulatory board, dominated by industry members, is enforcing a Louisiana law that makes it a crime for anyone but a licensed parlor to sell 'funeral merchandise.'

The morticians are serious. Violators such as the monks can land in jail for up to 180 days. Monks are being stiffed. wsj

Chill Out !!

July was the hottest month in Las Vegas EVER. Any month. Any year.

Everyday in July had temperatures in the triple digits.

Business flourished at the Ice House Bar located at the Mandalay Bay. All the tables and chairs are made from blocks of ice. The room is kept at 23 degrees and $30 gets you 30 min and two chilled martinis. BRRRRR !!