“Pollyanna” is the title of a 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter and is considered a children’s literature classic. Twelve sequels were later published, most by other authors. You may not have read the books, but you likely know what it means to be pollyannish. Blindly optimistic. Rose-colored. Auspicious. Utopian. Maybe even naive. 

Many who hold true to long-standing systems, traditions and processes find those who suggest change to be pollyannish. Fair enough. But change doesn’t happen without the suggestion of new ideas. Some of those ideas may appear radical at first but are often later considered reasonable when they catch on with the masses.

So, let’s get this started. It’s time to dismantle our country’s two-party political system. Despite the fact that most Americans are independents or consider themselves moderates or centrists, the extremists are pushing the buttons for both the Republican and Democrat parties today. 

Samuel James Fry, a political science student at the time, penned a wonderful essay on this in 2016 for Odyssey. Nine years later, it seems even more logical. He pointed out how the two-party system has been “a staple of American politics since the earliest days of the country,” noting how “prior to the modern day Republican and Democratic parties, the Whigs and Democrats dominated U.S. politics, and the Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions before them.” As such, the two-party domination is hardly new. 

Unfortunately, many Americans — included me — feel unrepresented and left out, or, as Fry states, “abandoned and manipulated by both major parties.”

Fry shares how George Washington first recognized the threat to the U.S. posed by political parties, warning Americans of the “alternate domination” of one party over another and the “tendency of political factions to seek revenge against each other, building up their own power while tearing down the U.S. Constitution.”

Our nation’s elected officials are often hellbent on breaking up large corporations but seem to overlook that their parties have become monopolies as well.

Fry wrote that the ongoing war between Republicans and Democrats is “political theater at its finest,” and that “legislation implemented when one party achieves a majority, only to be overturned when the other party wins four years later, does not benefit the American people.”

He is right on all accounts, and this is maybe more obvious today than ever before in our nation’s history. So, let’s dismantle both parties. In fact, let’s eliminate all political parties and let each candidate campaign on his or her own personal merit.

It’s pollyannish, I know, but the push has to start somewhere. Why not here? 

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707

Are you a list-maker? Would you forget to do things if you didn’t write them down? Do you get a special satisfaction from crossing through each completed assignment? I do, and I get frustrated with people who don’t. Sound familiar?

Countless studies show that people who write down the things they need to do perform better. So, why doesn’t everyone — our spouses, our kids, our co-workers, our bosses — use to-do lists? 

Well, some people struggle to get started on any task, and they don’t want to be reminded of how much they need to do. After all, someone might see that list and hold them accountable or criticize their work. Other people like to start projects, but they rarely finish even one, and they don’t want to be reminded of this unfinished business. Still others simply prefer to “wing it,” thinking this somehow makes them more efficient — at least in their own mind. The reality is that adhering to a to-do list is the best solution for getting things done.

A 2017 article from The Guardian website explains this as well as I have read anywhere. The writer interviews psychologist and author Dr. David Cohen, who shares how his struggle to stay organized is helped by his to-do lists. He says his tasks must be on paper, and he needs to monitor them constantly. Cohen says we appreciate to-do lists because: 1) they dampen anxiety about the chaos of life; 2) they give us a structure, a plan we can stick to; and 3) they are proof of what we have achieved.

Cohen also stresses the importance of systems and how “scribbled notes on hands won’t cut it.” In addition, he points out that “in less harried days, our memories might have done the work.”

This article also references the “Zeigarnik effect,” which says we remember things we need to do better than things we have already done. This stems from “observing that waiters could only recall diners’ orders before they had been served. After the dishes had been delivered, their memories simply erased who had the steak and who had the soup. The deed was done, and the brain was ready to let go.” Can you relate? 

As most of us know, simply writing tasks down doesn’t ensure they will be completed. We also need to be realistic about how long it will take to accomplish these tasks, and we better have a plan of attack. As such, many of us become intimidated and avoid tackling big projects. The article states, “The best way to overcome this is to break them down into much smaller, achievable blocks.”

That sounds like a good plan. I am going to put it on my to-do list. 

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

With all the rainy and hot weather as of late, we know what often accompanies it — mosquitoes. Now there may be someone reading this who actually likes mosquitoes, but I don’t. I don’t like the buzzing, and, as a fair-skinned Irishman, I don’t like the biting. They apparently like me, and I want to end the relationship. Sound familiar? 

Unfortunately, mosquitoes are common insects that exist all over our planet. The little buggers come in various shapes and sizes, too, with more than 3,500 types found worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), not all mosquitoes bite. That may be true, but I haven’t met one. 

Did you know that adult mosquitoes can live indoors and outdoors? Or that mosquitoes can bite day and night? How about that adult mosquitoes live two to four weeks, depending on the species? Much like humans, female mosquitoes live longer than male mosquitoes. Interestingly, only female mosquitoes bite, and they do so to get a “blood meal” to produce eggs. These little-known Cliff Clavin facts and more can be found on the CDC website.

I was inspired to research mosquitos after reading a Huffington Post article stating that citronella candles do not repel mosquitoes. Of course, I just bought a pack at a local hardware store in preparation to combat the mini-vampires. In doing so, I read the packaging on one that stated it did not repel mosquitoes. I thought that was odd, but now it makes sense. Apparently, citronella in its essential oil form can deter bugs, but citronella candles don’t have enough of the active ingredients to prevent mosquitoes from “getting all up in your personal space,” according to the Huffington Post story. Citronella candles also release their active ingredients vertically from the flame, minimizing where the active ingredients reach. Who knew?

So if citronella candles don’t repel mosquitoes, then what does? Well, the story says outdoor essential oil diffusers are more effective in bug protection than candles. Those that contain geraniol and linalool are best, and these two compounds can be found in essential oils and aromatic plants and herbs like rose oil, lemongrass, basil and lavender. If you are looking for a low-cost bug repellant, the story suggests diluting lemon eucalyptus essential oils in water and spraying it around your outdoor area.

If you prefer to keep things simple, you can do what I do and start a fire in a wood-burning pit. According to the story, smoke from natural woods helps with bug protection. Interestingly, “bug lights” work to repel bugs, too. Simply swap out your deck or outdoor light bulbs with the yellow lights. And, if all else fails, turn on a large outdoor fan. Mosquitoes are not strong fliers, and a large fan will keep you cool and make it more difficult for mosquitoes to get near you.

Here’s to a mosquito-free summer!

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707

A popular adage says the best things in life are free. But are they?

A few decades back, I was in a staff meeting about truth in advertising with a representative from the Iowa Attorney General’s office. We were told no advertising should publish that promotes anything for free when something else must be purchased to receive that item. The rationale was that, if you have to pay for something to receive something, then it really isn’t free. Made sense.

Meanwhile, I have a new twist on that rule now, at least outside of the world of advertising. We have a growing number of free — or nearly free — government-supplied benefits that are available to some people with minimal or no work required to receive them. In fact, and ironically, less work is often required to receive them. Many of those benefits are important and necessary for some, but I have often thought that tax-funded benefits should not be provided for absolutely free, and that anyone who collects one — whether defined as rich, middle-class or poor — should contribute in some way in order to receive it. And, yes, everyone can contribute in some way.

Most of us seem to know someone who has worked for cash while on unemployment benefits. Or “hid” income in order to collect government subsidies. Or received a disability income when being fully able to work. The list goes on, but I don’t blame the folks who receive the benefits. I blame a system that allows it — and often encourages it — to happen. 

Years ago, a young, single mother worked in our company in an entry-level job. She was smart, capable and hardworking. When it came time for her performance review, I offered her the opportunity for increased responsibilities and earnings. She said she would accept the new tasks but did not want any additional pay, as it would compromise her government health insurance. I explained how I wanted to help create a situation where she would no longer need that assistance. I wanted her to accept a “hand up” from our company instead of a “handout” from the government. She politely told me, “No thanks.” 

Many public entities today rightfully ask for increased funding each year, often for additional staffing to handle various tasks. We also have a large number of people receiving social benefits who are capable — and often willing — to work. Hmmm. 

At this point, there is no easy fix to this problem that will go without harsh criticism, but one has to wonder, what would happen if those who receive free benefits have at least a bit of skin in the game? Would most of the benefactors be willing to work for these benefits, at least to some degree? I think they would. Why? Because, I am fully convinced that the best things in life are not free but, rather, are those we truly earn. 

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

This column is dedicated to all the painters out there. Not the Pablo Picasso types. You are great, too, but this one is for those of you with the paint rollers, the 4-inch brushes, the power sprayers and the dozens of drop cloths. You have my respect and admiration. 

Admittedly, I am not a good painter. It’s not that I haven’t tried. I have, many times, in fact, both inside and outside our homes. Walls. Ceilings. Siding. Even furniture. 

As a youth, while painting our family house, my dad described me as a “cover guy,” noting that I used a lot of paint — mostly on the ground. He was right.

I also like to have fun when I paint, like the time when my friend Dave and I were painting my dad’s shop and I gave him a stripe down his shirtless spine like the cat in the Pepe Le Pew cartoon. 

I am pretty good with a roller on interior walls, as long as there is no furniture in the room, drop cloths are securely in place, and the windows are masked. My wife, Jolene, says the actual painting is the easy part and the prepping process is the real work. She may be right. She has learned to trim edges to perfection without masking anything off. That’s like doing watch repair for me. It makes my brain scream for mercy. 

I believe painting is something patient people excel at. Admittedly, patience is not a part of my skill set. Jolene says I am just being lazy. Again, she may be right, at least when it comes to painting. 

On the positive side, I do enjoy freshly painted items. The look. The smell. The cleanliness. It’s wonderful. I also appreciate having things painted by people who know what they are doing. They are godsends. I have come to realize there are some things I can do and feel good about, and there are other things I need to avoid to keep my sanity. 

Meanwhile, I do still have a sense of humor, so I tell the painters to keep their shirts on. 

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707

If you had to name the favorite toy of your youth, what would you choose? Did you have to think about it for very long? I didn’t. Without question, it was my Big Wheel. 

Yes, this all-plastic, low-riding tricycle was the transportation of choice in my childhood neighborhood. Designed in red, blue and yellow with a big front wheel (hence, the name), this toy was popular with many kids in the 1970s. 

The Big Wheel was introduced by Louis Marx and Company, which also produced toy guns, action figures, model trains and even Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots. Most any kid who watched Saturday morning cartoons in the 1970s was familiar with the Marx line of toys, but the Big Wheel was special, at least to me. It was a relatively inexpensive tricycle option that was actually cool. Consumer groups even said it was a safer alternative to the traditional tricycle or bicycle because the large front wheel made it more stable. Of course, those folks never saw me fly it over the plywood ramp my brother made on our driveway.

As a result of those antics, I had a couple of Big Wheels. The first one was a hand-me-down from my brother that didn’t survive the Evel Knievel adventures. The second one I was more careful with, as Mom explained that there would not be a third. This one had a hand brake on the front of the right rear wheel, which allowed for some really cool spinouts. I eventually wore through those plastic tires, but not without hours of fun first. 

I also acquired a special skill on my Big Wheel. I could ride it continually on two wheels. Not the traditional wheelie with the front tire up in the air, mind you. No, I learned to balance on the front wheel and one side wheel. Everybody has to have a claim to fame. That’s mine.

Other companies tried to imitate the Big Wheel, but none could do it as successfully as Marx.  Unfortunately, the company filed for bankruptcy in the early 1980s, and the Big Wheel name and molds were sold to Empire Plastics, which then filed for bankruptcy in 2001. In 2009, the Big Wheel brand name was acquired by Schylling, Inc., a company that specializes in classic toys and games. I am hoping they will create a full-size model for adults. Admit it. That would be fun. Just don’t get tempted by the Evel Knievel ramp. 

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305