Thoughts for the Day, November 1, 2021: I am back

I took a week off as I transitioned from Petoskey to Ypsilanti, where I will be staying until we go to Gulf Shores, Alabama in January.  Upon arrival, I quickly learned that an 80+ year old home requires a lot of maintenance.  My next two weeks are filled with service people coming to the house to fix or maintain something.

I broke my promise on Saturday.  I watched the MSU U of M football game.  It was an exciting game to watch.  It was very entertaining.  MSU running back Kenneth Walker, III is special.  He excelled on the big stage and is now a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.   The outcome further strengthens my belief that Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh struggles to adjust at half-time. I have said to anyone who wants to listen, “If Beilein and now Howard are down by 5 at halftime, I am confident they will win.  If Harbaugh is up by 7 at halftime, I am confident he will lose.”

Miller’s Bar on US 12 in Dearborn is up for sale.  The bar originally owned by George Miller, has been owned by his nephews Dennis and Mark for the last 50 years.  It is iconic place, with a great burger.  No credit cards, no checks, cash only.  When you are done eating tell the bartender what you had, and he will let you know what you owe.  The reason for selling is a sign of the time.  That changing world is part of the reason the Miller brothers are retiring and have put the iconic Michigan Avenue bar up for sale, said Dennis Miller. “We have plenty of customers, and our customers are great,” the 74-year-old tavern co-owner said. “We just don’t have help. We can’t get help. No matter what you pay, you’re not getting them in. We need everything: cooks, bartenders, waiters.”  If you have never had a burger at Miller’s I would hurry to get there before it is sold.

The latest news that the U.S is willing to offer $450,000 to the families of those children who were separated from their parents after illegally entering the U.S at the Mexican border is just another reminder why this country needs to develop an immigration strategy that makes sense.  Everyone want to talk about it and criticize the current party in charge, but no party is doing anything about it.  In the meantime, the taxpayers are paying out hundreds of million dollars to victims. 

The above proposed settlement also raises so many other questions.  What about settlements for our armed forces personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice or have life changing injuries?  What about those who have been incarcerated wrongly?  What about first responders who are injured or lost their lives?  What about those who were separated during the evacuation of Afghanistan?  Are these the same or different?  Do the settlements for compare to what we are offering the families who were separated at the border. 

Stay safe.  Wash your hands regularly.  Schedule your vaccine and booster.  Wear your mask.  Social distance.

Orchid of the Day:  Kenneth Walker, III for his 5 TD runs against U of M on Saturday

Onion of the Day: Detroit Lions, 0-8 after their 44-6 loss on Sunday against a poor Philadelphia Eagles team  

Quote of the Day:  “And then, the dagger. Walker, all 5 foot 10 of him, took the ball up the middle so fast, he could have run through the Red Sea if it hadn’t parted.”  Mitch Albom describing one of Kenneth Walker’s five TD runs against U of M on Saturday.